Civic engagementFrom the masjid's own video, Sep 3, 2025.
Islam calls us to protect creation
“If it is not useful for us, it may be useful for other people.”
In one sentence
Allah's role as khalifa requires Muslims to avoid waste, care responsibly for natural resources, and show mercy toward all creation.
The khutbah in 5 steps
- Introduces humans as khalifa and frames environmental responsibility as a religious trust.
- Applies moderation to eating and drinking, warning that waste strains natural resources.
- Uses Quranic warnings against wastefulness and a tree-planting hadith to encourage long-term benefit.
- Expands stewardship to compassionate treatment of pets, livestock, and other animals.
- Concludes that animals should only be killed when necessary and handled with mercy, including during slaughter.
Try this week
Avoid wasting food and drink.
Clear out possessions that have gone unused for years.
Plant a tree or something that can benefit others later.
Care properly for pets, livestock, and working animals.
Only kill animals when necessary, and minimize suffering during slaughter.
Sources the khateeb cited
Surah 2Human beings are presented as khalifa, responsible for maintaining creation.
Quotes
In the khateeb's words
“When you know you won't need that thing that you have put in your garage for over five years, for over seven years, why do you keep it there?”
“If it is not useful for us, it may be useful for other people.”
“Fear Allah in the affairs of this camel. Because the camel just complained to me now that you are not taking proper care of him.”
“You don't kill any animal except you have a reason to do that.”
Talk about it at home
For the dinner table
Today’s khutbah taught that Allah has entrusted people with responsibility toward creation. We should eat and drink without extravagance, avoid wasting resources, and let go of things we do not need. Planting a tree can be an act of benefit even when someone else will enjoy its fruits. The speaker also reminded us to care for animals, avoid killing without a reason, and show mercy whenever animals must be handled or slaughtered.
- What is one thing our family could stop wasting this week?
- How could we plant or care for something that will help people later?
- What does kindness to animals look like in our daily life?
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