Beneficial knowledge should build future generations
“The purpose of ilim is to fix you, not to fix others.”
Beneficial knowledge must transform us into people who fulfill our God-given responsibilities, especially the responsibility to nurture righteous future generations, rather than judge others or serve personal desires.
The khutbah in 6 steps
- Distinguishes beneficial, practiced knowledge from knowledge used to judge or correct others.
- Explains that every person receives responsibilities connected to life stages and roles.
- Uses the Prophet, Asma bint Umays, al-Ghazali, and al-Bukhari as examples of hidden builders.
- Critiques self-centered conflict and the misuse of time, wealth, and intellect for personal desire.
- Calls families and the wider ummah to take religion and generational responsibility seriously.
- Concludes with accountability, prayers for the suffering, and a masjid project announcement.
In the khateeb's words
“Because the purpose of ilim is to fix you, not to fix others.”
“What is this world? The place of responsibility and fulfilling responsibility.”
“The purpose of both of you is to build something great.”
For the dinner table
Imam Kashif reminded us that learning about Islam should help us change our own behavior, rather than become a way to judge other people. Each of us has responsibilities, and caring for those responsibilities is part of serving Allah. He highlighted the quiet work of mothers who nurtured children and helped shape future generations. He urged families to keep children's care and religious upbringing in view instead of letting personal arguments take over. Our time, abilities, and wealth are gifts from Allah that we can use to care for others and build something that benefits people after we are gone.
- What is something you have learned about Islam that you could practice tomorrow?
- Who quietly helps you grow, and how could you thank them?
- How could we use some of our family's time this week to help someone else?
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