Civic engagementFrom the masjid's own video, Sep 11, 2026.
Build relationships and serve everyone
“We shouldn't wait for people to come to us.”
In one sentence
American Muslims fulfill their religious responsibility by embodying mercy through patient relationship-building and service to all people, regardless of political results or social hostility.
The khutbah in 6 steps
- Opens with taqwa: conscious decisions, repentance, and success in both lives.
- Recalls 9/11 and neighborly and workplace solidarity shown to American Muslims afterward.
- Rejects civilian targeting, warns against letting Islamophobic frustration lead to injustice, and invokes Quranic mercy and blessing.
- Calls Muslims to connect across differences, serve struggling people, and bring relief wherever they are.
- Argues that relationships and service have produced progress, while many Americans still have never met a Muslim.
- Closes by urging patience, compassion, moral consistency, and service independent of political outcomes, followed by prayer.
Try this week
Initiate conversations and build relationships with people who may not share your faith or values.
Go to people rather than waiting for them to approach Muslims.
Serve people who are struggling and offer practical relief.
Smile and greet neighbors and fellow Americans.
Remain patient, compassionate, and morally consistent when facing misunderstanding or hostility.
Quotes
In the khateeb's words
“Islam unequivocally condemns any deliberate targeting. Any targeting, let alone killing of civilians and non-combatants.”
“We have to be courageous enough To communicate and to connect To have conversations And to be around people who might not share the same values that we do”
“And we shouldn't wait for people to come to us We should be going to the people”
Talk about it at home
For the dinner table
The khateeb reminded us that taqwa means being conscious of Allah in our everyday decisions. He shared how simple kindness from neighbors helped Muslims feel seen as people rather than stereotypes after 9/11. Muslims should carry mercy into society by greeting others, building relationships, and serving people who are struggling. We should remain patient, compassionate, and faithful to our values while asking Allah to use us for the good of those around us.
- Who could we greet or get to know better this week?
- Where might our family be able to serve someone who is struggling?
- How can we stay kind when someone misunderstands us?
Keep listening
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