Enjoin good by knowing your community
“You should be the role model of your kids.”
Every Muslim must take locally informed responsibility for enjoining good and preventing wrong, especially by nurturing children, understanding neighbors, strengthening community life, and participating constructively in civic society.
The khutbah in 5 steps
- Defines al-amr bil-ma'ruf wa nahi anil-munkar as a locally contextual responsibility.
- Uses Quranic verses and examples of organized outreach to explain communal success and Muslim decline.
- Argues that families must stop outsourcing religious education to institutions, schools, and social media.
- Shares prison chaplain experience to show that effective outreach requires understanding people's history and pain.
- Calls for civic participation and closes with prayers for Palestine and justice.
In the khateeb's words
“It is the responsibility of each one of us to take it. And when we pass it on, that means it doesn't concern us.”
“Only when I understood their plight. Only when I understood what they're going through, and where they have been, and where they're coming from.”
“You should be the role model of your kids. Trust me, none of us wants any role model better than his own father, or mother.”
For the dinner table
The khateeb taught that Muslims should take personal and communal responsibility for encouraging what is good and resisting what harms people. He said this work must be sensitive to local culture and begin with understanding the people we hope to serve. He especially urged parents to spend time with their children, teach Quran and faith at home, and become the role models their children can trust. He also encouraged Muslims to be good American citizens by participating in civic life. He closed by urging renewed effort and prayers for justice and for the people of Palestine.
- What is one way we can better understand someone else's experience?
- What community issue should we learn about and participate in?
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.”