11:36 This religion is based…31:41 Take the asbab. We are…34:24 Muharram is a new…
The Islamic calendarFrom the masjid's own video, Jun 20, 2026.

Muharram calls us to renew our intentions

Al-Masjid Islamic Center · Mansour Mahmoud

“Muharram is to do introspection into your behavior.”

The khateeb, at 34:24

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In one sentence

The khutbah argues that remembering the Hijra should lead Muslims to sincere intentions, knowledge-based justice, respect for overlooked Muslim sacrifices, careful use of practical means, trust in Allah, and a self-renewing Muharram.

The khutbah in 6 steps

  1. Recalls the sacrifices of Umm Salama, Suhaib al-Rumi, and the Prophet during Hijra.
  2. Uses Muhammad Ali as a modern example of sacrificing fame rather than compromising justice.
  3. Explains that intentions govern deeds and connects Islam with knowledge, mercy, and justice.
  4. Urges recognition of African Muslims who suffered and contributed to Muslim life in America.
  5. Highlights the Prophet’s careful Hijra planning and the need to use means while relying on Allah.
  6. Closes with Muharram fasting, introspection, prayers for the bereaved, and prayers for Palestine.
Try this week
Seek knowledge and apply it under an ethic of justice and mercy.
Plan carefully and take practical means while relying on Allah rather than the means alone.
Fast the ninth and tenth of Muharram.
Use Muharram for introspection about your behavior and intentions.
Remember and honor African Muslims who suffered and contributed to Muslim life in America.
Quotes

In the khateeb's words

“This religion is based on justice. So the moment you decide to oppress someone, you are staying away from your religion, your Muslim identity.”
Al-Masjid Islamic Center · Greenville, NC
Play from 11:36
“Take the asbab. We are the ummah of the asbab. But don't rely on the asbab. Rely on Allah subhanahu wa ta'ala.”
Al-Masjid Islamic Center · Greenville, NC
Play from 31:41
“Muharram is a new beginning. Muharram is to do introspection into your behavior.”
Al-Masjid Islamic Center · Greenville, NC
Play from 34:24
Talk about it at home

For the dinner table

Today’s khutbah used the Hijra, the Prophet’s migration and the sacrifices around it, to teach that faith sometimes requires giving up comfort, wealth, or status. It emphasized that deeds are judged by intentions, and that Islam joins knowledge with mercy and justice for everyone. The speaker also asked us to remember African Muslims who suffered and helped establish Muslim life in America. He taught us to plan carefully, take available means, and still rely on Allah rather than on means alone. Finally, he presented Muharram as a chance for fasting, honest self-examination, and a new beginning, while asking Allah to help grieving families and people in Palestine.

  1. Where can we practice justice more carefully this week?
  2. What is one goal we can plan for while trusting Allah?
  3. What would a meaningful new beginning look like for us?
  4. How can we better remember Muslims whose sacrifices are often overlooked?
Where it was given

The masjid

Al-Masjid Islamic Center Greenville1303 South Evans Street, Greenville, NC 27834KhateebMansour MahmoudMore khutbahsArchiveAll khutbahs at Al-Masjid Islamic Center40 khutbahs
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