Race toward Allah through good deeds
“You want to help and you want to be the most beneficial to the Muslims.”
Because life is a temporary test and the Hereafter is real, Muslims should build certainty in Islam and race to do good deeds, seeking closeness to Allah.
The khutbah in 7 steps
- Introduces taqwa and the three groups people will join on Judgment Day.
- Describes the forerunners as those who exceed minimum obligations and avoid disliked actions.
- Applies racing toward good deeds to giving, Quran memorization, Hajj, and helping newcomers.
- Contrasts the temporary dunya with the lasting reward of closeness to Allah.
- Argues that certainty in Islam motivates consistent worship and should be taught to children.
- Uses Quranic signs and prophetic predictions as reasons to research and strengthen faith.
- Closes with encouragement to act immediately and prayers for Muslims worldwide.
In the khateeb's words
“This dunya, you can get so distracted and you can get so lost in the process of going about your day”
“It's a drop of the ocean compared to the whole ocean or the whole sea”
“Because you want to help and you want to be the most beneficial to the Muslims”
For the dinner table
The khateeb reminded us that work, school, and everyday worries can distract us from remembering Allah. He encouraged us to aim to be among the forerunners: people who eagerly do good and seek closeness to Allah. He gave practical examples, including giving charity even in small amounts, beginning to memorize and understand the Qur'an, and helping someone new to the community. He also urged families to nurture understanding and certainty in faith, rather than relying only on inherited habits. His message invites us to choose a good deed we can begin now and keep learning together.
- What is one good deed you could take the initiative to do this week?
- How could our family help someone who is new to our community?
- What is one question about Islam you would like us to learn about together?
More on Repentance & taqwa
First, practice humility by accepting correction.28:46Worcester Islamic Center · Worcester, MA · Oct 31, 2026Arrogance hardens the heart against guidance
2:40Islamic Association of · Flower Mound, TX · Oct 24, 2026Repentance begins a life of self-discipline“Whilst you are alive, whilst you are reading, whilst you are even sitting in the masjid now, you can do Tawba with Allah.”
I want to be quick to apologize.29:24Lighthouse · Temescal · North Oakland, CA · Oct 17, 2026Move steadily in life, rush to forgiveness