Character & conductFrom the masjid's own video, May 23, 2026.
Follow the Prophet through righteous action
“Live your life as if you're going to live for eternity.”
In one sentence
True attachment to Prophet Muhammad means imitating his character and mission, doing righteousness rather than merely talking it, so that believers cultivate unshakable faith in Allah amid a fearful, superficial age, especially by seizing the first ten days of Dhul-Hijjah.
The khutbah in 8 steps
- Opening adhan/salawat and Quranic verses on dhikr and revering Allah's rites
- The Prophet belongs to all humanity; attachment through symbolism falls short of following his example
- Righteousness (salihat) means deeds, not words; shaitan reduces it to mere speech
- Surah Abasa: the Prophet's mild frown at the blind man and the lesson that character precedes action
- Defense of the Prophet's honor against critics (Aisha's marriage, slavery accusations) and his consistent conduct at home, in business, and in battle
- Modern epidemic of manufactured fear (robots, jobs, technology) and the call to become fearless through trust in Allah
- Dhul-Hijjah practicals: Hajj priorities vs. boycott talk, fasting, charity even a dollar a day, social-media fast on Arafah, dua and istighfar
- Closing on superficiality, remembering death, announcements (potluck, new baby), and final dua
Try this week
Fast, read Quran, and increase worship during the first ten days of Dhul-Hijjah
Give charity daily even in tiny amounts (e.g., a dollar a day) without diminishing small sadaqa
Observe a social-media fast on the day of Arafah (9th of Dhul-Hijjah) and guard tongue, eyes, and ears
Increase istighfar and prayers for freedom from hellfire, joining those on Hajj
Prioritize Hajj or Umrah over luxury vacations (Hawaii, Bahamas, Dubai) if financially able
Do not boycott Hajj over politics; Allah's house belongs to no one and Allah will exact justice
Remind yourself daily of death while still striving hard in worldly work
Run the Prophet's 'plays', follow his example instead of superficial symbolism
Sources the khateeb cited
Surah 103Quoted 'illa alladhina amanu wa amilus-salihat' to argue righteousness is deeds, not talk
Surah 80Story of the blind man Ibn Umm Maktum used to teach that character and engagement impact hearts and that character comes before action
Quran 22:32Opened the khutbah: revering Allah's rites springs from taqwa of hearts, framing the Dhul-Hijjah theme
Quran 33:21'You have in the messenger of Allah the highest and best example' cited as evidence the Prophet lived the mission he preached
Surah 73'Ya ayyuhal-muzzammil qumi-l-layl' used to show the Prophet led from the front, praying at night before telling others to make tahajjud
Quotes
In the khateeb's words
“people who do righteousness not talk righteousness”
“unshakable faith means that your conviction your belief in Allah is so deep”
“you don't disobey Allah to make a stance against the Saudis”
“live your life as if you're going to live for eternity”
Keep listening
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