3:32 our principles should…18:05 these small things…33:58 don't try to become…
Prayer & worshipFrom the masjid's own video, Mar 27, 2026.

Sunnah keeps worship alive through crisis

Imam al-Asr
Watch the khutbahFamily kit
In one sentence

The khutbah argues that emulating the Prophet's Sunnah in prayer, manners, and personal hygiene, especially siwak, wudu, and Friday ghusl, keeps spiritual discipline and ethical conduct alive even amid war and social crisis.

The khutbah in 7 steps

  1. Remembers the destruction of sacred sites in Jannatul Baqi and warns against division and historical erasure.
  2. Explains why crises must not distract Muslims from prayer, obligations, and adab, using Imam Ali during battle.
  3. Discusses funeral etiquette and the importance of learning religious manners gently and thoughtfully.
  4. Presents siwak as both oral hygiene and a way to honor the mouth used for Quran and dhikr.
  5. Recommends regular wudu while emphasizing moderation and conservation of water.
  6. Explains the spiritual value of Friday ghusl and recommends combining it with wudu as a precaution.
  7. Closes with prayers for oppressed Muslims and a Quranic call to justice and kindness.
Try this week
Use a toothbrush, miswak, or finger for siwak, especially before sleep, night worship, Fajr, and prayer.
Maintain wudu throughout the day and renew it after sleeping or dozing.
Perform two rak'ahs after renewing wudu when possible.
Turn off the faucet and use modest amounts of water for wudu and ghusl.
Perform Friday ghusl with the intention of Ghusl al-Jumu'ah, and perform wudu as a precaution.
Associate oral hygiene with dhikr so gossip, lying, insults, and angry speech become harder to choose.
Quotes

In the khateeb's words

“our principles should not be governed by our interests or our vendettas they should be governed by our principles and in fact that is what determines our long-term interests as well”
Imam al-Asr · Alexandria, VA
Play from 3:32
“these small things about how to do your prayer how to live your life and how to go about your day they are much more important than they may seem on the surface”
Imam al-Asr · Alexandria, VA
Play from 18:05
“don't try to become more clean or more pious by wasting water following the sunnah is what brings barakah”
Imam al-Asr · Alexandria, VA
Play from 33:58
Talk about it at home

For the dinner table

The khutbah began by remembering the destruction of sacred sites in Jannatul Baqi and praying that Muslims overcome division. It reminded us that even when wars and injustices fill the news, prayer, good manners, and daily religious practice must remain steady. Brushing the teeth or using siwak is not only about fresh breath; it honors the mouth Allah gave us for dhikr and Quran and can help us avoid harmful speech. The khateeb encouraged regular wudu, careful water use, and Friday ghusl. He also reminded listeners to learn funeral etiquette gently and closed with prayers for Muslims suffering oppression and a call to justice and kindness.

  1. How can we take better care of the mouth Allah gave us for remembering Him?
  2. What is one way we can save water during wudu or bathing?
  3. How can prayer and good manners help us when the world feels frightening or unfair?
Where it was given

The masjid

Imam al-Asr Masjid5501 Cherokee Ave, Alexandria, VA 22312Jumu'ah 1:15 PMArchiveAll khutbahs at Imam al-Asr9 khutbahs
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