Repentance & taqwaFrom the masjid's own video, Jul 3, 2026.
Compete in repentance and righteous deeds
“Allah is calling us towards a competition of repentance.”
In one sentence
Islam redirects our natural desire to compete toward urgent pursuit of forgiveness, righteous deeds, Jannah, and nearness to Allah.
The khutbah in 5 steps
- The World Cup introduces human competition and Islam’s redirection of it toward the hereafter.
- The Quran contrasts ordinary worldly effort with urgency in pursuing forgiveness and good deeds.
- The goal is forgiveness, Jannah, and nearness to Allah; the means are righteous deeds; the mindset is being foremost.
- Repent quickly, use personal strengths for good, and admire rather than resent others’ righteous efforts.
- Stories of Umar, Abu Bakr, and the poor companions illustrate healthy competition and the importance of good companions.
Try this week
Repent promptly after committing a sin, even if the same sin has happened repeatedly.
Use your personal strengths, resources, or skills to perform good deeds.
Be the first to respond when family or community responsibility arises.
Measure yourself by healthy competition in righteous deeds rather than resentment.
Surround yourself with friends and companions who encourage good.
Sources the khateeb cited
Surah 57Used to command racing toward forgiveness.
Surah 56Used to explain that the foremost are brought near to Allah.
Surah 9Used to identify the earliest forerunners among the Muhajirun, Ansar, and their exemplary followers.
Sahih al-BukhariUsed to identify two admirable forms of envy: wealth spent truthfully and wisdom used to judge and teach.
Quotes
In the khateeb's words
“Instead, it comes to refocus this competition in a way that allows us to compete for the sake of Allah and the sake of the hereafter.”
“Allah is calling us towards a competition of repentance. Who's gonna be the first to repent to Allah ?”
“Any good deed, anything that you're inclined to do, just do it.”
“we should be surrounding ourselves with people, with companions, with friends that encourage us to do good.”
Talk about it at home
For the dinner table
The khutbah teaches that wanting to compete is natural, but Islam directs that energy toward the lasting reward of the hereafter. We should race toward Allah’s forgiveness, Paradise, and closeness to Him by doing whatever good deeds we are able to do. When we make mistakes, we should repent quickly instead of believing Shaytan’s discouragement. We can learn from Umar and Abu Bakr by letting others’ good actions inspire us rather than making us jealous. Good friends and family can help us become people who are quick to do what is right.
- What good deed could you be first to do this week?
- What is one strength you have that could help someone else?
- Who helps you want to do more good?
Keep listening
More on Repentance & taqwa
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