The Prophets & seerahFrom the masjid's own video, May 1, 2026.

The Prophet led through counsel and shared work

“Are we doing the dirty work?”

The khateeb, at 27:41

In one sentence

The life of the Prophet, especially his conduct during the Battle of the Trench, teaches Muslims to seek counsel, do difficult communal work, and deepen relationships while trusting Allah through crises.

The khutbah in 5 steps

  1. The khutbah opens with taqwa, submission, blessings on Prophet Muhammad, and prayers for the community.
  2. Salman al-Farisi’s trench idea illustrates seeking outside perspectives and consulting others in crises.
  3. The Prophet’s participation in digging makes leadership and community-building a shared, messy responsibility.
  4. The rock-and-light episode is used to affirm divine purpose, hope, and Muslim dignity in Los Angeles.
  5. Listeners are urged to dig deeply into family and community relationships and close with prayer.
Try this week
Seek a second opinion or trusted outside help when facing a personal, family, or financial crisis.
Participate in the unglamorous behind-the-scenes work that sustains the masjid and community.
Work deliberately on relationships with parents, children, siblings, and community members rather than remaining superficial.
Make heartfelt du'a during difficult situations and do not belittle its power.
Quotes

In the khateeb's words

“The prophet. Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam. Was not shy. To seek help. Shy. To see. What are the thoughts. Of the first believers.”
At-Thohir · Koreatown, CA
Play from 10:36
“Sometimes they see. The beauty. Of the chandelier. Of the masjid. But we don't know. What happened. Behind the scenes. We don't know. The blood sweat. And tears. Of what went down. Towards. Sustaining. And. Towards. A thriving community.”
At-Thohir · Koreatown, CA
Play from 20:22
“Our part for us. Is to. Dig. In the trenches. That we have. Are we doing the digging. Are we doing the dirty work. Are we working with it. Or are we just on the surface. And doing nothing.”
At-Thohir · Koreatown, CA
Play from 27:41
Talk about it at home

For the dinner table

Today’s khutbah used the Battle of the Trench as a guide for Muslim life. The Prophet consulted people around him, welcomed Salman al-Farisi’s outside perspective, and worked alongside the community in the trench. We were encouraged to seek help when facing problems, do the hidden and messy work of building a community, and dig deeper into family relationships. The sermon also reminded us to make sincere du'a and trust that Allah can bring light and purpose even in difficult times.

  1. What kind of community work would you be willing to do even if nobody noticed?
  2. When might asking someone for advice be a sign of strength?
  3. What relationship in our family could use more patience and attention?