30:53 Maintain control of…36:58 The reason we learn…44:10 All the things that…48:22 The door of tawbah and…
Qur'an & tafsirFrom the masjid's own video, May 3, 2026.

Surah At-Tawbah calls us to self-examination

ICFV

“The reason we learn the surah is so we can reflect on ourselves.”

The khateeb, at 36:58

Watch the khutbahFamily kit
In one sentence

Understanding Surah At-Tawbah should lead believers to self-examination, repentance, disciplined speech, and active obedience rather than judging others.

The khutbah in 6 steps

  1. Opens with calls to fear Allah, guard speech, and follow the Quran and Prophetic guidance.
  2. Connects post-Ramadan Quran recitation with the need to understand meanings, context, and lessons.
  3. Introduces Surah At-Tawbah as a late-revealed surah addressing disbelievers, hypocrites, and repentance.
  4. Warns listeners to examine themselves instead of labeling others as hypocrites.
  5. Applies the surah’s lessons to communal excuses, reluctance to pray or serve, charity, hijab, halal work, and al-Aqsa.
  6. Concludes by emphasizing repentance, monthly reflective reading of Surah At-Tawbah, supplication, and prayer.
Try this week
Read Surah At-Tawbah at least once a month.
Pause at each verse to understand its meaning and reflect on personal behavior.
Control speech and avoid words that may later cause regret.
Pray, give charity, help others, and respond actively when called to serve Allah.
Repent sincerely and return to Allah.
Sources the khateeb cited
Surah 9Used as the sermon’s main framework for examining hypocrisy, excuses, reluctance, communal weakness, and repentance.
Surah 9Used to emphasize the Prophet’s care for believers and Allah’s open door of repentance.
Quotes

In the khateeb's words

“Maintain control of what comes out of your mouth. so that Allah may reform your deeds and forgive your sins.”
ICFV · Fountain Valley, CA
Play from 30:53
“The reason we learn the surah is so we can reflect on ourselves”
ICFV · Fountain Valley, CA
Play from 36:58
“All the things that Allah Subhanahu Wa Ta'ala wants done in this dunya will happen with or without us.”
ICFV · Fountain Valley, CA
Play from 44:10
“The door of tawbah and coming back to Allah is open.”
ICFV · Fountain Valley, CA
Play from 48:22
Talk about it at home

For the dinner table

The khateeb encouraged us to keep reading the Quran after Ramadan, but also to slow down and understand what it teaches. He focused on Surah At-Tawbah, especially its warnings about hypocrisy, excuses, and reluctance to do what is right. We were reminded not to label other people; we should first look honestly at ourselves, control our speech, pray, give, help, and repent. The sermon connected these lessons to al-Aqsa and asked whether we are making excuses when Allah calls us to act. Its hopeful ending was that the door of tawbah, turning back to Allah, remains open, so we can begin again with sincere action.

  1. What is one Quran passage you want to understand better, not just recite?
  2. When is it hardest to control your words, and what could help?
  3. What is one good action you can rise up and do this week?
Where it was given

The masjid

Islamic Centre of Fountain Valley16551 Brookhurst St, Fountain Valley, CA 92708ArchiveAll khutbahs at ICFV60 khutbahs
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