Respect differences to build a healthy community
“We are human. We disagree. We see things differently.”
The khutbah argues that a healthy Muslim community is built by welcoming strangers, respecting differences, grounding religious practice in the Qur’an and Sunnah, and preparing for death through faith and ethical conduct.
The khutbah in 6 steps
- Urges everyone to greet, smile at, and make room for newcomers in the masjid.
- Explains that Muslims come from different cultures and should handle disagreement without anger.
- Introduces a Sahih Muslim hadith about the Prophet teaching and warning his ummah.
- Argues that religious knowledge should come from the Qur’an, Sunnah, and trustworthy teaching rather than online searches.
- Connects trials and confusion to the need for sound faith and submission to Allah and His Messenger.
- Closes by emphasizing mutual respect, inevitable death, and preparation through belief, good deeds, love, and charity.
In the khateeb's words
“even whether you know, whether you know the person or not, give salam, smile.”
“We are human. We disagree. We see things differently. So we should keep that in mind. And that itself, it's a blessing.”
“What we like others to come to us, to respect us, we should respect others. We like others to be kind and gentle with us, we should do the same thing.”
“whether you like it or not, you're going to die.”
For the dinner table
Imam Abdullahi reminded us that a welcoming community begins with simple things: giving salam, smiling, and noticing people we do not know. We come from different backgrounds, so we need patience and respect when we disagree. He encouraged us to learn our faith from knowledgeable teachers and to accept correction with humility, guided by the Qur'an and Sunnah. He reminded us to hold on to faith through life's trials and to treat others with the kindness, honesty, and gentleness we want for ourselves. Remembering that we will return to Allah can help us make time for good deeds, charity, and caring for one another.
- How could you help someone new feel included at the masjid or school?
- When you disagree with a sibling or friend, what could help you respond gently?
- What good deed would you like us to do together this week?
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