2:13 we have to start with…5:43 ihsan is that you…
Repentance & taqwaFrom the masjid's own video, Sep 25, 2026.

Sincere intentions matter more than appearances

ICUC

“We have to start with what's inside versus what's outside.”

The khateeb, at 2:13

Watch the khutbahFamily kit
In one sentence

A new school year should renew not only outward habits but also the sincerity, God-consciousness, and excellence of one's inner intentions.

The khutbah in 6 steps

  1. Frames the youth khutbah around the new school year and the desire for a “new me.”
  2. Shifts attention from appearances and social groups to Allah's view of one's intentions.
  3. Explains Islam, iman, and ihsan through Hadith Jibreel.
  4. Defines ikhlas, taqwa, and ihsan as stages of transforming ordinary halal activities into worship.
  5. Warns against showing off and hidden shirk through social media, popularity, appearance, and generosity.
  6. Closes with practical advice: pause before posting, perform private good deeds, make du'a for sincerity, and arrive on time.
Try this week
Arrive for the youth prayer as close to 3:15 as possible.
Pause before posting online and examine whether the motive is Allah's pleasure or other people's approval.
Do a good deed at least once a week that nobody else knows about.
Ask whether you would still be happy doing an action if you could never tell anyone.
Begin the day or visit to the masjid with du'a for pure intentions and protection from hidden shirk.
Sources the khateeb cited
Sahih al-BukhariActions are judged by intentions, supporting the sermon’s central emphasis on niya.
Sahih al-BukhariDefines Islam, iman, and ihsan, especially worshipping Allah as though one sees Him.
Sahih MuslimAllah looks at hearts rather than bodies or faces, supporting the priority of inner sincerity.
Surah 22The sacrifice’s meat and blood do not reach Allah; taqwa does.
Quotes

In the khateeb's words

“we have to start with what's inside versus what's outside we want to change what people can see in us but we should always be concerned first and foremost with what Allah sees”
ICUC · Union, NJ
Play from 2:13
“ihsan is that you worship Allah subhanahu wa ta'ala as though you see Him even if you don't see Him know that He sees you”
ICUC · Union, NJ
Play from 5:43
Talk about it at home

For the dinner table

The khateeb reminded us that a new school year is a chance to grow, and that growth should begin with our hearts and intentions. He spoke about ikhlas, or sincerity for Allah, taqwa, which helps guard our intentions, and ihsan, worshipping with awareness that Allah sees us. Everyday activities, such as exercising, meeting friends, and working to provide for family, can become worship when done with the right intention. He encouraged us to pause before posting online and ask whether we are seeking Allah’s pleasure or people’s praise. As a family, we can practice quiet good deeds and ask Allah to help us keep our intentions sincere.

  1. What is one way you would like to grow on the inside this school year?
  2. What could you ask yourself before sharing an achievement online?
  3. What are some ways people can help others without getting credit?
Where it was given

The masjid

Islamic Center of Union County2372 Morris Avenue, Union, NJ 07083Jumu'ah English 12:15 PM · Arabic 1:15 PM · third service resumes September 2026ArchiveAll khutbahs at ICUC19 khutbahs
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