14:05 So you're responsible…15:58 The more you read, the…
Seeking knowledgeFrom the masjid's own video, Aug 3, 2026.

Knowledge makes us responsible for our choices

Pillars · John Ederer

“You're responsible for your own feelings, your own thoughts, your own curiosity because that will become words and actions.”

The khateeb, at 14:05

Watch the khutbahFamily kit
In one sentence

Because Allah entrusted human beings with knowledge, choice, and authority, every person must seek sound guidance and take responsibility for beliefs, actions, relationships, and community.

The khutbah in 7 steps

  1. Gratitude to Allah is presented as a life of obedience, truth, justice, and opposition to corruption.
  2. Data centers and Flock cameras illustrate how public harm can prompt citizens to hold elected officials accountable.
  3. Surah al-Baqarah and Surah al-Ahzab frame humanity as entrusted with moral responsibility and agency.
  4. Knowledge creates accountability, requiring people to examine what they consume, believe, and promote.
  5. Responsibility extends to family patterns, work, volunteering, mosque conduct, and conveying Islam.
  6. Umar ibn Abdul Aziz exemplifies the seriousness and burden of responsible governance.
  7. The sermon closes by urging serious living, continual learning, personal growth, and prophetic conduct.
Try this week
Seek knowledge about yourself, the world, and how to please Allah.
Do not follow, claim, or promote things without knowledge.
Examine inherited family habits against the Prophet’s example and learn relevant Quran, hadith, and seerah.
Treat volunteering and mosque commitments as serious responsibilities, and fulfill them reliably.
Supervise children in the mosque and respect mosque property, parking, and shared spaces.
Promote righteousness, oppose corruption, and help others understand Islam.
Sources the khateeb cited
Surah 2The opening account of Adam’s appointment as responsible authority frames human creativity and accountability.
Surah 33The trust offered to creation is used to explain humanity’s acceptance of moral responsibility.
Quotes

In the khateeb's words

“So you're responsible for your own feelings, your own thoughts, your own curiosity because that will become words and actions.”
Pillars · University City, NC
Play from 14:05
“The more you read, the more growth that you will have as a person.”
Pillars · University City, NC
Play from 15:58
Talk about it at home

For the dinner table

The khateeb reminded us that being human means carrying responsibility before Allah. We are accountable for what we learn, what we choose to believe, what we say and do, and how we care for people around us. That responsibility includes our families, our work and promises, our treatment of the mosque, and the example we pass to children. He urged us to keep learning, examine inherited habits against the Prophet’s example, and serve with seriousness. The goal is to grow in faith and help our homes and community become a light for others.

  1. What is one thing you learned recently that should change how you act?
  2. How can we show greater responsibility at the mosque this week?
  3. Which good habit can our family practice 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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