Belonging means following Quran and Sunnah
“The Quran and the Sunnah are supposed to be the lens by which we view all other practices.”
The khutbah argues that true belonging is membership in the Muslim community through sound belief and adherence to the Qur'an and Sunnah, while avoiding beliefs and behaviors the Prophet condemned with “laysa minna.”
The khutbah in 6 steps
- Human beings need belonging, which affects motivation, relationships, and mental health.
- Prophetic teachings praise sociability, patience, beneficial relationships, and truthful company.
- Muslim belonging should rest on iman, Qur'an, Sunnah, and sound moral foundations.
- Warnings address omens, fortune-telling, magic, improper oaths, and prioritizing culture over Islam.
- Further warnings address tribalism, rejecting qadr, excessive mourning, violence, and marital sabotage.
- Listeners are urged to study these hadiths, examine themselves, and remain united upon Qur'an and Sunnah.
In the khateeb's words
“Everybody wants to belong to something. We find meaning, purpose, connection, in being part of something that's greater than just ourselves.”
“It's something that's good, as long as the group is built on a solid foundation of good morals, values of Islam.”
“The Quran and the sunnah are supposed to be the lens by which we view all other practices, all other actions.”
“But just because a tragedy occurs, and no matter how intense the tragedy is, it doesn't give us a blank check to have those excessive reactions that go outside of the teachings of Qur'an and Sunnah.”
For the dinner table
The khutbah reminds us that people need belonging, and the best belonging is a community built on faith, good character, and beneficial relationships. The Prophet's teachings praise being friendly, patient with others, and surrounded by truthful people, while warning us against harmful peer pressure and groupthink. We should put the Qur'an and Sunnah above customs that conflict with Islam and reject tribalism, fortune-telling, magic, and denial of Allah's decree. When grief comes, we may cry but should stay within the limits of faith, and we must never use violence or damage other people's marriages. This week, we can study the hadiths that say “not from among us,” examine our conduct, and repair harmful habits.
- When has a group helped you become a better person?
- How can we respect our culture while putting faith first?
- What is a healthy way to respond when someone we love is grieving?
The masjids
More on Community & unity
There is no such thing as a nobody.19:44Masjid Fulton · Sacramento, CA · Oct 10, 2026No one should feel forgotten
The question is how do we disagree without destroying our relationships and our communities?14:27Al-Misbah Islamic Centre · Toronto, ON · Oct 3, 2026How to disagree without hostility
ICNYC · Greenwich Village, NY · Sep 26, 2026True faith serves people and Allah“We have a comprehensive and holistic understanding of this deen that goes beyond just benefiting ourselves to benefiting humanity at large.”