Remember liberation by resisting injustice
“What ultimately matters is how you end.”
Remembering liberation from oppression in Muharram should lead Muslims to resist violence and injustice through reconciliation, safe homes, and responsible action locally and globally.
The khutbah in 4 steps
- Explains Muharram’s sanctity and Ashura’s connection to Musa’s rescue from Pharaoh.
- Connects Ashura’s liberation theme to Juneteenth and enslaved African Muslims.
- Extends the duty against oppression into marriage and family life.
- Calls listeners to fast Ashura, repair relationships, seek help, and pursue justice.
In the khateeb's words
“when it comes down to it, it doesn't matter where you were born or what tribe or country or language or status that you may have started life in, rather what ultimately matters is how you end.”
“If someone's bleeding on the ground, that's what you should do. But what happened is many people, their instinct was to pull out their cell phone and start recording.”
“But to be the one to step in and say, Hey, we're all brothers at the end of the day. What are we doing?”
“the believers who have the most complete iman are the ones who have the best character who carry themselves in the best way”
For the dinner table
Today’s khutbah reminded us that Muharram is a sacred month and that fasting Ashura remembers Musa’s rescue from Pharaoh. The lesson is not only to remember past liberation, but to help end oppression and violence around us now. We should calm conflicts, help people in danger instead of recording, and make our homes places of safety, mercy, and peace. If a relationship or household needs repair, we should seek trusted help and do the work. We can fast, make dua, support oppressed people, and pursue justice beginning with the responsibilities closest to us.
- When have you helped calm down a difficult situation?
- What makes a home feel peaceful and safe?
- What is one responsibility close to us that we should act on?
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