Character & conductFrom the masjid's own video, Oct 10, 2026.

Stop blaming others and take responsibility

In one sentence

Believers should reject victim mentality by taking responsibility, seeking help, and actively improving their spiritual, family, professional, and community lives.

The khutbah in 7 steps

  1. Contrasts Iblis blaming Allah with Adam acknowledging his mistake.
  2. Defines victim mentality and applies it to work, marriage, parenting, and childhood experiences.
  3. Uses Abdullah ibn Umm Maktum and a blind scholar to challenge limiting beliefs about disability.
  4. Encourages accountability, therapy, education, and trying new paths when circumstances are difficult.
  5. Draws on Ibrahim, Ismail, Yusuf, and the Prophet’s perseverance as examples of overcoming hardship.
  6. Calls Muslims to strengthen themselves, involve their children, participate in society, and vote.
  7. Closes with daily self-review, personal action, and an appeal supporting orphans and water wells.
Try this week
Set aside time to identify where blame may be replacing personal responsibility.
In family conflicts, ask what you could improve and make one specific change.
Seek professional therapy or counseling for abuse, trauma, or harmful family patterns.
Learn better communication through reading or workshops, especially regarding spouses and children.
If a career path is stalled, learn another skill or try a different field.
Participate in community life, vote as a citizen, and involve children in communal activities.
Strengthen yourself financially, physically, emotionally, and socially.
If able, sponsor an orphan or water well after prayer.
Sources the khateeb cited
Surah 80Uses the encounter with Abdullah ibn Umm Maktum to discuss disability and social participation.
Quotes

In the khateeb's words

“I promise you Life is going to change Your life is gonna get much better Take a step back In your marriage For example”
Al Madinah Masjid · San Antonio, TX
Play from 16:14
“Is there anything I'm doing wrong Is there anything That I could have done But to improve Their relationship Ask yourself that question”
Al Madinah Masjid · San Antonio, TX
Play from 16:29
“Be strong inshallah Financially Be strong physically Be strong emotionally Be strong in the community Be part of the community”
Al Madinah Masjid · San Antonio, TX
Play from 24:56
Talk about it at home

For the dinner table

The khutbah teaches us to move from a victim mentality toward an empowered mindset. Iblis blamed Allah, while Adam acknowledged his mistake and turned back with humility. We should take responsibility for what we can change, while still recognizing that people who experience real abuse or hardship may need professional help and support. This applies to our marriages, parenting, careers, and community life. When we take sincere steps and ask Allah for help, we can grow and contribute more meaningfully.

  1. What is one challenge where you can focus on what you can do next?
  2. How can our family communicate better when someone is upset?
  3. What is one helpful way you could participate in our community?