9:43 being a stranger…13:14 People who remain…15:59 Congratulations to all…
General remindersFrom the masjid's own video, Sep 3, 2025.

Why staying different can honor Islam

IAGD · Muhammad bin Arshad

“Being a stranger doesn't mean that you are useless.”

The khateeb, at 9:43

Watch the khutbahFamily kit
In one sentence

Being a stranger for upholding Islam is honorable when it means remaining righteous, preserving the Sunnah, serving society, and refusing to compromise Islamic identity.

The khutbah in 6 steps

  1. Explains the human need for acceptance and the stress of feeling religiously different.
  2. Presents two forms of strangeness: Muslims among non-Muslims and Muslims alienated by fellow Muslims.
  3. Uses Idrissa Gueye’s example to urge mercy, kindness, and gentleness among Muslims.
  4. Shows through the Prophet Muhammad and Abu Bakr that being a stranger does not mean weakness or withdrawal.
  5. Defines strangers as the righteous, those preserving the Sunnah, and those rejected by many.
  6. Encourages steadfastness in hijab, prayer, modesty, halal income, good friendships, and unapologetic Muslim identity.
Try this week
Show mercy, kindness, gentleness, and tenderness toward Muslims despite differences.
Preserve the Sunnah and remain righteous when surrounding society becomes corrupt.
Maintain salah, guard the gaze, uphold modesty, earn halal income, and choose good friends.
Serve and contribute to society while keeping an unapologetic Islamic identity.
Avoid changing religious principles merely to fit in with the crowd.
Sources the khateeb cited
Sahih MuslimTeaches that Islam began as something strange and promises glad tidings to the strangers.
Jami` at-TirmidhiDefines strangers as those who restore the Prophet's Sunnah after it has been corrupted.
Musnad AhmadDescribes strangers as righteous people among many evil people who are rejected by most.
Quotes

In the khateeb's words

“being a stranger doesn't mean that you are useless. It doesn't mean that you are weak.”
IAGD · Rochester Hills, MI
Play from 9:43
“People who remain righteous when everyone around them become corrupt.”
IAGD · Rochester Hills, MI
Play from 13:14
“Congratulations to all of you. You all are strangers, but in the eyes of Allah, you are no strangers.”
IAGD · Rochester Hills, MI
Play from 15:59
Talk about it at home

For the dinner table

Everyone wants to belong, but the khutbah says following Islam can sometimes make us feel like strangers. That feeling is not a sign of weakness: the Prophet Muhammad and Abu Bakr stayed faithful while serving people and contributing to society. The khutbah describes true strangers as people who stay righteous, preserve the Sunnah, and remain patient when others reject them. This week, we can keep our prayers, choose halal and good friendships, show mercy to fellow Muslims, and serve our community without hiding our Islamic identity.

  1. When might fitting in make it harder to follow your values?
  2. How can our family show mercy to Muslims who practice or think differently?
  3. What is one way we can serve our community while staying true to Islam?
Where it was given

The masjid

IAGD Masjid879 W. Auburn Road, Rochester Hills, MI 48307Jumu'ah Three Jumu'ahs · 2:00 PM, 3:00 PM, 4:00 PMKhateebMuhammad bin ArshadMore khutbahsArchiveAll khutbahs at IAGD78 khutbahs
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