38:38 and the closest we are…39:56 we need to understand.…
Qur'an & tafsirFrom the masjid's own video, Oct 17, 2025.

Surah al-Alaq calls us to humility

MCC · Akef Habbal

“The closest we are to Allah in salah is when we are in sujood.”

The khateeb, at 38:38

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In one sentence

The khutbah teaches that Surah al-Alaq calls believers to humility before Allah and steadfast commitment to prayer and truth despite status, pressure, or intimidation.

The khutbah in 5 steps

  1. Explains Abu Jahl’s attempt to prevent the Prophet Muhammad from praying through the second half of Surah al-Alaq.
  2. Discusses Allah’s warnings that wrongdoing is seen and that persistent oppressors may be humiliated.
  3. Uses Abdullah ibn Mas'ud and the Battle of Badr to illustrate faith overcoming social status.
  4. Connects sujood with closeness to Allah and urges reflection on the Quran.
  5. Draws practical lessons about humility, prayer, truthfulness, and perseverance despite threats.
Try this week
Reflect on the meanings of the Quran and apply them in daily life.
Maintain prayer and a continuing connection with Allah.
Stand by truth and core principles despite pressure or threats.
Practice humility and resist letting wealth, fame, status, or intelligence lead to transgression.
Sources the khateeb cited
Quran 96:9-19Used to explain Abu Jahl’s opposition, Allah’s warning to him, and the command to prostrate and draw near.
Surah 55Mentioned in the account of Abdullah ibn Mas'ud volunteering to recite it.
Quotes

In the khateeb's words

“and the closest we are to Allah in salah. is when we are in sujood. the lower you go. the higher you go.”
MCC · North Park, IL
Play from 38:38
“we need to understand. our real. size. in this universe. and we need to understand. our real. place. in this universe. and understand. to be humble.”
MCC · North Park, IL
Play from 39:56
Talk about it at home

For the dinner table

Today’s khutbah focused on the second part of Surah al-Alaq and Abu Jahl’s attempt to stop the Prophet Muhammad from praying. The speaker reminded us that Allah sees wrongdoing and that wealth, fame, intelligence, or social position do not make anyone greater before Him. He encouraged us to stay committed to prayer, truth, and our principles even when we face pressure. Sujood was described as a place of special closeness to Allah, so prayer should bring humility and connection. The takeaway is to know our smallness before Allah, keep our faith steady, and live by the Quran.

  1. What does being humble before Allah look like at school or home?
  2. When is it hard to stand by what is right, and what could help us?
  3. What do you think “the lower you go, the higher you go” means in prayer?
Where it was given

The masjid

Muslim Community Center4380 N Elston Ave, Chicago, IL 60641Jumu'ah Khutbah 1:05 PM · Iqamah 1:30 PMKhateebAkef HabbalMore khutbahsArchiveAll khutbahs at MCC14 khutbahs
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