23:37 We have to read. We…29:04 The objective is that…
Seeking knowledgeFrom the masjid's own video, Oct 24, 2026.

Read the Quran to guard your thinking

Northside Islamic Center · Umer Ansari

“You're able to read Qur'an and you're able to comprehend the Qur'an, the book of Allah.”

The khateeb, at 29:04

Watch the khutbahFamily kit
In one sentence

The khutbah argues that reading and deeply understanding the Qur'an are divine blessings and essential disciplines for preserving Muslim intellect, faith, and critical thinking in the age of AI.

The khutbah in 7 steps

  1. Uses U.S. literacy statistics to argue that Qur'an translations alone cannot reach many Americans.
  2. Frames reading, writing, and knowledge as blessings emphasized by the opening Qur'anic revelation.
  3. Recounts early Muslim learning institutions, including Darul Arqam, Masjid al-Nabawi, and Ashab al-Suffa.
  4. Warns that many Muslims, including children, are becoming disconnected from Qur'anic language and comprehension.
  5. Criticizes dependence on AI summaries and interpretations for outsourcing reflection and religious judgment.
  6. Calls Muslims to read substantial Qur'an and seerah passages, protect their intellect, and preserve Islamic tradition.
  7. Closes with praise for the Companions, supplication, and instructions to straighten the prayer rows.
Try this week
Learn Qur'anic language so Qur'an and prophetic explanations can be understood directly.
Read and comprehend substantial passages from the Qur'an and the seerah regularly.
Use AI cautiously, verify its verses and hadith, and do not outsource religious reflection to it.
Build or participate in judgment-free learning spaces for adults and children.
Sources the khateeb cited
Surah 96Uses the opening command to read as the foundation for literacy, knowledge, and spiritual growth.
Surah 2Uses its length and legal density to illustrate why deeper Qur'anic comprehension requires sustained reading.
Quotes

In the khateeb's words

“We have to read. We have to make an effort. We have to strive, right?”
Northside Islamic Center · San Antonio, TX
Play from 23:37
“The objective is that you're able to read Qur'an and you're able to comprehend the Qur'an, the book of Allah.”
Northside Islamic Center · San Antonio, TX
Play from 29:04
Talk about it at home

For the dinner table

The khateeb reminded us that being able to read and understand is a blessing from Allah. He said Muslims should not be satisfied with reciting the Qur'an without knowing what it means. He encouraged us to read longer passages from the Qur'an and the Prophet’s seerah so our minds remain strong and reflective. He also warned that AI can make mistakes and should never replace careful learning, teachers, or personal responsibility. Our families and communities should create welcoming spaces where everyone can learn.

  1. What is one Qur'an passage you would like to understand better?
  2. How can we use AI without letting it do all our thinking for us?
  3. What would make a learning space feel welcoming and judgment-free?
Where it was given

The masjid

Northside Islamic Center of San Antonio (NICSA)21003 Encino Commons STE 110, San Antonio, TX 78259Jumu'ah Khutbah: “1:45 PM”; Salah: “2:15 PM”.KhateebUmer AnsariMore khutbahsArchiveAll khutbahs at Northside Islamic Center37 khutbahs
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