Seeking knowledgeFrom the masjid's own video, Oct 18, 2025.

Faith must be built on beneficial knowledge

MAPS Redmond, MAPS Seattle · Hassan Hatem

“The origin and the essence and the foundation is knowledge.”

The khateeb, at 22:26

In one sentence

Because ultimate salvation requires living and dying upon faith, Muslims and their families must build their lives and communities around beneficial religious knowledge and critical thinking.

The khutbah in 7 steps

  1. Surah al-Kahf’s final verse establishes meeting Allah as the ultimate goal through righteous, sincere deeds.
  2. The Prophet’s responses at Ta’if, Uhud, and the Day of Judgment demonstrate mercy and concern for humanity’s salvation.
  3. Adam’s creation narrative presents knowledge as foundational to human existence.
  4. Islam requires beneficial knowledge, religious literacy, discernment, and critical thinking rather than passive consumption.
  5. The Hadith of Jibreel presents Islam, iman, and ihsan as a comprehensive religious framework.
  6. Families and communities should raise independent thinkers, educators, creators, and future leaders grounded in faith.
  7. The khutbah closes by urging a return to foundational guidance to distinguish truth from falsehood.
Try this week
Recite Surah al-Kahf on Fridays, including its first and last ten verses.
Ask Allah for beneficial knowledge, including through the cited Zamzam supplication.
Study the foundational religious knowledge required for one’s obligations.
Teach children faith while training them to think critically and make sound independent decisions.
Practice distinguishing truth from falsehood and follow truth while avoiding falsehood.
Sources the khateeb cited
Surah 18Its final verse defines the goal as meeting Allah through righteous deeds and sincere worship.
Quotes

In the khateeb's words

“there is nothing more important than seeing our children live and die on La Ilahe Allahe Muhammad Rasulullah.”
MAPS Redmond · Redmond, WA
Play from 14:20
“The origin and the essence and the foundation is knowledge.”
MAPS Redmond · Redmond, WA
Play from 22:26
“Islam and Muslims are not to be consumers. We're to be producers. We're to create. We're to innovate.”
MAPS Redmond · Redmond, WA
Play from 26:33
“We need to have an elevated community that's not just educated, but we're also educators.”
MAPS Redmond · Redmond, WA
Play from 31:02
Talk about it at home

For the dinner table

Brother Hassan asked us to think about meeting Allah and let that guide how we live today. He reminded us that helping our children and loved ones stay connected to Islam is a central priority, and he described the Prophet's mercy and care for future generations. Knowledge is a foundation of our faith, especially knowledge that helps us worship Allah and recognize right and wrong. Young people need opportunities to think carefully and practice making good decisions when adults are not beside them. As a family, we can keep learning together, ask thoughtful questions, and use what we learn to benefit others.

  1. What is one thing you learned this week that could help you please Allah or help someone?
  2. When you hear a claim online or at school, how could you work out whether it is true?
  3. What everyday decision would you like to practice making yourself, and what would help you choose well?