6:25 So it's not blindly…7:39 So if a ruler make a…
Civic engagementFrom the masjid's own video, Sep 3, 2025.

Obey lawful rules without causing greater harm

ISGW

“When you study carefully those restrictions, you will appreciate and see the greatness of Islam.”

The khateeb, at 6:25

Watch the khutbahFamily kit
In one sentence

The khutbah argues that Muslims should obey leaders in lawful religious and worldly matters because leadership is a trust to protect religion and public welfare, while refusing sinful commands, rejecting changes to fixed worship, and avoiding rebellion or greater harm.

The khutbah in 6 steps

  1. Opens with taqwa, Qur'anic reminders, and the link between Islamic knowledge and fear of Allah.
  2. Introduces obedience to leaders through hadith and the shepherd-as-trustee analogy.
  3. Distinguishes fixed worship rulings from worldly regulations that leaders may administer for public order.
  4. Explains that refusing a sinful command does not automatically justify rebellion or disorder.
  5. Lists leadership conditions: protect religion, serve public interests, follow revelation, govern wisely, and avoid imposing the impossible.
  6. Applies the principles to Muslim and non-Muslim countries, civic laws, mosque cooperation, and closing prayers.
Try this week
Obey lawful civic and community rules, including public-order and transportation laws, when they do not contradict Islam.
Do not obey a specific command to commit sin, while continuing to obey other lawful commands.
Do not attack property or begin an uprising; use wisdom and avoid responses that create greater harm.
Respect mosque volunteers and cooperate humbly with arrangements made to facilitate worship.
Quotes

In the khateeb's words

“So it's not blindly you follow the leader. And when you study carefully those restrictions, you will appreciate and see the greatness of Islam.”
ISGW · Worcester, MA
Play from 6:25
“So if a ruler make a rule against Islam, let's say. Right? That does not mean we can go against the rule of that ruler.”
ISGW · Worcester, MA
Play from 7:39
Talk about it at home

For the dinner table

Today's khutbah reminded us that leadership is a responsibility to care for people and protect their religion and well-being. Having someone in charge helps people work together and make decisions. The khateeb explained that obedience has limits: we should not follow an instruction that goes against our religion, but that does not mean ignoring every other rule. He encouraged wisdom when responding to wrongdoing, including thinking about whether our response could cause greater harm. He also reminded us to follow everyday laws that do not contradict Islam and to treat the volunteers serving our mosque with respect and love.

  1. When you are in charge of an activity, how can you help everyone taking part?
  2. What everyday rule helps keep other people safe, and how does it help?
  3. How could we show appreciation for someone who volunteers at our mosque?
Where it was given

The masjid

The Islamic Center of Greater Worcester57 Laurel St, Worcester, MA 01605Jumu'ah Khutbah 1:00 PM · Iqamah 1:30 PMArchiveAll khutbahs at ISGW49 khutbahs
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