Repentance & taqwaFrom the masjid's own video, Jul 13, 2026.

Taqwa means serving Allah and caring for the oppressed

“If you put all your attention toward Allah's commandments, then you don't have to worry about anything else out there.”

The khateeb, at 35:47

In one sentence

Taqwa is recognizing complete dependence and servitude to Allah, fulfilling one's duties, leaving outcomes to Him, and extending care to the oppressed.

The khutbah in 6 steps

  1. Explains humanity’s essential dependence on Allah and the relationship this creates.
  2. Uses Surah al-Ikhlas and the meaning of al-Samad to describe Allah’s absolute independence and universal authority.
  3. Defines servitude through ownership, surrendering outcomes, and commitment to obligations and recommended deeds.
  4. Shows how servitude changes attitudes toward possessions, anxiety, love, and ordinary actions.
  5. Uses the Agha Behjat story to illustrate focused obedience and avoiding spiritual distraction.
  6. Expands taqwa from personal devotion to social responsibility toward oppressed people worldwide.
Try this week
Recognize dependence on Allah throughout daily life and view possessions, abilities, family, and wealth as entrusted by Him.
Focus on fulfilling present duties while leaving final outcomes to Allah.
Intentionally turn ordinary actions such as eating, working, marrying, raising children, and sleeping into ibadah.
Avoid showing off by staying occupied with Allah’s commands and obligations.
Maintain social taqwa by caring about oppression and the rights of people worldwide.
Travelers who prayed Jumu'ah should perform salat al-zuhar individually as a precaution.
Sources the khateeb cited
Surah 112Used to explain Allah’s oneness, independence, and universal dependence on Him.
Quotes

In the khateeb's words

“the moment you realize no it's not me it's Allah who's in charge i just had to go do my duty and that's it whatever befalls upon you like alhamdulillah”
NEJAF Islamic Center · Milford, MA
Play from 28:35
“everything you do in this life can be ibadah if you realize why you're doing it for and who you're doing it for”
NEJAF Islamic Center · Milford, MA
Play from 30:51
“if you put all your attention toward Allah's commandments then you don't have to worry about anything else out there”
NEJAF Islamic Center · Milford, MA
Play from 35:47
“the taqwa in reality is that we realize all of this that we are in reality owned by Allah He's a master He controls everything”
NEJAF Islamic Center · Milford, MA
Play from 37:11
Talk about it at home

For the dinner table

The khutbah teaches that every person depends on Allah at every moment, even when we try to become independent. Taqwa means recognizing that Allah owns everything, doing our duties, and trusting Him with the results. With the right intention, ordinary acts such as working, eating, caring for family, and sleeping can become worship. Taqwa also means noticing the suffering of others and taking responsibility for the rights of oppressed people.

  1. What is one thing we have that we should treat as Allah’s trust?
  2. What duty can we focus on this week instead of worrying about the result?
  3. How can our family show social taqwa for people who are suffering?