4:59 what identifies me and…25:05 Are we well equipped…
GratitudeFrom the masjid's own video, Nov 28, 2025.

Use Allah's blessings in ways that please Him

Al-Hidaya · Djafer Sebkhaoui

“Make use of the good but protect ourselves from the evil.”

The khateeb, at 25:05

Watch the khutbahFamily kit
In one sentence

Muslims should make Islam their primary identity, recognize Allah as the source of every blessing, and use those blessings, including social media, only in ways pleasing to Him.

The khutbah in 6 steps

  1. Thanksgiving prompts reflection on Muslim identity within American culture and history.
  2. Islam should be the primary identity, with cultural practices filtered through the Quran and Sunnah.
  3. Parents must actively nurture their children’s Muslim identity and understand their struggles.
  4. Gratitude means recognizing Allah’s blessings, praising Him, and using those blessings obediently.
  5. Social media requires disciplined use to benefit from its good and avoid its harms.
  6. The speaker invites the community to an evening discussion on navigating social media safely.
Try this week
Complete the first row before sitting in later rows.
Filter cultural practices through Islam, the Quran, and the Sunnah.
Sit with children, teenagers, and grandchildren and listen honestly to their concerns.
Recognize Allah’s blessings, praise Him, and use them only in ways pleasing to Him.
Attend the evening halaqah from 6:30 until Isha about navigating social media safely.
Sources the khateeb cited
Surah 1Used to show that Muslims repeatedly praise Allah and give thanks in prayer.
Quotes

In the khateeb's words

“what identifies me and you is the fact that you are a muslim”
Al-Hidaya · Latham, NY
Play from 4:59
“Are we well equipped To make use of the good But protect ourselves from the evil”
Al-Hidaya · Latham, NY
Play from 25:05
Talk about it at home

For the dinner table

The khateeb connected the Thanksgiving season with a reminder that our deepest identity is Islam, even as Muslims participate in many cultures. He encouraged us to use the Qur’an and Sunnah as a filter, keeping what fits our faith and leaving what does not. He taught that every blessing, including life, our abilities, and guidance to Islam, comes from Allah. Real shukr means recognizing blessings, saying thanks, and using them in ways that please Allah. He also urged parents and elders to make time for honest conversations with children and youth, including about social media and questions of faith.

  1. What is one blessing you noticed today, and how could you thank Allah for it?
  2. How can our family use phones or social media in a way that shows shukr?
  3. What would make it easier for you to ask an honest question about faith at home?
Where it was given

The masjid

Al-Hidaya Center of Latham322 Troy Schenectady Rd, Latham, NY 12110Jumu'ah 12:00 PM & 1:30 PMKhateebDjafer SebkhaouiMore khutbahsArchiveAll khutbahs at Al-Hidaya53 khutbahs
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