10:35 And that is, you can…16:55 The messenger of Allah…18:21 Some questions, some…
General remindersFrom the masjid's own video, May 9, 2026.

Stay focused on Allah despite distractions

ICG

“Some questions, some emails, some text messages do not deserve any answers.”

The khateeb, at 18:21

Watch the khutbahFamily kit
In one sentence

Believers should recognize distractions that pull them from truth, worship, and their core mission, refuse manipulative bait, and remain focused on Allah and the message.

The khutbah in 5 steps

  1. Defines distraction and shows how it manipulates attention in daily life, media, politics, and personal situations.
  2. Uses prayer-related hadith and Quranic guidance to emphasize removing distractions so revelation can reach the heart.
  3. Draws lessons from Nuh, Musa, Ibrahim, and the Prophet Muhammad about refusing character attacks, bait, and diversion.
  4. Applies the principle to arguments, emails, relationships, worldly competition, Satan, anger, and delayed prayer.
  5. Concludes by encouraging early, attentive attendance at Jum'ah and resisting distractions from worship.
Try this week
Address hunger or the call of nature before prayer so you can pray attentively.
Do not answer every provocative question, email, or text message; let go of distractions that drain your energy.
Condemn harmful actions without condemning the person committing them.
Change the subject when an argument with a spouse, neighbor, or another person becomes heated.
Control anger, do not delay or miss prayers, and arrive early for Jum'ah while listening silently.
Sources the khateeb cited
Sahih al-BukhariUsed to explain that hunger and the smell of food can distract a person from prayer.
Sahih MuslimUsed to advise dealing with food or the call of nature before praying so one can focus.
Surah 50Used to teach that the Quran benefits those who listen attentively and are present.
Surah 26Used to show Musa refusing Pharaoh's distractions, insults, and threats while staying focused on Allah's message.
Surah 2Used to show Ibrahim redirecting Nimrod's misleading argument toward a decisive challenge.
Surah 63Used alongside the Prophet's example to show why believers should not take provocative bait.
Surah 41Used to show the Prophet responding to insults by reciting revelation rather than arguing over distractions.
Surah 102Used to connect worldly competition and possessions with distraction from the hereafter.
Musnad AhmadUsed to encourage bathing, arriving early for Jum'ah, listening silently, and valuing the reward for each step.
Quotes

In the khateeb's words

“And that is, you can condemn the action. But you cannot condemn the brother or the sister during the action.”
ICG · Glendale, CA
Play from 10:35
“The messenger of Allah sallallahu alayhi wa sallam did not engage in this distraction, in this bait. He didn't take the bait.”
ICG · Glendale, CA
Play from 16:55
“Some questions, some emails, some text messages do not deserve any answers.”
ICG · Glendale, CA
Play from 18:21
Talk about it at home

For the dinner table

Today’s khutbah taught us that distraction can pull our attention away from truth, worship, and our responsibilities. The khateeb showed from the stories of Nuh, Musa, Ibrahim, and the Prophet Muhammad that we do not have to chase every accusation or answer every baiting question. We can correct a harmful action without condemning the person, and we can sometimes change the subject when an argument is becoming heated. At home, we can protect our prayers, manage anger, avoid being consumed by worldly competition, and come early to Jumu'ah. The goal is to keep our hearts focused on Allah and the message we are trying to live.

  1. What distraction makes it hardest for you to focus on prayer or school, and what could you try this week?
  2. When might changing the subject be wiser than winning an argument?
Where it was given

The masjid

Islamic Center of Glendale700 S Adams St, Glendale, CA 91205Jumu'ah Khutbah 1:10 to 1:40 PMArchiveAll khutbahs at ICG31 khutbahs
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