4:36 Those who know Allah…7:37 But if you're by…
Repentance & taqwaFrom the masjid's own video, Jul 25, 2026.

Taqwa means obeying Allah in private

ISB Cambridge, ISBCC · Ahmed Al-Azzam

“Those who know Allah fear Him the most.”

The khateeb, at 4:36

Watch the khutbahFamily kit
In one sentence

Taqwa begins with knowing Allah deeply and means choosing obedience and truth, even at material cost, because Allah sees hidden deeds, accepts sincere repentance, and opens a way out.

The khutbah in 7 steps

  1. Defines taqwa as fearing Allah through knowing His attributes and punishment.
  2. Explains how taqwa shapes prayer, halal work, family treatment, and private conduct.
  3. Presents the Prophet’s counsel to fear Allah everywhere, follow mistakes with good deeds, and treat people well.
  4. Uses the Quranic promise of an escape and unexpected provision.
  5. Retells Ka'b ibn Malik’s experience at Tabuk to show that truth requires accepting consequences.
  6. Retells the story of three righteous men in a cave whose sincere deeds brought relief.
  7. Closes by urging listeners to seek Allah’s approval rather than expecting worldly compensation.
Try this week
Learn more about Allah and His characteristics.
Remember Allah’s presence wherever you are, especially when alone.
Follow a mistake with a good deed and treat people well.
Tell the truth and accept its consequences rather than inventing excuses.
Avoid haram relationships and interest-based loans, even when they seem easier.
Do good deeds sincerely for Allah’s approval rather than expecting an equal worldly reward.
Sources the khateeb cited
Surah 9Used to explain Allah’s acceptance of repentance after the three companions were left behind.
Quotes

In the khateeb's words

“Those who know Allah fear Him the most. So that's the first step. Towards the fear of Allah, towards taqwa Allah. We should know Allah better.”
ISB Cambridge · Cambridge, MA
Play from 4:36
“But if you're by yourself, if you're at work, and you're doing the job just as your supervisor is on top of your head. Why? Because your real supervisor is on top of your head.”
ISB Cambridge · Cambridge, MA
Play from 7:37
Talk about it at home

For the dinner table

The khutbah teaches that taqwa means living with awareness and fear of Allah, beginning by learning who Allah is. Taqwa should shape prayer, honest work, family care, and the choices we make when nobody else is watching. Truth and obedience may cost us money, comfort, relationships, or status, but Allah knows our intentions and can open a way out. The stories of Ka'b ibn Malik and the three men in the cave show the value of honesty, repentance, and sincere good deeds. Our goal is to seek Allah’s pleasure, trusting that His approval is enough and that His provision may come unexpectedly.

  1. What is one choice where remembering Allah could help you do the right thing?
  2. What good deed could you do quietly this week?
  3. How can we be honest when the truth feels costly?
Where it was given

The masjids

Islamic Society of Boston, Cambridge204 Prospect Street, Cambridge, MA 02139Jumu'ah Khutbah 1:00 PM · Prayer 1:30 PMIslamic Society of Boston Cultural Center100 Malcolm X Blvd, Roxbury, MA 02120Jumu'ah Sermon 1:00 PM · Prayer 1:30 PM
Keep listening

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