9:34 And every oppressive…26:28 we need to build…
Civic engagementFrom the masjid's own video, Oct 30, 2026.

Resist systems that divide and control

San Ramon Valley

“We need to build bridges with people who are demonized and scapegoated.”

The khateeb, at 26:28

Watch the khutbahFamily kit
In one sentence

Pharaoh represents a recurring system that controls truth, divides people, manufactures threats, exploits media and power, and rewards loyalty, which Muslims must resist through mental independence, justice, solidarity, and patience.

The khutbah in 6 steps

  1. Frames Pharaoh as an archetypal structure rather than only a historical individual.
  2. Explains control of truth, divide-and-rule, and manufactured threats as the first pillars.
  3. Describes the alliance of political power, wealth, media, surveillance, and algorithmic demonization.
  4. Adds the demeaning of people's minds and material rewards for loyalty.
  5. Offers five responses: preserve mental agency, stand for principles, remain present, build bridges, and practice patience with certitude.
  6. Concludes with prayer and community announcements.
Try this week
Protect your mental independence and refuse to let powerful voices define reality for you.
Stand for justice, ethics, and morality even when you are standing alone.
Stay present in public life and monitor how media demonization affects your home and children.
Build bridges with communities that are demonized or scapegoated, especially those with long histories of struggle.
Practice patience and certitude during tribulation while trusting Allah's promise to support the oppressed.
Attend the youth prayer workshop, volunteer at the food bank, or refer families who need food assistance.
Sources the khateeb cited
Surah 28Uses Pharaoh's elevation, division of people, oppression, and corruption to frame a recurring governing structure.
Quotes

In the khateeb's words

“And every oppressive system Tends to project the threats In order to say I am the only one That could actually take care of you”
San Ramon Valley · San Ramon, CA
Play from 9:34
“we need to build bridges with people who are demonized and scapegoated”
San Ramon Valley · San Ramon, CA
Play from 26:28
Talk about it at home

For the dinner table

Today's khutbah explained that Pharaoh is not only a person from the past; he represents a pattern of controlling truth, dividing people, creating fear, and rewarding loyalty. We were encouraged to notice when media or powerful voices make a small group seem like a dangerous enemy. We should protect our minds and our children's minds, stand for justice even when we are outnumbered, and stay engaged with the world around us. The khateeb also asked us to build bridges with communities that have experienced scapegoating and long struggles. With patience and yaqeen, we can trust Allah while doing our part for truth and justice.

  1. What is one example of fear or division you have noticed online?
  2. How can our family build a bridge with someone who feels left out?
  3. What helps you stand for what is right when friends disagree?
Where it was given

The masjid

San Ramon Valley Islamic Center2232 Camino Ramon, San Ramon, CA 94583Jumu'ah "Jum’a Prayer", "August 28 @ 1:30 PM to 2:00 PM"ArchiveAll khutbahs at San Ramon Valley14 khutbahs
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