Character & conductFrom the masjid's own video, Oct 30, 2026.

Putting others first despite our needs

“Think about something that you can do to put others before yourself.”

The khateeb, at 15:35

In one sentence

True īthār means placing others’ needs before our own, even in hardship, and practicing that selflessness through concrete daily choices.

The khutbah in 5 steps

  1. The Ansar sacrifice their own food to host a stranger.
  2. Īthār is distinguished from ordinary charity as self-sacrifice despite personal need.
  3. Examples from Yarmouk and the Prophet’s life illustrate radical concern for others.
  4. The Quran praises the Ansar for loving migrants and overcoming greed.
  5. Listeners are urged to practice īthār through parking, food, time, money, and volunteering.
Try this week
Give up a closer parking spot so another person can park nearer.
Put others first with food, seating, or other shared resources.
Give money or time even when personally busy or somewhat in need.
Volunteer when the community needs help.
Choose one concrete act of īthār to practice after Jumu'ah.
Quotes

In the khateeb's words

“What these sahaba showed is a level of care and concern for their fellow Muslim brothers where they sacrifice their own needs for them.”
ICSA · Santa Ana, CA
Play from 4:13
“Whatever it may be, think about something that you can do to put others before yourself.”
ICSA · Santa Ana, CA
Play from 15:35