Community & unityFrom the masjid's own video, Jul 31, 2026.

Small acts can grow a strong community

“Number one, it starts with the minority.”

The khateeb, at 25:00

In one sentence

Muslim community life should begin with small, strategic, spiritually grounded acts of companionship, service, and learning, growing through patience and consistent participation rather than numbers.

The khutbah in 5 steps

  1. Cultivate taqwa, submission to Allah, and blessings upon the Prophet.
  2. Build Muslim unity and civic engagement around shared community values.
  3. Strengthen relationships through greetings, food, prayer, mercy, and patience with others.
  4. Develop community strengths, mentorship, family support, and uplifting companionship.
  5. Apply three lessons: strategic minority action, spiritually elevating relationships, and sustained learning beyond Jumu'ah.
Try this week
Show up for existing community initiatives even when turnout is small.
Propose an idea when the community has an unmet need.
Greet people first with As-Salaamu Alaikum.
Feed others and use shared meals to build relationships.
Identify and use available community strengths, such as leading initiatives or calling the adhan.
Join a consistent learning circle with good people outside Jumu'ah.
Cultivate mercy, patience, and spiritually uplifting companionship in family and community life.
Sources the khateeb cited
Surah 55Used to connect Allah’s mercy with teaching the Qur’an.
Quotes

In the khateeb's words

“He mentioned that the work that we do, the work that we do and start as Muslims, is that it's going to be messy.”
At-Thohir · Koreatown, CA
Play from 12:53
“Number one, it starts with the minority. It doesn't, it's not about the numbers.”
At-Thohir · Koreatown, CA
Play from 25:00
“The idea is that you want to see people in this space that will bring you up.”
At-Thohir · Koreatown, CA
Play from 26:37
“If I don't, that's the homework that we have to do.”
At-Thohir · Koreatown, CA
Play from 28:26
Talk about it at home

For the dinner table

The imam reminded us to live with awareness of Allah and to help build a caring community. Drawing lessons from Dar al-Arqam, he explained that meaningful work can begin with a small group that has a plan and uses what it already has. We can begin by showing up, greeting someone first, sharing food, and offering our talents. Being together takes patience, forgiveness, and mercy, and our words should help our family members and friends grow. He also encouraged us to keep learning Islam regularly beyond Friday prayers, alongside people who help us draw closer to Allah.

  1. Who could you greet first next time we go to the masjid, and how might you help them feel included?
  2. What is one talent you could share to help our family or community?
  3. What would you like us to learn about Islam together each week?