3:06 Those are the best of…4:32 Authority is not a…
Civic engagementFrom the masjid's own video, Sep 19, 2026.

Authority is a trust, not a prize

CLIC · Waleed Basyouni

“Authority is not a prize to the strongest among us.”

The khateeb, at 4:32

Watch the khutbahFamily kit
In one sentence

Islam teaches that authority is a trust, so people should protect the weak, advise leaders, participate in elections, and preserve civic rights for future generations.

The khutbah in 6 steps

  1. The Prophet protects a desert man's right and teaches that a blessed society lets the weak claim justice without fear.
  2. Ja'far's account contrasts pre-Islamic power with Islam's view of authority as a trust.
  3. Quranic guidance, Abu Bakr's example, and the principle of al-nasihah establish accountability for leaders.
  4. Voting and public consent are presented as compatible with Islamic principles and necessary for legitimate leadership.
  5. The sermon connects voting participation to harmful curriculum decisions and historical barriers to voting.
  6. Listeners are urged to verify registration, vote, involve others, and improve civic access for their children.
Try this week
Check voter registration after renewing a driver's license or changing address.
Update registration by October 5th and vote during early voting or on election day.
Contact representatives and other officials through calls and emails to hold them accountable.
Bring family and friends into registration and voting efforts.
Read about the history of voting in America.
Sources the khateeb cited
Quran 4:58Commands returning trusts to their rightful owners and judging between people with justice.
Quotes

In the khateeb's words

“Those are the best of people, no blessing settled on a nation in which the weak cannot claim his right without stammering, without hesitation, without fear”
CLIC · Clear Lake, TX
Play from 3:06
“Authority is not a prize. Authority is not a prize to the strongest among us. It's not a prize the strongest people take or the strong take. It's a trust the people give.”
CLIC · Clear Lake, TX
Play from 4:32
Talk about it at home

For the dinner table

Today's khutbah reminded us that everyone deserves to have their rights respected, including people who feel weak or afraid to speak. The khateeb told a story in which the Prophet protected a man's right to repayment even though the man spoke roughly. He explained that authority is a trust, and people in charge should listen, act fairly, and accept correction. He connected these responsibilities to voting and holding public officials accountable, encouraging people to turn frustration into constructive action. He also reminded us to care for the rights we inherited and work toward something better for our children.

  1. What could we do at home to help everyone feel comfortable speaking up about something unfair?
  2. When someone points out a mistake you made, what helps you listen and learn?
  3. What is one thing you hope children growing up after you will have better than you do?
Where it was given

The masjid

Clear Lake Islamic Center17511 El Camino Real, Houston, TX 77058Jumu'ah 1:30 PM & 2:45 PMKhateebWaleed BasyouniMore khutbahsArchiveAll khutbahs at CLIC33 khutbahs
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