Repentance & taqwaFrom the masjid's own video, Jan 16, 2026.
Faith must be proven through righteous action
“You cannot add days to your life but you can add life to your days.”
In one sentence
True guidance comes from submitting to Allah and proving faith through righteous action, self-control, and perseverance because worldly life is temporary and Paradise requires deliberate qualification.
The khutbah in 6 steps
- Reflects on the youths of Surah al-Kahf, who sought Allah’s mercy and guidance to preserve their faith.
- Explains that humans do not fully know what benefits them, so they need Allah’s guidance and taqwa.
- Warns that worldly life, wealth, health, and authority are temporary, and urges restraint during emotional states.
- Teaches that the shahada must be demonstrated through righteous action, service, kindness, truthfulness, and accountability.
- Encourages Quranic wisdom, striving to improve habits, and choosing lasting rewards over worldly adornment.
- Describes the qualities of Allah’s worshippers, including humility, worship, avoiding major sins, and forgiving when angry.
Try this week
Ask Allah sincerely for guidance while acknowledging personal weakness.
Perform righteous deeds through kindness, truthfulness, protecting people, and serving humanity.
Avoid making promises when excited, responding when angry, or making major decisions when sad or depressed.
Strive to improve habits and character, avoid major sins, and forgive when angry.
Reflect on the qualities of Allah’s worshippers and assess personal progress.
Move forward to fill gaps in the prayer rows.
Sources the khateeb cited
Quran 18:10Used to show that believers seek Allah’s mercy and guidance, and that worldly life quickly fades.
Quran 18:13Used to show that believers seek Allah’s mercy and guidance, and that worldly life quickly fades.
Quran 18:45Used to show that believers seek Allah’s mercy and guidance, and that worldly life quickly fades.
Quran 1:5-7Used to emphasize dependence on Allah and the need to ask Him for guidance.
Surah 25Used to identify humility, worship, avoidance of major sins, and other qualities of Allah’s true servants.
Quran 9:111-112Used to describe the covenant in which believers give their lives and wealth for Paradise and develop specified qualities.
Quran 42:36-37Used to contrast temporary worldly enjoyment with Allah’s lasting reward and to praise those who avoid major sins and forgive when angry.
Quran 103:1-3Used in the closing to emphasize faith, righteous deeds, truth, and patience.
Quotes
In the khateeb's words
“You need to prove it Through actions Through working Through working so hard To save humanity To protect people To be nice And kind And truthful”
“You cannot add days to your life But you can add life to your days”
Talk about it at home
For the dinner table
Today’s khutbah reminded us that the young people of the cave turned to Allah to protect their faith and seek His guidance. We need that guidance too, including when strong feelings make us want to speak or act too quickly. The imam explained that our faith should show in our actions through kindness, honesty, protecting others, and working to improve our character. Our time in this world is short, but we can fill our days with worship and good deeds. He also reminded us to mean what we say in prayer and to practice forgiveness even when we feel angry.
- When could you ask Allah for guidance during your day?
- What kind or honest action could you do tomorrow to put your faith into practice?
- What could help you pause and choose gentle words when you feel angry?
Keep listening
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