Muslims must claim their place
“If you do not say what Islam is and what we believe in, someone else is going to tell your story.”
On the 25th anniversary of 9/11, Muslims should remember all victims, reject division and anti-Muslim distortion, affirm their belonging, and pursue justice through mercy and civic participation.
The khutbah in 6 steps
- Opens with gratitude and the Qur'anic call to attend Jumu'ah.
- Remembers 9/11 victims, Muslim responders, Sikh hate-crime victims, and civilians affected worldwide.
- Explains how post-9/11 trauma was used to erode civil liberties, normalize discrimination, and justify wars.
- Uses the hadith of believers as one body to frame Muslim solidarity and truthful representation of Islam.
- Urges registration, voting, canvassing, organizing, and engagement with elected officials.
- Affirms Muslim belonging in America and closes with supplications before prayer.
In the khateeb's words
“We Muslims, Americans, American Muslims, cannot let these resurgent voices of division, hate, and violence succeed.”
“We must instead embrace the spirit of unity that bonded us all together 25 years ago and stand up for the universal value of human life anywhere and everywhere.”
“If you do not say what Islam is and what we believe in, someone else is going to tell your story.”
For the dinner table
The khutbah remembered the people killed and harmed on September 11, including Muslims and Sikhs, and the many civilians affected afterward. It said grief should lead us toward mercy, unity, and respect for every human life, not hatred or discrimination. The khateeb reminded Muslims that Islam is a mercy and encouraged us to explain our faith with confidence when it is misrepresented. He also called eligible listeners to register, vote, organize, and speak with public officials when injustice threatens the community. He closed by affirming that Muslims belong in America and should live that belonging with dignity, faith, and service.
- How can our family show solidarity when another group is suffering?
- What is one positive way we can explain Islam to someone who misunderstands it?
- How can young people participate in improving their community?
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