Justice must stand above personal interests
“Oppression is defined as the act of exploiting differences and establishing dominance over others.”
The khutbah argues that Muslims must reject oppression, uphold universal justice even against their own interests, and trust that divine accountability ultimately prevails.
The khutbah in 6 steps
- Defines dhulm as oppression and justice as dignity, fairness, and equal opportunity.
- Distinguishes oppression against Allah, oneself, and other people.
- Uses prophetic history, the Meccan boycott, and Palestine to illustrate oppression and suffering.
- Explains that divine justice will hold oppressors accountable when human justice fails.
- Presents Islamic wartime ethics protecting civilians, prisoners, property, and the environment.
- Calls believers to uphold justice universally and concludes with prayers and community announcements.
In the khateeb's words
“Oppression is defined as the act of exploiting differences and establishing dominance over others.”
“Islamic law requires humane treatment of prisoners of war. Primarily... Islamic law requires that fighting be directed only against enemy combatants, no one else.”
For the dinner table
The khutbah teaches that Islam rejects oppression and calls believers to justice. The speaker explained that dhulm can include associating partners with Allah, wronging oneself, or harming other people, and connected the prophetic struggle against tyranny to suffering in Palestine. He reminded us that justice must protect everyone, including opponents, civilians, prisoners, and people of every race or status. We can carry this message into family and community life by noticing unfairness, speaking against it wisely, and praying for peace and relief.
- Where might unfairness appear in everyday life, and how could we respond?
- Why can it be difficult to be fair when our family or friends are involved?
- What does protecting innocent people look like when we hear about war or suffering?
More on the ummah & current events
Islam belongs to all of humanity.16:15FIC · Swartz Creek, MI · Oct 10, 2026Dawah must serve all of humanity
EPIC · Plano, TX · Aug 3, 2026The ummah must serve humanity“We have to engage the greater society and we have to better the greater society.”
18:19ICRR · Round Rock, TX · Aug 1, 2026Liberation depends on the next generation“The success of a project is not dependent on the physical completion of it, but it's dependent on if the next generation inherits your legacy or not.”