The ummah & current eventsFrom the masjid's own video, Apr 10, 2026.

Muslims must speak against oppression

“How can we not talk about it when children are dying, when the weak are oppressed?”

The khateeb, at 23:03

In one sentence

The khutbah argues that Muslims must recognize and speak against oppression, support voiceless victims, and overcome disunity, love of worldly life, and fear of death that allow others to exploit them.

The khutbah in 6 steps

  1. Opens with praise of Allah, taqwa, truthful speech, and accountability.
  2. Frames attacks on Muslim communities and countries as oppression that must be addressed.
  3. Uses hadiths about confronting wrongdoing and the ship parable to argue for collective responsibility.
  4. Discusses Muslim disunity, worldly attachment, and fear of death as sources of weakness.
  5. Argues that selective standards in international conflicts reveal political and economic power abuses.
  6. Concludes by criticizing powerful actors who claim to protect the world while contributing to corruption and violence.
Try this week
Speak against wrongdoing and oppression when possible.
Raise awareness of suffering and amplify people who lack a voice, including through social media.
Assist people who are unable to speak or protect themselves.
Resist excessive attachment to worldly life and fear of death by strengthening faith and communal solidarity.
Sources the khateeb cited
Sahih MuslimExplained that Muslim weakness comes from disunity, love of worldly life, and fear of death.
Surah 2Used the passage about corruptors claiming to be reformers to criticize those causing destruction.
Quotes

In the khateeb's words

“If he cannot, then he should at least speak against it. Call the perpetrators out!”
Nigerian Islamic Association · Chicago
Play from 18:18
“So even if you cannot do anything, praise and raising your voice, posting on social media, draw the attention of everyone.”
Nigerian Islamic Association · Chicago
Play from 20:54
“Therefore, it is imperative for us to talk about it. How can we not talk about it when children are dying, when the weak are oppressed?”
Nigerian Islamic Association · Chicago
Play from 23:03
“Love for this dunya and the fear of death, isn't it what is happening? We love our dunya, we don't want to die.”
Nigerian Islamic Association · Chicago
Play from 37:12
Talk about it at home

For the dinner table

The khateeb urged us to care about people who are suffering, especially children and others who need protection. He reminded us to oppose wrongdoing and to speak up when we cannot directly change it. Through a story about people sharing a ship, he explained that ignoring harm can put everyone at risk. He also emphasized honesty, helping fellow Muslims, and the need for greater cooperation within the community. His message invites us to reflect on how our faith can guide us toward compassion, courage, and practical support for others.

  1. What could you say if you saw someone being treated unfairly?
  2. How could our family help someone who is having a difficult week?
  3. What does the story of the shared ship teach you about caring for others?