24:29 And so this is why the…25:19 The dua itself is the…30:26 This is a reminder. To…
Prayer & worshipFrom the masjid's own video, Aug 3, 2026.

Dua itself is an act of worship

ICCP · Refai Arefin

“The dua itself is the worship.”

The khateeb, at 25:19

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In one sentence

Sincere du'a is itself worship and a means of turning to Allah with trust, perseverance, and concern for others.

The khutbah in 6 steps

  1. Defines du'a as the essence and core of worship.
  2. Explains angels’ prayers for repentant believers through Surat Ghafir.
  3. Encourages asking Allah for both small needs and lofty matters.
  4. Presents keys to du'a: praying for others, certainty, patience, and recognizing du'a as worship.
  5. Applies these principles to communal suffering and Friday’s special hour of acceptance.
  6. Closes by urging listeners to seek Allah and pray beyond themselves.
Try this week
Make sincere du'a to Allah for both everyday needs and lofty matters.
Begin du'a with praise of Allah, ask for forgiveness and Jannah, and close with salawat upon the Prophet.
Make du'a for absent believers, especially people who are ill, suffering, or oppressed.
Ask with certainty of Allah’s response and do not despair or hasten the answer.
Use Friday’s special time for accepted du'a, including the period before sunset or during Jumu'ah.
Sources the khateeb cited
Surah 40Used the angels’ prayer for repentant believers to explain angelic intercession and Allah’s encompassing mercy.
Jami` at-TirmidhiUsed to say Allah is displeased with those who have nothing to ask of Him.
Quotes

In the khateeb's words

“And so this is why the prophet said. That the dua will be answered as long as you don't hasten it.”
ICCP · Potomac, MD
Play from 24:29
“The dua itself is the worship. The dua itself is the ask. That is the ibadah.”
ICCP · Potomac, MD
Play from 25:19
“This is a reminder. To seek from Allah. But don't just seek for yourself. Seek for each other.”
ICCP · Potomac, MD
Play from 30:26
Talk about it at home

For the dinner table

The khateeb reminded us that du'a is at the heart of worship: turning to Allah matters even before we see an answer. We can ask Allah for everyday needs while also asking for the highest good, including forgiveness and Jannah. He encouraged us to pray for others, explaining that the angels ask for similar blessings for the person making that prayer. He taught that Allah's response may come through giving what we ask for, protecting us from harm, or saving reward for the Day of Judgment. As a family, we can keep asking with hope, remember those who are suffering, and avoid tying all our happiness to getting one particular thing.

  1. Who could we pray for tonight, and what good would we ask Allah to give them?
  2. What could help you stay hopeful when something you have prayed for takes time?
  3. What blessing could you wish for someone else who wants the same thing you do?
Where it was given

The masjid

Islamic Community Center of Potomac10601 River Rd, Potomac, MD 20854Jumu'ah Adhan 1:15 PMKhateebRefai ArefinMore khutbahsArchiveAll khutbahs at ICCP96 khutbahs
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