Prayer & worshipFrom the masjid's own video, Oct 3, 2025.
Act before you feel motivated
IMAAM Center · Aamir D.Taqwa
“You're not called to be motivated first.”
In one sentence
Because motivation naturally fluctuates, Muslims should not wait to feel motivated before worshipping; they should establish consistent acts and ask Allah to strengthen their devotion.
The khutbah in 6 steps
- Opens with praise, blessings, and a reminder to live and die in taqwa.
- Introduces fluctuating motivation in exercise, study, work, and worship.
- Uses a hadith about zeal and decline to normalize motivational ups and downs.
- Explains the Tabuk example and Surah At-Tawbah's call to act despite reluctance.
- Argues that action precedes motivation and emphasizes establishing the five daily prayers.
- Closes with the post-prayer dua taught to Mu'adh and a hadith affirming Islam's basic practices.
Try this week
Establish the five daily prayers even when motivation is low.
After each prayer, ask Allah for help with remembrance, gratitude, and excellent worship.
Take the first concrete step instead of waiting to feel motivated.
Build consistent habits through basic acts of faith, including prayer, fasting, and Quran recitation.
Sources the khateeb cited
Surah 9The Tabuk passage shows believers being called to act despite hesitation and worldly attachments.
Jami` at-TirmidhiThe hadith about zeal and decline explains that motivation naturally fluctuates.
Sahih MuslimThe account of prayer and Ramadan emphasizes the importance of establishing Islam's basic practices.
Quotes
In the khateeb's words
“What I'm here to tell you today, brothers and sisters, this is not just for the new Muslim, but the Prophet sallallahu alayhi wa sallam was describing the nature of human beings.”
“don't give that up for any reason. No matter what your motivation, no matter what your willpower, no matter where you are.”
“She said, if you really want to become motivated to go to the gym, go to the gym. Go once, go twice, and then you become motivated.”
“So in other words, you're called to action, brothers and sisters. You're not called to be motivated first. You're called to action first.”
Talk about it at home
For the dinner table
The khutbah explains that motivation naturally rises and falls, including in worship. When we do not feel motivated, that does not mean we should give up prayer, fasting, or other basic acts of faith. The story of Tabuk shows that believers may struggle internally but are still called to act. The speaker encourages us to begin with action and ask Allah after prayer to help us remember Him, be grateful, and worship well. Small, steady habits can become a path toward Allah's pleasure.
- What is one good action you can begin even when you do not feel motivated?
- Which daily habit helps you remember Allah and stay grateful?
- How can our family encourage one another to keep the basic prayers?
Keep listening
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