21:54 the dignity and the…23:02 if you want to change…30:51 The point of dua is so…
Repentance & taqwaFrom the masjid's own video, Nov 3, 2025.

Awaken the soul through taqwa and remembrance

ICCP

“If you want to change what is external, then you have to change what is internal, but we keep getting it backwards.”

The khateeb, at 23:02

Watch the khutbahFamily kit
In one sentence

Because human dignity and peace come from awakening the soul and returning it to Allah, believers should cultivate taqwa, remembrance, hope, and persistent dua rather than trying to fix inner problems through external change.

The khutbah in 6 steps

  1. Quraysh’s three questions lead to Quranic humility about the soul and the limits of human knowledge.
  2. Human nobility lies in the ruh rather than the physical body, which is described as the soul’s vessel.
  3. Dhikr, Quran, and taqwa awaken the soul, while external changes cannot resolve internal problems.
  4. Inner peace, self-mercy, and balance between hope and fear help believers endure personal and communal hardship.
  5. Persistent dua is itself an act of worship and an answer, while Allah’s door remains open to sinners.
  6. The khutbah closes with prayers for purified hearts and an invitation to register for the evening program.
Try this week
Say insha'Allah when speaking about future plans.
Use dhikr and Quran to awaken and steady the soul.
Change inner habits and cultivate taqwa rather than relying only on outward changes.
Treat yourself with gentleness and mercy.
Continue making dua when answers are delayed, balancing hope with fear.
Register for and attend the 7:00 program with Shaykh Noor Al-Qabbani.
Sources the khateeb cited
Surah 18The cave story, Dhul-Qarnayn, and saying future plans only with Allah’s will illustrate revelation and humility.
Surah 17The soul’s reality is presented as knowledge largely withheld from humanity.
Surah 65Taqwa is connected to Allah creating an opening or way out.
Quotes

In the khateeb's words

“the dignity and the honor of the human being is in your soul and the solution for the problems that you have is in awakening that soul”
ICCP · Potomac, MD
Play from 21:54
“if you want to change what is external then you have to change what is internal but we keep getting it backwards”
ICCP · Potomac, MD
Play from 23:02
“The point of dua is so you can fully realize your worship of Allah subhanahu wa ta'ala.”
ICCP · Potomac, MD
Play from 30:51
Talk about it at home

For the dinner table

The khutbah teaches that our deepest dignity comes from the soul Allah created, not from our bodies or outward circumstances. When life feels difficult, changing external things alone cannot heal an inner struggle; remembrance, Quran, taqwa, and sincere self-mercy help awaken the soul. The speaker reminds us that continuing to make dua is itself a gift and an act of worship, even when we do not immediately see the answer. Allah’s door remains open, so we can always return to Him with hope, honesty, and a willingness to change.

  1. What helps you feel spiritually calm when something outside you is difficult?
  2. How can we make dua with both hope and patience this week?
  3. What is one inner habit you would like to improve?
Where it was given

The masjid

Islamic Community Center of Potomac10601 River Rd, Potomac, MD 20854Jumu'ah Adhan 1:15 PMArchiveAll khutbahs at ICCP96 khutbahs
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