Reading makes learning an act of worship
“Reading should not just be an intellectual activity but also a spiritual journey that gets us closer to our Creator Allah.”
The khutbah argues that Islam's opening command to read makes sincere, reflective, morally guided learning through revelation, creation, and beneficial education a lifelong form of worship.
The khutbah in 6 steps
- Introduces Iqra as the first revealed command and links reading to knowing Allah.
- Explains knowledge as a divine gift requiring humility, intention, and moral growth.
- Presents the pen and writing as tools that preserve knowledge and advance civilization.
- Contrasts purposeful reading with scrolling and distraction, urging Quran study and teaching children.
- Expands reading to revelation and observing creation as signs of Allah.
- Concludes with supplications, community reminders, and congregational prayer.
In the khateeb's words
“And the reading here refers not just to literacy But to seeking knowledge, reflection and understanding Whether through scripture or nature or science or even human experience”
“So then reading should not just be an intellectual activity But also a spiritual journey that gets us closer to our creator Allah subhanahu wa ta'ala”
“Sadly and unfortunately We live in an age Where reading has been replaced by scrolling And reflection replaced by distraction Yet Allah subhanahu wa ta'ala has honored us With a book Al Qur'an That begins With the call to read”
“In brief, both books are meant to guide us towards knowing, loving and submitting to Allah subhanahu wa ta'ala And all we need to do is read, reflect and emulate the beneficial knowledge inshallah”
For the dinner table
The khateeb teaches that the first word of revelation, Iqra, read, calls Muslims to keep learning. Reading should include the Qur'an, the world around us, science, history, and experiences that help us grow closer to Allah. Knowledge is a gift and a trust, so we should seek it humbly, reflect on it, and use it for good. He encourages families to read the Qur'an daily, study the Prophet's life, teach children, and ask Allah for beneficial knowledge. The goal is not information alone, but hearts and actions transformed by what we learn.
- What is one thing in nature you can observe this week as a sign of Allah's wisdom?
- What would help our family replace some scrolling with reading or reflection?
- How can we use something we learn to help someone else?
More on Seeking knowledge
IMAN Center · Kirkland, WA · Sep 19, 2026Knowledge matters only when it changes us“Sometimes the problem is knowledge without action.”
Daar-Ul-Islam · Ballwin, MO · Oct 3, 2026The first revelation calls us to learn and serve“Before any type of great transformation occurs outwardly, there must be deep reflection inwardly.”
CCIL-KBW · Laval, QC · Sep 26, 2026Protect your heart from information overload“Faire confiance à Allah ne signifie pas rester sans rien faire.”