19:09 You're the Muslim that…21:22 I'm saying take that…24:41 If everybody here does…
Civic engagementFrom the masjid's own video, Sep 4, 2026.

Use hospitality to overcome Gaza fatigue

WCMA · Anwar Arafat

“You're the Muslim that they know.”

The khateeb, at 19:09

Watch the khutbahFamily kit
In one sentence

The khutbah argues that Muslims should overcome Gaza fatigue by using face-to-face hospitality, honest witness, and civic engagement to change hearts, build solidarity, and support the oppressed.

The khutbah in 5 steps

  1. Diagnoses Gaza fatigue and desensitization amid ongoing suffering in Gaza, the West Bank, Sudan, Kashmir, and elsewhere.
  2. Presents an “offline algorithm” of personal relationships, civic engagement, and sustained public witness.
  3. Challenges listeners to invite one non-Muslim acquaintance to a meal or coffee and build understanding through genuine conversation.
  4. Encourages persistence, humility about unanswered questions, and responsible use of phones and firsthand stories.
  5. Closes by urging Muslims to leave their bubbles, deliver Islam's message with love, and pray for oppressed communities.
Try this week
Stay engaged with suffering in Gaza, the West Bank, Sudan, Kashmir, and other oppressed communities.
Contact elected officials and express opposition to using tax dollars to support occupation, even without participating in elections.
Once a month, invite one non-Muslim coworker, neighbor, acquaintance, pastor, or friend to lunch or coffee.
Share authentic personal experience and relevant information from a phone when conversations naturally turn to Islam or Palestine.
Admit when you do not know an answer, then return to the principles you do know.
Sources the khateeb cited
Surah 5Explains the food of the People of the Book as an allowance facilitating shared meals and dialogue.
Quotes

In the khateeb's words

“You're the Muslim that they know. It's you. You're the solution.”
WCMA · Westlake, OH
Play from 19:09
“I'm saying take that brother who already knows you. Take him out to lunch.”
WCMA · Westlake, OH
Play from 21:22
“If everybody here does that, that's a thousand people that we've changed their minds.”
WCMA · Westlake, OH
Play from 24:41
Talk about it at home

For the dinner table

The khutbah acknowledges that many Muslims feel tired and numb when they see ongoing suffering in Gaza and other places. It reminds us that the Prophet's companions built understanding through greetings, shared meals, and personal conversations. Each of us can invite someone we know to lunch or coffee and let them see who we really are. We do not need to know every answer; we can be honest and say when we do not know. The speaker encourages us to leave our bubbles, care about people, and share Islam's message with love.

  1. Who could we invite for a meal or coffee so they can get to know us better?
  2. How can we stay caring about difficult news without becoming overwhelmed?
  3. What would you say if someone asked you a question about Islam that you could not answer?
Where it was given

The masjid

West Cleveland Muslim Association1255 Columbia Road, Westlake, OH 44145Jumu'ah 1:15 PM & 2:15 PMKhateebAnwar ArafatMore khutbahsArchiveAll khutbahs at WCMA23 khutbahs
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