Prayer & worshipFrom the masjid's own video, Oct 24, 2025.
Choose Allah over temporary worldly goals
“The believer today may appear strange, but being strange is an honor.”
In one sentence
Muslims should embrace being distinct from prevailing social norms by making Allah and the Hereafter their true priorities, nourishing the soul through worship, and refusing to let temporary worldly pursuits become their gods.
The khutbah in 6 steps
- Introduces the hadith about Islam beginning and returning as something strange, promising glad tidings to steadfast believers.
- Defines being strange as being visibly distinguished and guided by Allah rather than society.
- Warns that social media and powerful institutions can shape people’s thinking, consumption, and desires.
- Contrasts worldly goals with pleasing Allah and preparing for the Hereafter, citing prayer, fasting, modesty, and avoiding alcohol or riba.
- Explains how wealth, fame, relationships, and careers can become false gods when they govern a person’s life.
- Teaches that the ruh is strengthened through salah, dhikr, Quran, and obedience, helping believers remain calm during loss.
Try this week
Pray five times daily.
Fast in Ramadan.
Nourish the soul through salah, dhikr, Quran, and obedience to Allah.
Avoid riba, alcohol, parties, and other haram activities.
Pursue modesty and hijab rather than conforming to social expectations.
Keep the heart attached to Allah rather than temporary wealth, fame, relationships, or careers.
Quotes
In the khateeb's words
“When people think life is about wealth. Or life is about fame. Or life is about pleasure. You say no. Life is about pleasing Allah subhanahu wa ta'ala.”
“When you nourish your soul through salah, through dhikr, through the Quran, through the obedience of Allah subhanahu wa ta'ala, you are strengthening that connection.”
“He is calm because his heart was never tied to the dunya. His heart was never tied to anything that is temporary. It was tied to Allah subhanahu wa ta'ala.”
“So yes, the believer today may appear strange, but being strange is an honor.”
Talk about it at home
For the dinner table
The khutbah reminds us that Islam may sometimes look different from the values around us. Our real purpose is to please Allah and prepare for the Hereafter, not to chase wealth, fame, pleasure, or status. We strengthen our souls through prayer, remembrance, Quran, and obedience. When our hearts are attached to Allah instead of temporary things, we can face both success and loss with greater steadiness.
- What is one way our family can choose Allah’s pleasure over popularity or convenience?
- Which practice helps you feel spiritually refreshed?
- What temporary thing can we avoid letting control our time or emotions?
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