16:05 if money was not an…18:03 You and I were not…
Seeking knowledgeFrom the masjid's own video, Sep 3, 2025.

Question inherited beliefs and find your purpose

Pillars

“You and I were not created to be a cog in a machine.”

The khateeb, at 18:03

Watch the khutbahFamily kit
In one sentence

The khutbah argues that Muslims should follow Abraham's example by questioning inherited assumptions, cultivating critical thinking, and using their God-given gifts for purposeful service rather than living by society's default script.

The khutbah in 5 steps

  1. Defines critical thinking as humanity's distinctive gift and urges listeners to examine their beliefs and purpose.
  2. Critiques educational and economic systems for encouraging obedience, conformity, and unexamined routines.
  3. Retells Abraham's confrontation with his people and his reliance on Allah during the fire-pit trial.
  4. Connects critical thinking to purpose, meaningful work, service, and resisting a life shaped only by retirement or financial survival.
  5. Assigns listeners the action of considering what they would do with their time if money were not an obstacle.
Try this week
Reflect deeply on what you would do with your time if money were not an object.
Identify your God-given gift, whom you want to serve, and how you can serve them.
Pursue meaningful calling while maintaining honorable work and worldly responsibilities.
Quotes

In the khateeb's words

“if money was not an object, what would I do with my time?”
Pillars · University City, NC
Play from 16:05
“You and I were not created to be a cog in a machine. for our whole lives. We are created to share our gifts and talents in a way that will please our Creator, Allah.”
Pillars · University City, NC
Play from 18:03
Talk about it at home

For the dinner table

The khateeb reminds us that our ability to think critically is a gift from Allah. He presents Abraham as an example of someone who questioned what people around him accepted and recognized Allah as the Creator. He invites us to think about why we believe what we believe and what purpose guides our daily lives. Each of us has gifts we can discover and use to serve others in ways that please Allah. We should make time for that purpose while still doing honorable work and taking care of our responsibilities.

  1. What is something you do regularly that you would like to understand the reason for?
  2. If money were not a worry, how would you spend your time helping people?
  3. What talent could you use to help someone this week?
Where it was given

The masjid

Pillars Mosque3116 Johnston Oehler Rd, Charlotte, NC 28269Jumu'ah 12:00 PM, 1:00 PM, and 2:10 PMArchiveAll khutbahs at Pillars156 khutbahs
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