Character & conductFrom the masjid's own video, Sep 3, 2025.

Faith must lead to righteous action

“The essence of life is that faith should produce action.”

The khateeb, at 18:30

In one sentence

True faith must become sincere righteous action that repairs corruption and improves relationships, society, the environment, and personal character.

The khutbah in 6 steps

  1. Opens with Surah al-Mu'minun's account of a dying person's wish to return and do righteous deeds.
  2. Defines salihat as repairing corruption and translating faith into action.
  3. Applies righteous action to environmental care, sincerity, and planting beneficial things.
  4. Applies it to fair wills, family reconciliation, business ethics, and community relationships.
  5. Argues that prayer, fasting, zakat, and hajj must improve moral character.
  6. Concludes that positive faith-driven conduct brings success in this life and the hereafter.
Try this week
Volunteer for environmental work sincerely, without seeking recognition.
Plant something beneficial and continue contributing even when time is limited.
Help correct unjust provisions in a will with the heirs' consensus.
Mediate family disputes without taking sides, aiming to prevent divorce.
Avoid cheating and ensure people receive what they are owed in business.
Evaluate and improve relationships with spouses, children, neighbors, colleagues, customers, and the wider community.
Make prayer and fasting reduce lying, cheating, and harm toward others.
Sources the khateeb cited
Surah 23Introduces the dying person's wish to return and do righteous deeds.
Surah 2Contrasts corruption with claimed efforts to improve the earth.
Surah 2Uses correcting an unjust will as an example of righteous action.
Surah 24Connects faith and righteous action with security, stability, and success.
Quotes

In the khateeb's words

“the essence of life is that faith should produce action”
ICSC · Koreatown, CA
Play from 18:30
“when you are standing tall and you are acting righteously you are acting in a good way you are acting in an excellent way you are a shining example”
ICSC · Koreatown, CA
Play from 42:41
Talk about it at home

For the dinner table

The khutbah teaches that faith is meant to show up in what we do. When people face Allah, they will wish they had used the life they left behind to do good. Righteous action means repairing what is broken, including caring for creation, protecting fairness, reconciling families, and treating people honestly. Prayer and fasting should make us more truthful and compassionate, not just completed rituals. Even when problems seem overwhelming, we should sincerely do what we can and trust Allah for success in this life and the next.

  1. What is one relationship you could improve this week?
  2. How can prayer change the way we treat other people?
  3. What small act could care for Allah’s creation or help someone without seeking praise?