Character & conductFrom the masjid's own video, Oct 18, 2025.
Direct fear, modesty, and love to Allah
“Start with Bismillah; it will become a shield for us.”
In one sentence
People are born with fear, modesty, and love, and by directing each toward Allah they can cultivate righteous character and a joyful, purposeful life.
The khutbah in 6 steps
- Humans possess capacities for good and bad, but goodness requires deliberate effort.
- An oyster-shell metaphor illustrates how innate qualities can be developed into spiritual value.
- Fear should be redirected from worldly authority toward Allah and awareness of sin's consequences.
- Modesty should be directed toward Allah and awareness of the witnessing angels.
- Love should be directed toward Allah, making remembrance and worship sources of joy.
- The khutbah concludes by urging listeners to place Allah into their fears, shame, and loves, beginning with Bismillah.
Try this week
Redirect fear of worldly consequences toward awareness of Allah's authority.
Reflect on whether fear of people outweighs awareness that Allah is watching.
Direct love toward Allah above worldly attachments and revive joy in remembrance.
Say Bismillah before moments of temptation or difficult choices.
Sources the khateeb cited
Surah 36Used to illustrate goodness emerging through effort and the imagery of darkness and light.
Quotes
In the khateeb's words
“Every human being has these three qualities. They have to just channel them in the right direction.”
“Allah takes the enjoyment of ibadah out of your life.”
“The moment you put Allah's name on your tongue and you realize, Allah is watching me.”
“Start with Bismillah, it will become a shield for us.”
Talk about it at home
For the dinner table
The khutbah teaches that Allah has placed both good and bad tendencies within every person. Fear, modesty, and love are already in us, but we need to direct them toward Allah. Remembering Allah's authority can help us avoid sin, and remembering His presence can make us more modest in private. Love becomes healthiest when Allah is loved above everything else, so worship and remembrance can become sources of joy. The speaker encourages us to pause, put Allah into our choices, and begin difficult moments with Bismillah.
- What is one fear you could use to remind yourself of Allah this week?
- When do you feel happiest remembering Allah?
- How can saying Bismillah help us make a better choice?
Keep listening
More on Character & conduct
The strong is the one who controls himself while in anger.10:16Masjid Al-Noor · Waterloo, IA · Oct 31, 2026Control anger before it causes harm
Peer pressure is an issue that is just as applicable to adults as it is to children.5:08The Rayyan Center · Plymouth, MI · Oct 31, 2026Adults must choose their influences
Lowering your gaze is cleaner to your heart and fulfilling the amanah that Allah gave you.1:03:23Rahma Center · Lake Forest, CA · Oct 30, 2026Every trust from Allah must be honored