True faith builds people and communities
“A person of faith is a person who builds, doesn't destroy.”
True faith is shown through humble submission, gratitude, mercy, generosity, family connection, and constructive service to society.
The khutbah in 6 steps
- Defines faith through Surah as-Sajdah: prostration, praise, humility, prayer, and giving.
- Presents faith as a universal prophetic message that refines people into merciful, generous human beings.
- Rejects hatred and destruction, emphasizing nonviolence and constructive contribution.
- Defends American Muslims’ historical, civic, and neighborly contributions while distinguishing people from foreign policy.
- Warns that screens, isolation, and weakened family ties undermine faith and community.
- Concludes by calling for gratitude, remembrance, humility, and self-improvement.
In the khateeb's words
“A sign of faith, those who have faith, that they're not yastakbirun. There's no arrogance in them.”
“If you see faith makes people hateful, then know that that is a false faith. That's a false religion or false religiosity.”
“And that also means a person of faith is a person who builds, doesn't destroy. I mean a person who is non-violent.”
“Being good to your parents, being good to your grandparents, being good to your children, to aunts, uncles, cousins, extended family. That's what it means to be faithful, not to live isolated from them.”
For the dinner table
The khateeb taught that faith is more than words; it appears in humility, gratitude, mercy, generosity, and service. Islam asks us to respond to Allah’s blessings with worship and thankfulness, while treating people with compassion. A person of faith should build rather than destroy and should care for family, neighbors, and the wider community. He also warned that isolation, screens, and weakened family ties can pull people away from a healthy spiritual life. This week, we can strengthen our relationships, give something to others, and look for one constructive way to serve.
- Sujood is a sign of absolute submission. of engaged surrender. to the higher power.
- If you see faith makes people hateful, then know that that is a false faith.
- Being good to your parents, being good to your grandparents, being good to your children, to aunts, uncles, cousins, extended family.
- The secret of them being chosen is their positive contribution selflessly to themselves and to their community.
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