Civic engagementFrom the masjid's own video, Oct 31, 2026.

Judge actions, not appealing words

“He sold everything he has for the sake of Allah subhanahu wa ta'ala.”

The khateeb, at 20:08

In one sentence

The khutbah argues that Muslims should judge people and themselves by whether actions, not appealing words, cause corruption or reflect sincere sacrifice for Allah’s pleasure, and should carry that discernment into civic decisions.

The khutbah in 6 steps

  1. Introduces Surah al-Baqarah 2:204, 207 as a contrast between two groups.
  2. Explains how attractive speech about justice can conceal hypocrisy and destructive actions.
  3. Defines fasad as corruption and destruction, applying it to conflicts across the Muslim world.
  4. Describes believers who sacrifice themselves and their wealth for Allah’s pleasure, illustrated through Suhaib al-Rumi and Umm Salama.
  5. Offers reassurance that Allah responds with mercy to sincere sacrifice and grief.
  6. Applies the lesson to elections, Gaza, anti-Muslim hatred, public stereotypes, and the need to vote.
Try this week
Judge people’s actions alongside their rhetoric when voting or forming alliances.
Go and vote while considering the economy, Gaza, and anti-Muslim hatred.
Sources the khateeb cited
Surah 2Contrasts attractive but destructive hypocrisy with people who sacrifice themselves seeking Allah’s pleasure.
Quotes

In the khateeb's words

“Allah subhanahu wa ta'ala wants us to be aware of these people so when we vote or when we want to do alliance with somebody or when we want to take a decision we need to be aware of them”
Salahadeen Center · South Nashville, TN
Play from 4:52
“Allah subhanahu wa ta'ala will reward and will return all of this grief and agony multifold and blessings in the hereafter”
Salahadeen Center · South Nashville, TN
Play from 4:52
“he sold everything he has for the sake of Allah subhanahu wa ta'ala look at how Allah subhanahu wa ta'ala conclude the verse”
Salahadeen Center · South Nashville, TN
Play from 20:08
Talk about it at home

For the dinner table

The khutbah taught that beautiful words do not matter if a person’s actions cause corruption and harm. It contrasted people who deceive others with believers willing to sacrifice for Allah’s pleasure, like Suhaib al-Rumi and Umm Salama. It reminded us that Allah knows the grief people carry and responds with mercy. Finally, the khateeb asked the Muslim community to pay attention to current events, recognize anti-Muslim hatred, and vote thoughtfully.

  1. How can we tell when someone’s actions do not match their words?
  2. What should Muslims consider before voting?