10:05 And when it comes to…22:30 Allah gave this group…
Prayer & worshipFrom the masjid's own video, Dec 12, 2025.

Look upward in worship and downward in wealth

ICNVT · Omar Popal

“When it comes to that which is worldly, we look below so that we can be grateful.”

The khateeb, at 10:05

Watch the khutbahFamily kit
In one sentence

Believers should avoid spiritual complacency by looking upward to righteous role models, striving continually in worship and service, and looking downward only in worldly matters to cultivate gratitude.

The khutbah in 6 steps

  1. Reviews the etiquette and spiritual rewards of Jumu'ah.
  2. Urges believers to race toward good deeds and define success as earning Allah's pleasure.
  3. Explains that Muslims should look upward in worship and downward in worldly blessings.
  4. Uses the examples of Umar and Abu Bakr to illustrate competing in charity.
  5. Warns against spiritual comparison, complacency, and purposeless inactivity.
  6. Calls families to cultivate role models and intentionally choose uplifting influences.
Try this week
Seek Allah's forgiveness and keep striving for better worship and character.
Look to people above you in worship and righteousness, and to those below you in worldly matters.
Fill your time with deeds that please Allah and continue working on both deen and dunya.
Use the internet to find authentic stories of righteous Muslims and the Sahaba.
Make dua to become a role model for others and to receive good role models.
Sources the khateeb cited
Surah 23Identifies true believers as those who hasten toward good deeds.
Sahih MuslimTeaches looking at those with fewer worldly blessings, while aspiring upward in righteousness.
Quotes

In the khateeb's words

“And when it comes to that which is worldly, we look below so that we can be grateful.”
ICNVT · Fairfax, VA
Play from 10:05
“Allah gave this group of people to this ummah for us to look up to them.”
ICNVT · Fairfax, VA
Play from 22:30
Talk about it at home

For the dinner table

This khutbah teaches us not to become satisfied with where we are in our faith. The speaker says we should look up to prophets, the Companions, scholars, and righteous people so their example inspires us to pray, give, serve, and improve our character. In worldly matters, we can look at those with less and be grateful, but in worship we should notice people doing more and let that motivate us. He also warns families about wasting life through passivity and asks parents and young people to build purposeful routines and choose uplifting influences.

  1. Who is one person you admire for doing good, and what is one quality you could practice this week?
  2. What is one way you can use your phone or free time for something that helps you grow?
  3. When have you felt grateful by noticing a blessing you have, and how can you show that gratitude?
Where it was given

The masjid

Islamic Center of Northern Virginia Trust4420 Shirley Gate Rd, Fairfax, VA 22030Jumu'ah 11:30 AM · 1:15 PM · 2:15 PMKhateebOmar PopalMore khutbahsArchiveAll khutbahs at ICNVT108 khutbahs
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