14:12 The Qur'an is for us…26:35 That it's better to…
The ummah & current eventsFrom the masjid's own video, Apr 11, 2026.

Stand firm in faith under oppression

At-Thohir · Ahmad Honest Qashidi

“It's better to bend the knee to Allah alone than to die in dignity and surrender to someone else.”

The khateeb, at 26:35

Watch the khutbahFamily kit
In one sentence

In a world where oppressors invoke God while causing destruction, believers must recognize Allah’s ultimate authority, embody faith through dignity and service, and practice istiqama, steadfastness, in daily life.

The khutbah in 6 steps

  1. Jumu'ah is presented as a weekly Eid and a source of hope amid suffering in several countries.
  2. The speaker compares contemporary oppression with Pharaoh’s patterns in the Qur’anic story of Musa.
  3. Believers are urged to recognize Allah’s ultimate authority rather than merely perform religious identity.
  4. Faith must shape conduct toward family, coworkers, neighbors, and the wider community.
  5. The sermon calls for five daily prayers, dignity, shahadah, Ramadan transformation, and steadfastness.
  6. The khutbah closes by recapping three lessons and making du'a for oppressed and suffering people.
Try this week
Keep up the five daily prayers.
Treat parents, children, coworkers, neighbors, and community members better.
Repeat and internalize “La ilaha illallah Muhammad Rasulullah sallallahu alayhi wa sallam.”
Carry Ramadan’s transformation into life after Ramadan.
Practice steadfastness even when immediate relief or miracles are not visible.
Pray with the attentiveness of both a first prayer and a last prayer.
Sources the khateeb cited
Quran 10:90-92Pharaoh’s last-minute profession of faith is rejected, and his preserved body becomes a warning for later people.
Quran 2:11-12Those claiming to promote peace are exposed as causing corruption.
Quran 1:2-4Allah’s praise, mercy, and authority over judgment ground believers amid devastation.
Quran 15:39Shaytan’s stated intention to tempt and mislead humanity illustrates corrupting power.
Quotes

In the khateeb's words

“The Qur'an is for us to anchor ourselves when people are drowning. Right? Drowning in the power trip that they are going through.”
At-Thohir · Koreatown, CA
Play from 14:12
“That it's better to bend the knee to Allah alone. Than to die in dignity and surrender to someone else. And to live a life of shame.”
At-Thohir · Koreatown, CA
Play from 26:35
Talk about it at home

For the dinner table

The khateeb described Jumu’ah as a weekly Eid and reflected on the hope expressed by worshippers returning to Masjid Al-Aqsa. He prayed for people facing suffering around the world and for families facing difficulties at home. He reminded us that Allah’s greatness can steady our hearts and that the Qur’an should guide our daily lives beyond Ramadan. Saying we believe in Allah should show in how we treat our parents, children, neighbors, and coworkers. He encouraged steadfastness through our five daily prayers, kindness toward others, and worship with a renewed heart.

  1. What is one kind action that could help someone feel at ease around you tomorrow?
  2. What good habit from Ramadan would you like to keep growing?
  3. What could help you pay more attention during your next prayer?
Where it was given

The masjid

Masjid At-Thohir Los Angeles1200 S Kenmore Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90006Jumu'ah Khutbah 1:00 PM · Prayer 1:30 PMKhateebAhmad Honest QashidiMore khutbahsArchiveAll khutbahs at At-Thohir57 khutbahs
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