Civic engagementFrom the masjid's own video, Sep 3, 2025.

Justice must stand above personal interests

“The Quranic standards transcend consideration of race, religion, color, and creed.”

The khateeb, at 27:52

In one sentence

Justice is a fundamental Islamic duty requiring believers to oppose oppression, uphold fairness universally, and pursue peace without transgression.

The khutbah in 6 steps

  1. Begins with Qur'anic reminders about accountability, remembrance, and preparing for the Hereafter.
  2. Urges respectful khutbah etiquette and cleanliness in the mosque.
  3. Uses prophetic and Qur'anic examples to show that oppressors face worldly and divine justice.
  4. Explains that Islamic justice applies universally, including during conflict and toward noncombatants.
  5. Calls believers to uphold justice even against themselves, relatives, or personal interests.
  6. Concludes with prayers for a just, peaceful world and supplications for the sick and deceased.
Try this week
Turn off cell phones and do not use them during the khutbah.
Maintain mosque cleanliness by removing shoes before entering the bathroom and avoiding wet or barefoot entry into the musalla.
Kindly remind others about mosque cleanliness when needed.
Call out and help prevent injustice.
Stand for justice even when it conflicts with personal or family interests.
Pray for the sick and for those who have passed away.
Sources the khateeb cited
Surah 11Uses the destruction of unjust communities to illustrate the severity of divine justice.
Surah 4Teaches that Allah commits no injustice and commands justice even against oneself and one's kin.
Surah 57Presents revelation, scripture, and the balance as means for humanity to establish justice.
Quotes

In the khateeb's words

“Brothers and sisters, through His verses, Allah subhanahu wa ta'ala commands us to uphold justice among ourselves. To call out to prevent any injustices.”
ICSC · Koreatown, CA
Play from 25:36
“And Islam's approach to justice is comprehensive and also all-embracing. And the Quranic standards transcend consideration of race, religion, color, and creed. Basically, justice for all.”
ICSC · Koreatown, CA
Play from 27:52
“So primarily, brothers and sisters, Islamic law requires that fighting be directed only against the enemy combatants, no one else.”
ICSC · Koreatown, CA
Play from 29:17
“And my final thought that justice in Islam is a holistic principle aimed at creating a fair and equitable society, ensuring that the rights of all individuals are respected and also protected.”
ICSC · Koreatown, CA
Play from 34:20
Talk about it at home

For the dinner table

Today, Sheikh Asim reminded us that justice is a central part of our faith and a responsibility we share. Being fair means respecting everyone's rights, even when doing so goes against our own interests or those of someone we love. He explained that even conflict does not excuse harming civilians or treating prisoners cruelly. He also reminded us that Allah values our hearts and deeds, rather than our appearances. As a family, we can practice these teachings by treating people fairly, speaking up about wrongdoing, and praying and working for a more peaceful world.

  1. What is one way we can make things fairer for everyone at home this week?
  2. How could you stand up for someone being treated unfairly while speaking respectfully?
  3. What good deed could you do for someone you find difficult to get along with?