Civic engagementFrom the masjid's own video, Oct 10, 2025.
Seeing right from wrong calls us to act
“Can we see right from wrong?”
In one sentence
Iman and taqwa cultivate Furqan, a God-given criterion for distinguishing right from wrong, which must become steadfast personal and communal action.
The khutbah in 6 steps
- Introduces Furqan as a Qur'anic framework for navigating difficult times and overwhelming information.
- Explains that conscience recognizes right and wrong, while iman and taqwa prepare a person to receive Furqan and forgiveness.
- Moves from inner discernment to a cause expressed through family, neighbors, civic life, and community responsibility.
- Presents the Quran itself as Furqan and encourages steadfastly modeling the declaration that Allah is one's Rabb.
- Uses Surah al-Kahf's tests of faith, wealth, knowledge, and power to frame Friday reflection.
- Closes by asking listeners to identify their cause, use their strengths for good, and make dua for the deceased.
Try this week
Begin applying the cause of doing good at home, including correcting harmful anger or speech.
Reach out to neighbors who may be unhappy, sick, or struggling, and invite community leaders to connect.
Participate constructively in town or city life and support people who are trying to do good.
Choose one small step this afternoon, tomorrow, or next week rather than attempting everything at once.
Use personal strengths such as speaking, writing, cooking, or professional skills to serve others.
Reflect on Surah al-Kahf's tests of iman, wealth, knowledge, and power.
Sources the khateeb cited
Surah 8Iman and taqwa bring Furqan, forgiveness, and protection from harmful plots.
Surah 103Faith and righteous action include responsibility toward the surrounding community.
Surah 25The Quran is presented as Furqan, a criterion distinguishing right from wrong.
Surah 18Its stories illustrate tests involving iman, wealth, knowledge, and power.
Quotes
In the khateeb's words
“It would be wrong not to be engaged. It would be right to be engaged.”
“It does not have to be five steps. It can be one step at a time.”
“But the most important thing is, can we inculcate? Can we see right from wrong? Can we teach right from wrong?”
“All of us have different strengths. Some of us can speak. Some of us can write. Some of us can't do both.”
Talk about it at home
For the dinner table
The khutbah teaches that Allah gives us Furqan, the ability to recognize right from wrong, when we believe in Him and live with taqwa. That discernment should shape how we treat our families, neighbors, and wider community. We do not need to fix everything at once; one sincere step in the right direction matters. Each person can contribute through different strengths, such as speaking, writing, cooking, or serving. The family can ask what good cause it will support and pray for guidance and for those who have died.
- What is one right-versus-wrong choice you may face this week, and how could Furqan guide you?
- Who is one neighbor or community member you could check on?
- What strength do you have that could help someone else?
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