The ummah & current eventsFrom the masjid's own video, Oct 11, 2025.

A ceasefire is only the first step

“The ceasefire is the first step.”

The khateeb, at 19:16

In one sentence

Muslims should trust Allah through apparently unfair circumstances, keep purposeful goals for Gaza and their communities, and seriously learn and teach the full religion.

The khutbah in 5 steps

  1. The Treaty of Hudaybiyyah appeared unfair but became a clear opening that spread Islam and led toward the peaceful conquest of Mecca.
  2. Believers should rely on Allah and focus on their own effort rather than merely speculating about difficult circumstances.
  3. The Gaza ceasefire and renewed aid are welcome first steps, but Muslims should maintain the goal of liberation and continue supporting relief.
  4. Families must teach the full religion, including jihad in its proper lawful context, rather than allowing fear or ignorance to erase essential knowledge.
  5. Muslims raising children in this land have an added responsibility to learn deeply and transmit religious knowledge.
Try this week
Ask what effort you are making to help yourself, your community, and oppressed Muslims instead of only speculating about circumstances.
Set clear personal, family, and community goals and a practical agenda.
Donate generously through trustworthy relief organizations, including sadaqah or zakah, as aid becomes available.
Study the religion seriously, seek qualified instruction where needed, and ensure children learn difficult subjects in their proper lawful context.
Sources the khateeb cited
Quran 48:1Used to argue that the treaty itself was a clear opening, not merely the later conquest of Mecca.
Quran 25:70The teaching that sincere repentance can turn sins into good deeds supports the broader lesson that Allah can transform bad situations into openings.
Quotes

In the khateeb's words

“This time of peace. Of course. Written to be 10 years. But it was shorter. Allowed for the spread of Islam. That was not seen before.”
Al-Hidaya · Latham, NY
Play from 15:59
“To us. The ceasefire. Is the first step. The ceasefire. The returning. Of aid. The opening. Of aid. Is the first step. But it's not. The end goal.”
Al-Hidaya · Latham, NY
Play from 19:16
“Learning. Our religion. Because if. I don't teach. My son or daughter. Something out of fear. I know it. But I'm afraid. They're not going to teach. Their son or daughter. Out of ignorance.”
Al-Hidaya · Latham, NY
Play from 26:18
“Do I have. Enough knowledge. To teach them. If I don't. What am I going to do. About that.”
Al-Hidaya · Latham, NY
Play from 27:21
Talk about it at home

For the dinner table

The khateeb reminded us that the Prophet accepted a treaty whose terms upset the companions, yet it later brought opportunities and benefits for the Muslims. He encouraged us to trust Allah while doing our part through effort, hard work, and helping others. Speaking about Gaza, he described the ceasefire as a first step and urged continued concern and generous donations through trusted organizations. He also asked us to set clear goals for ourselves, our families, and our communities and pursue them within the law. Finally, he encouraged parents and young people to learn their religion carefully, seek capable teachers, and discuss difficult topics in their proper context, explicitly rejecting violence and unlawful acts.

  1. When something feels disappointing or unfair, what could help you trust Allah and choose a useful next step?
  2. What could our family give or do to help people in Gaza?
  3. What question about Islam would you like us to explore together with a knowledgeable teacher?