8:20 We prioritize building…8:46 It does not mean that…
Civic engagementFrom the masjid's own video, Dec 3, 2025.

Faith should shape how Muslims serve society

Pillars · John Ederer

“We prioritize building generations of devout Muslims known for excellence who are committed citizens defined by their faith in the public square outside of the mosque.”

The khateeb, at 8:20

Watch the khutbahFamily kit
In one sentence

Muslim identity in America should be rooted first in Islam while integrating into and serving the surrounding society as exemplary neighbors and citizens.

The khutbah in 6 steps

  1. Warns against treating political victories as final and urges believers to root themselves in faith.
  2. Presents Pillars' mission of devotion, excellence, and nurturing American Muslims who serve society.
  3. Argues that Muslim and American identities can coexist, drawing on the Prophet's relationship to his people and homeland.
  4. Defines civic responsibility through being an ideal neighbor and promoting society's welfare.
  5. Calls for abandoning tribalism, learning local language and civic life, and living openly as Muslims.
  6. Closes with urgency about the battle of ideas and prayers for guidance, oppressed communities, and a beneficial future.
Try this week
Study Islam and Muslim history before the modern nation-state era, including the Islamic golden age.
Learn the language, customs, history, and governance of the place where you live.
Build relationships with neighbors and participate in local civic responsibilities such as a homeowners association.
Practice Islam openly and consistently, modeling a confident Muslim identity for children.
Respond respectfully when Islam is misrepresented and help children recognize and answer false portrayals.
Sources the khateeb cited
Quran 8:36-37Used to frame hostile spending against God's way as ultimately futile and as revealing the difference between corrupt and sincere agendas.
Quran 14:4Used to argue that messengers understand and communicate with their own communities.
Quran 3:164Used to emphasize that the Prophet came from among his own people and understood their context.
Quran 3:104Used to define the community's responsibility to promote good, oppose harm, and benefit humanity.
Quran 3:110Used to define the community's responsibility to promote good, oppose harm, and benefit humanity.
Sahih MuslimUsed through the statement that the Prophet was sent with mercy rather than curses.
Quotes

In the khateeb's words

“We prioritize building generations of devout Muslims known for excellence who are committed citizens defined by their faith in the public square outside of the mosque.”
Pillars · University City, NC
Play from 8:20
“It does not mean that we want to Americanize Islam. Actually we want to Islamicize being American.”
Pillars · University City, NC
Play from 8:46
Talk about it at home

For the dinner table

Imam John Ederer reminds us that devotion to Allah and growing in goodness should guide our lives. He encourages us to live our faith with confidence wherever we are, including school, work, and the neighborhood. Being Muslim and belonging to the place where we live can go together, while faith guides our choices. He asks us to understand the people around us, become caring neighbors, and work for the good of society. He also reminds parents that children learn from their example and encourages families to build confidence through learning about Islam and its history.

  1. What is one way you could show kindness to a neighbor this week?
  2. When someone misunderstands Islam, what would help you explain your beliefs calmly and confidently?
  3. What is something about Islam or Muslim history you would like us to learn together?
Where it was given

The masjid

Pillars Mosque3116 Johnston Oehler Rd, Charlotte, NC 28269Jumu'ah 12:00 PM, 1:00 PM, and 2:10 PMKhateebJohn EdererMore khutbahsArchiveAll khutbahs at Pillars156 khutbahs
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