8:11 if you want to be a…15:18 the most guided person…24:09 the richest of my…
Character & conductFrom the masjid's own video, Nov 21, 2025.

Taqwa and character grow through practice

ICPC Paterson

“If you want to be a person of taqwa you have to be a person who is constantly doing the acts of taqwa.”

The khateeb, at 8:11

Watch the khutbahFamily kit
In one sentence

The khutbah argues that taqwa and the other virtues Musa asks about are learnable habits developed through remembrance, prophetic example, self-discipline, humility, forgiveness, and contentment.

The khutbah in 6 steps

  1. Defines taqwa as constant awareness of Allah and connects it to frequent remembrance.
  2. Explains that taqwa is cultivated through repeated devotional acts, daily dhikr, and generous charity.
  3. Presents following Muhammad's example as the essence of guidance in family, faith, and work.
  4. Connects justice to reciprocal treatment, disciplining the nafs, and developing empathy.
  5. Describes knowledge as lifelong humility and honor as forgiveness when given power.
  6. Contrasts contentment with poverty caused by endless desire and urges listeners to develop these traits.
Try this week
Establish a daily wird of dhikr to keep Allah in remembrance.
Give charity even when concerned about losing material comfort.
Before bed, recite Subhanallah, Alhamdulillah, and Allahu Akbar 33 times each, then end with La ilaha illallah.
Evaluate conduct as a family member and worker against the example of Muhammad.
Treat others as you would want to be treated and restrain the nafs.
Admit what you do not know and continue seeking knowledge.
Use authority to forgive and overlook people's faults.
Practice contentment with what Allah gives instead of fixating on what you lack.
Sources the khateeb cited
Surah 2Used to argue that Quranic guidance is received by people of taqwa.
Surah 18Connects Musa's search for Khidr with humility before greater knowledge.
Quotes

In the khateeb's words

“if you want to be a person of taqwa you have to be a person who is constantly doing the acts of taqwa”
ICPC Paterson · Paterson, NJ
Play from 8:11
“the most guided person is the person who follows the path of Muhammad sallallahu alayhi wa sallam as closely as possible”
ICPC Paterson · Paterson, NJ
Play from 15:18
“the richest of my slaves is the one that is content with what he is given”
ICPC Paterson · Paterson, NJ
Play from 24:09
Talk about it at home

For the dinner table

The khutbah centers on a hadith in which Musa asks Allah about the qualities of the best servants. Taqwa grows when we remember Allah regularly and practice devotion, even when our feelings are not strong. Guidance means following the Prophet's example, while justice requires treating others well and disciplining our own desires. Knowledge grows through humility, honor comes through forgiveness, and true richness comes from being content with what Allah gives. The speaker encouraged us to develop these qualities through steady, deliberate practice.

  1. What helps you remember Allah during an ordinary day?
  2. How could we show the Prophet's kindness in our family this week?
  3. What is one blessing you can feel more content with?
Where it was given

The masjid

Islamic Center of Passaic County152 Derrom Ave, Paterson, NJ 07504Jumu'ah 1st khutbah 12:00 PM · 2nd khutbah 1:15 PMArchiveAll khutbahs at ICPC Paterson38 khutbahs
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