Repentance & taqwaFrom the masjid's own video, Aug 1, 2025.

Taqwa means obeying Allah everywhere

“Taqwa is to be mindful of Allah subhanahu wa ta'ala.”

The khateeb, at 16:18

In one sentence

Muslims should cultivate taqwa by obeying Allah everywhere, repenting through good deeds after mistakes, and showing excellent character toward everyone, especially parents.

The khutbah in 5 steps

  1. Introduces a hadith from Jami' at-Tirmidhi about taqwa, repentance, and good character.
  2. Defines taqwa as awareness of Allah, obedience, and avoiding what displeases Him.
  3. Encourages sincere tawbah and following sins with good deeds while trusting Allah's mercy.
  4. Applies good character to all people, including non-Muslims, and emphasizes honoring parents.
  5. Concludes that taqwa and ethical conduct bring success and communicate Islam through daily behavior.
Try this week
Practice taqwa in private, at school, at work, and in the masjid.
Make sincere tawbah by regretting the sin and resolving not to return to it.
Follow minor sins with good deeds such as dhikr, Quran reading, prayer, or charity.
Treat Muslims and non-Muslims with honesty, kindness, respect, and excellent work.
Honor, obey, and show kindness to parents unless they command disobedience to Allah.
Sources the khateeb cited
Jami` at-TirmidhiA three-part counsel: fear Allah everywhere, follow bad deeds with good ones, and treat people well.
Quotes

In the khateeb's words

“taqwa is to stay from anything that would displease Allah subhanahu wa ta'ala taqwa is to be mindful of Allah subhanahu wa ta'ala”
Masjid Fatima · Catonsville, MD
Play from 16:18
“all we need to do is stand in front of Allah subhanahu wa ta'ala and have a sincere tawbah regret that you have committed that sin”
Masjid Fatima · Catonsville, MD
Play from 20:41
Talk about it at home

For the dinner table

Today's khutbah taught us that taqwa means remembering Allah and choosing what pleases Him wherever we are. When we make mistakes, we should not give up; we should sincerely repent and follow the mistake with a good deed. The speaker also reminded us to treat every person with kindness, honesty, and respect. Our parents deserve special care and obedience, except when they ask us to disobey Allah. When our character reflects Islam, our daily actions can become a form of dawah.

  1. What helps you remember Allah when nobody else is watching?
  2. What good deed could you do after making a mistake?
  3. How can kindness at school or work show your Islamic values?