13:51 And we see that this…24:21 But when he was able…32:45 let the one who is…41:28 if you truly knew what…
Seeking knowledgeFrom the masjid's own video, Jun 19, 2026.

Seek knowledge with humility and care

ICA East Orange

“A person that is shy and a person that is mustakbir, a person that is arrogant, they will not learn.”

The khateeb, at 13:51

Watch the khutbahFamily kit
In one sentence

Islamic knowledge should be pursued with humility and careful transmission because its authenticated Qur'an-and-Sunnah foundation gives believers certainty, answers misconceptions, and redirects admiration from human achievements to Allah's signs.

The khutbah in 5 steps

  1. Establishes the virtue of knowledge and the supplication for increased knowledge.
  2. Explains hadith chains, named transmitters, and Islam's historical preservation.
  3. Uses the date-palm hadith and reports about the Ansar women to teach overcoming shyness and arrogance.
  4. Discusses reading to scholars, transmitting books, and conveying knowledge to absent listeners.
  5. Concludes by urging reflection on Allah's signs in creation rather than being impressed by human accomplishments.
Try this week
Ask sincere questions about Islam even when they feel embarrassing.
Check religious claims by identifying who transmitted them and what their source is.
Read religious material to a qualified scholar and seek the scholar's approval or correction.
Study the Qur'an and authentic hadith, then convey beneficial knowledge to others.
Reflect regularly on Allah's signs in creation and repeat the supplication for increased knowledge.
Sources the khateeb cited
Sahih al-BukhariUsed to teach that the Prophet tested the companions' knowledge and that shyness can prevent a correct answer.
Sahih al-BukhariUsed to show that sincere, difficult questions should be welcomed and answered so misconceptions can be removed.
Sahih al-BukhariUsed to argue that knowledge should be conveyed because the recipient may understand it better.
Quotes

In the khateeb's words

“And we see that this shyness, it can stop you from knowledge. As mujahid, he said, la yata'allamu mustahyan, that a person that is shy and a person that is mustakbir, a person that is arrogant, they will not learn.”
ICA East Orange · East Orange, NJ
Play from 13:51
“But when he was able to ask the questions, how he wanted to be asked, how he wanted to ask them, and those shubhaat were answered.”
ICA East Orange · East Orange, NJ
Play from 24:21
“let the one who is present inform the one that is not present because he might be informing someone that is that understands it even better”
ICA East Orange · East Orange, NJ
Play from 32:45
“if you truly knew what allahu subhanahu wa ta'ala has already done you would not be so impressed with what people did or are doing”
ICA East Orange · East Orange, NJ
Play from 41:28
Talk about it at home

For the dinner table

Today's khutbah reminded us that beneficial knowledge is a gift and that we should ask Allah to help us grow in it. The khateeb encouraged us to ask questions and praised those who did not let embarrassment keep them from learning. He explained how chains of narration and learning from scholars help preserve and pass on Islamic teachings. Through the story of a visitor questioning the Prophet, he showed the importance of letting people express their questions and receive answers. He also invited us to reflect on the Quran and notice Allah's gifts around us, including rain, growing plants, and the love and compassion between spouses.

  1. What is something about Islam you would like to understand better, and whom could we ask together?
  2. How can our family help everyone feel comfortable asking questions?
  3. What did you notice outdoors today that reminded you of Allah's gifts?
Where it was given

The masjid

Islamic Center of America215 N Oraton Pkwy, East Orange, NJ 07017ArchiveAll khutbahs at ICA East Orange54 khutbahs
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