Unity grows through shared values
“We as human beings, even before Islam, before we bring religion into the picture, can come along and agree that wars are bad.”
The khutbah argues that Muslims should build unity around shared human values, follow the Prophet’s examples, engage others directly, and cooperate without compromising faith.
The khutbah in 6 steps
- Frames confusing times and presents the Quran as a moral compass.
- Introduces a three-week series on unity and disunity.
- Establishes shared human values as the first level of unity.
- Urges face-to-face conversation and cooperation across religious differences.
- Calls listeners to study these examples, teach children, and engage neighbors and colleagues.
- Closes with prayers for unity, relief from oppression, steadfast faith, dhikr, and salah.
In the khateeb's words
“the first basic place that we go back to is a shared concept of these values which have been going on since the beginning of time.”
“there is a basic level of agreement that we as human beings, even before Islam, before we bring religion into the picture, can come along and agree that wars are bad.”
“But when you talk to people face to face, people who you differ with, that is the opportunity to make these breakthroughs, to go and have your message delivered.”
“Even though this difference may not result in anything, but at least in front of Allah, we can say we have done our part. We have done our due diligence.”
For the dinner table
Today’s khutbah said that unity begins with shared human values, not only with people who already agree with us. The khateeb pointed to the Prophet’s example in Half al-Fudhul, Hudaybiyyah, and the Pact of Medina: protect the oppressed, prefer peace, and cooperate for the good. We should learn our own faith clearly while respecting neighbors and people of other religions. This week, we can speak face to face with someone different from us, teach children these examples, and promote goodness in our community. Even if change is slow, doing our part sincerely before Allah still matters.
- Where do you notice a shared value, like honesty or protecting others, in our neighborhood?
- How can we work with people of another faith without compromising what we believe?
- Who is one person you could speak with face to face this week?
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