7:22 For any amal, any deed…11:30 However, I fast and…13:16 If your habit or my…
Prayer & worshipFrom the masjid's own video, Jan 3, 2026.

Good deeds need sincerity and Sunnah

ICSD, East County · Saad Eldegwy

“Any deed to be accepted by Allah is what we call al-Mutaba'ah.”

The khateeb, at 7:22

Watch the khutbahFamily kit
In one sentence

Righteous deeds are accepted only when performed sincerely, according to Islam, and in accordance with the Quran and Sunnah rather than cultural custom or personal opinion.

The khutbah in 6 steps

  1. Defines righteous deeds and the conditions for acceptance.
  2. Explains sincerity and conformity to the Prophet’s Sunnah.
  3. Uses the hadith of three men to reject religious exaggeration.
  4. Warns against customs, innovations, and social-media voting on divine commands.
  5. Encourages asking what Allah and the Prophet taught.
  6. Addresses patience, politeness, and cooperation during crowded Jumu'ah services.
Try this week
Follow worship practices that have evidence from the Quran and Sunnah.
Set aside customs or traditions that conflict with Islamic teachings.
Ask scholars what Allah and the Prophet taught rather than seeking personal opinions.
Practice worship with moderation, including balancing fasting, prayer, sleep, and family life.
Park responsibly, remain patient when the mosque is full, and treat mosque staff politely.
Help fill gaps and accommodate people waiting at the doors.
Sources the khateeb cited
Sahih al-BukhariThe hadith of three men illustrates that worship must follow the Prophet’s balanced Sunnah.
Sahih al-BukhariThe statement rejecting additions to Islam supports avoiding religious innovation.
Surah 33
Quotes

In the khateeb's words

“For any amal, any deed to be accepted by Allah is what we call al-Mutaba'ah.”
ICSD, East County · El Cajon, CA
Play from 7:22
“However, I fast and break my fast. So I don't fast every day. I pray and I sleep the same time.”
ICSD, East County · El Cajon, CA
Play from 11:30
“If your habit or my habit, your customs and my customs do not match the Quran and the sunnah, put them aside.”
ICSD, East County · El Cajon, CA
Play from 13:16
Talk about it at home

For the dinner table

The khateeb reminded us that good deeds please Allah and that their acceptance requires faith, sincerity, and following the Prophet’s way. He shared the story of three men who wanted to worship more intensely, explaining that the Prophet’s example included fasting and breaking the fast, praying and sleeping, and family life. He urged us to follow the Quran and sunnah when our customs conflict with them and to seek religious guidance by asking what Allah and His Messenger taught. He also explained that the masjid’s four Jumu’ah services were a response to crowding, parking problems, and concerns from neighbors and the city. He asked everyone to be patient and polite with staff, reminding us that our prayers should help us become better Muslims and better human beings.

  1. What good deed could you do quietly this week just to please Allah?
  2. What did the story of the three men teach you about making time for worship, rest, and family?
  3. How could we respond kindly if the masjid is full and the staff cannot let us in?
Where it was given

The masjid

Islamic Center of San Diego, East County833 Broadway, El Cajon, CA 92021Jumu'ah 11:30 AM Arabic · 12:15 PM English · 1:00 PM Arabic · 1:45 PM EnglishKhateebSaad EldegwyMore khutbahsArchiveAll khutbahs at ICSD, East County45 khutbahs
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