Faith grows through gratitude and humility
“Let us commit to be better Muslims, better believers.”
The khutbah argues that genuine faith is shown through gratitude, humility, and humane conduct, requiring Muslims to resist arrogance, prejudice, and harmful influences by renewing their commitment to Qur'anic living.
The khutbah in 6 steps
- Introduces truth and faith alongside bigotry and disbelief, urging careful evaluation of human relationships.
- Defines kufr as both disbelief and ingratitude, contrasting it with iman and gratitude.
- Explains arrogance and bigotry through the example of Iblis thinking he was better than Adam.
- Uses clay and jinn imagery to discuss human impressionability, harmful influence, domination, and wishing harm.
- Warns that materialism, racism, sexism, and cultural pressures can weaken faith and social responsibility.
- Reframes Jumu'ah as leaving sins behind, renewing commitment, improving character, and serving the community.
In the khateeb's words
“The word Kufa has a base also of thanklessness, ingratitude. The same word that means disbelief is the same word that describes somebody that is ungrateful, the same word, Kufa.”
“The human being has that kind of impressionable characteristic. Iblis, on the other hand, is identified as a djinn.”
“He wants us to leave those sins that sometimes we've committed. He wants us to bring a renewed commitment to live this life that Allah, S.W. Allah describes in the Quran.”
“Let us commit to be better Muslims, better believers. Let us commit to improve our consciousness, our character, and fight the weakness of our evilism that sometimes comes within our own selves.”
For the dinner table
Today, the imam reminded us that faith should show in our gratitude, honesty, and treatment of other people. He warned that pride, jealousy, and thinking others are beneath us can damage our character and our community. Growing as Muslims takes humility: we need to admit when we can do better and accept correction. He compared people to clay, reminding us that our words and actions leave impressions on others. He encouraged us to leave Jumu'ah with a renewed commitment to live by Allah's guidance and help improve the world around us.
- How could you show gratitude through an action tomorrow?
- What is a kind word someone said that has stayed with you?
- What could our family do this week to help someone in our community?
The masjid
More on Character & conduct
The strong is the one who controls himself while in anger.10:16Masjid Al-Noor · Waterloo, IA · Oct 31, 2026Control anger before it causes harm
Peer pressure is an issue that is just as applicable to adults as it is to children.5:08The Rayyan Center · Plymouth, MI · Oct 31, 2026Adults must choose their influences
Lowering your gaze is cleaner to your heart and fulfilling the amanah that Allah gave you.1:03:23Rahma Center · Lake Forest, CA · Oct 30, 2026Every trust from Allah must be honored