14:52 We don't feel like we…23:03 In a moment of death,…28:51 Because he already…
Civic engagementFrom the masjid's own video, May 8, 2026.

Show Islam before you explain it

Worcester Islamic Center · Anwar Arafat

“We don't feel like we have to be on the back foot or very defensive about our existence or about our beliefs or about our practices.”

The khateeb, at 14:52

Watch the khutbahFamily kit
In one sentence

Effective da'wah begins with confidently embodying Islam, doing righteous deeds, and building genuine relationships that awaken the fitrah rather than hiding in a bubble or relying on defensive arguments.

The khutbah in 6 steps

  1. Urges Muslims to abandon defensive isolation and confidently engage broader society.
  2. Explains da'wah as awakening the fitrah rather than merely rationalizing Islamic practices.
  3. Emphasizes that good conduct must precede speech and that da'wah addresses both intellect and heart.
  4. Uses the shawarma and mosque story to show the power of listening, friendship, and gradual invitation.
  5. Answers common excuses by encouraging honesty about limited knowledge and attention to what people actually need.
  6. Calls each Muslim to reach one new person monthly and connect outreach with correcting misconceptions about Islam.
Try this week
Identify openly and proudly as Muslim instead of hiding or apologizing for Islamic beliefs and practices.
Let righteous conduct precede verbal da'wah, avoiding behavior that gives people a negative impression of Islam.
Listen for what a person actually needs and speak to both intellect and heart.
Build trust through ordinary friendship, such as sharing a meal, then invite someone gradually to visit the mosque.
Say “I don't know” when faced with a difficult question and seek help from qualified students of knowledge.
Reach out to one new person each month and use public opportunities to offer conversation or a Quran.
Quotes

In the khateeb's words

“We don't feel like we have to be on the back foot or very defensive about our existence or about our beliefs or about our practices.”
Worcester Islamic Center · Worcester, MA
Play from 14:52
“In a moment of death, everybody turns to God. And this is the thing, that futrah woke up in that moment.”
Worcester Islamic Center · Worcester, MA
Play from 23:03
“Because he already told you what he needs. This is why when we listen, before we speak, we'll identify what is it that the person needs.”
Worcester Islamic Center · Worcester, MA
Play from 28:51
Talk about it at home

For the dinner table

Da'wah, the speaker explained, is not mainly about winning arguments or hiding behind a comfortable bubble. It begins with being openly Muslim, living with good character, and letting our actions make Islam trustworthy. We should listen to people, speak to both mind and heart, and build real relationships through simple invitations such as a meal or a mosque visit. We do not need to know every answer; we can say “I don't know” and seek help. Each of us can begin by reaching out to one new person regularly, trusting that a sincere relationship can open a door to guidance.

  1. What is one way our family can show Islam through kindness and good character this week?
  2. How can we make a new person feel comfortable enough to ask honest questions?
  3. Who might we invite for a meal or friendly conversation?
Where it was given

The masjid

Worcester Islamic Center248 East Mountain Street, Worcester, MA 01606KhateebAnwar ArafatMore khutbahsArchiveAll khutbahs at Worcester Islamic Center39 khutbahs
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