3:07 Islam started with the…6:30 because you have to…
Seeking knowledgeFrom the masjid's own video, Feb 20, 2026.

Creed must come before Islamic law

Islamic Center of

“You have to build the foundation first in anything.”

The khateeb, at 6:30

Watch the khutbahFamily kit
In one sentence

A strong, deeply rooted creed centered on worshipping Allah alone must come before laws, social systems, and other aspects of Islamic life.

The khutbah in 6 steps

  1. The Quran's Makkan period focused on creed, while the Madinan period addressed Sharia and social governance.
  2. The Prophet spent thirteen years establishing belief in Allah before Muslims received comprehensive legal commands.
  3. The call of La ilaha illallah challenged entrenched power because it required submission to Allah's law.
  4. A sound creed shapes conscience, restrains wrongdoing, and produces justice and good behavior without constant surveillance.
  5. Islam's gradual revelation demonstrates that it is a practical way of life developed through real circumstances.
  6. Muslims today should prioritize knowing Allah, strengthening creed, and following the early Muslims' example.
Try this week
Learn who Allah is, including His attributes and greatness.
Strengthen creed through sustained personal effort rather than rushing the process.
Monitor your conscience and restrain yourself from disobeying Allah.
Build dawah around introducing Allah and establishing creed before emphasizing detailed laws.
Follow the early Muslims' example by developing faith, manners, worship, and behavior.
Sources the khateeb cited
Surah 21Used to establish that every messenger called people to worship Allah alone.
Surah 17Used to explain that the Quran was revealed gradually over an intentional period.
Quotes

In the khateeb's words

“Islam started with the call of La ilaha illallah there is only one God one God to worship”
Islamic Center of · West Chicago, IL
Play from 3:07
“because you have to build the foundation first in anything if the foundation is not solid whatever you build on top of it is at risk to fall”
Islamic Center of · West Chicago, IL
Play from 6:30
Talk about it at home

For the dinner table

The khutbah teaches that Islam begins with knowing and worshipping Allah alone. The Prophet spent thirteen years in Makkah building the companions' creed before detailed laws were revealed in Madinah. The speaker compares creed to a foundation: if it is strong, worship, manners, justice, and behavior can stand securely. Belief should guide our conscience so we avoid harming others and disobeying Allah. We should keep strengthening our faith, learning about Allah, and obeying Him out of love.

  1. What does it mean to make faith the foundation of your choices?
  2. How can knowing Allah change something you do this week?
  3. What is one way to obey Allah out of love?
Where it was given

The masjid

Islamic Center of Western Suburbs (ICWS)28W774 Army Trail Rd, West Chicago, IL 60185Jumu'ah “Khutbah 1 | 1:05 | pm; Jamaat 1 | 1:25 | pm; Khutbah 2 | 1:35 | pm; Jamaat 2 | 1:55 | pm” (Bartlett location). “Khutbah | 1:15 | pm; Jamaat | 1:35 | pm” (West Chicago location).ArchiveAll khutbahs at Islamic Center of48 khutbahs
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