2:45 The way we carry this…14:55 it's got to be a…19:58 we have to invest…
Civic engagementFrom the masjid's own video, Sep 3, 2025.

Build alliances and lead with Islamic values

Pillars · John Ederer

“The way we carry this message must be strategic.”

The khateeb, at 2:45

Watch the khutbahFamily kit
In one sentence

Muslims in America should pursue strategic civic empowerment by building alliances, embodying Islamic values, and actively contributing to society rather than remaining passive or separatist.

The khutbah in 6 steps

  1. Establishes faith’s call to translate guidance into society while confronting Islamophobia.
  2. Uses Qur’anic guidance to advocate wise, gentle, strategic bridge-building.
  3. Cites prophetic examples of political protection, alliances, pluralistic governance, and diplomacy.
  4. Calls American Muslims to move from defensive acceptance-seeking toward values-based civic leadership.
  5. Connects righteous conduct and home-based religious discussion to changing hostile perceptions.
  6. Urges grassroots empowerment, local investment, and community strength, closing with a prayer for empowerment.
Try this week
Promote Islamic values through dialogue and bridge-building with neighbors.
Communicate with wisdom, gentleness, and personal connection.
Work with others around shared values while accepting disagreement elsewhere.
Hold substantive family discussions about Islam, scripture, morality, purpose, and meaning.
Participate in grassroots civic work and build social and political community influence.
Represent Islamic values through tangible righteous action.
Quotes

In the khateeb's words

“The way we carry this message must be strategic. It can be haphazard. It can be trying to debate and prove points.”
Pillars · University City, NC
Play from 2:45
“it's got to be a discussion about deep values and beliefs and purpose and meaning”
Pillars · University City, NC
Play from 14:55
“we have to invest ourselves fully right here right now and if we do that history shows”
Pillars · University City, NC
Play from 19:58
Talk about it at home

For the dinner table

The khutbah says faith should be lived through good character, useful work, and responsible participation in society. Muslims should build relationships with neighbors, stand confidently for their values, and cooperate around shared commitments. The speaker uses examples from the Prophet’s life to show that wise alliances and civic strategy can protect and strengthen a community. Families should regularly discuss scripture, purpose, morality, and meaning at home. The goal is a community whose actions make Islam respected, understood, and beneficial to others.

  1. What Islamic value could our family demonstrate through an action this week?
  2. What topic about faith or purpose would you like us to discuss together?
Where it was given

The masjid

Pillars Mosque3116 Johnston Oehler Rd, Charlotte, NC 28269Jumu'ah 12:00 PM, 1:00 PM, and 2:10 PMKhateebJohn EdererMore khutbahsArchiveAll khutbahs at Pillars156 khutbahs
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