Islam calls believers to serve others
“Islam is a service; it's a religion of service.”
True Muslim excellence requires more than private ritual: believers should serve people, use blessings responsibly, accept hardship without doubting faith, and turn to Allah in sincere dua while planting lasting good.
The khutbah in 6 steps
- Introduces three misconceptions about what it means to be a good Muslim.
- Reframes Islam as service to people, neighbors, animals, and vulnerable communities, not ritual worship alone.
- Uses Qarun's wealth to explain seeking the afterlife, enjoying lawful blessings, sharing resources, and avoiding misuse.
- Explains that hardship is not evidence of weak faith and calls believers to accept Allah's decree.
- Encourages sincere dua with confidence, especially during the last third of the night, using the example of Yunus.
- Closes by urging listeners to plant beneficial actions whose effects may continue after death.
In the khateeb's words
“If Allah gives you wealth, Utilize. Enjoy it. Alhamdulillah. Give and enjoy it.”
“It is not Islam, It is not only prayer, And fasting, Islam is a service, It's a religion of service”
“It doesn't mean necessarily, You are a good Muslim, That you are not faced challenge, All human beings, By the way, It has nothing to do with faith”
For the dinner table
The imam reminded us that prayer, fasting, and reading the Quran are foundations of our faith, and that being Muslim also means caring for others. We can use whatever Allah has given us, money, knowledge, advice, or even a smile, to help people, while also enjoying His blessings. Being a good Muslim does not mean life will be free of hardship; the messengers themselves faced great challenges. When we make mistakes, we should keep turning to Allah with sincere dua instead of deciding that He will not hear us. The imam also encouraged us to do good with sincere intentions, even when the results may come long after our lifetime.
- Who could we help this week, and what could we do to make their day easier?
- What would you like to ask Allah for when something feels difficult?
- What could we start together that might still help people years from now?
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