Civic engagementFrom the masjid's own video, Aug 29, 2026.

Justice must include our own people

“The Quran will be recited until the end of time defending the innocence of the Jew.”

The khateeb, at 12:26

In one sentence

Justice is an expression of Allah's mercy that must be applied impartially, even when it exposes wrongdoing by our own people, while believers should repair harms before the afterlife.

The khutbah in 7 steps

  1. Introduces Surah al-Nisa and argues that justice is better than outward righteousness paired with oppression.
  2. Recounts the stolen flour case in which a hypocrite accuses an innocent Jewish man, then connects it to Quranic condemnation of defending deceivers.
  3. Explains that Sharia is justice, mercy, wisdom, and non-discrimination, especially toward minorities.
  4. Warns against false accusations and betrayal while emphasizing repentance and Allah's mercy.
  5. Shares simple dhikr and supplications taught to a Bedouin, highlighting Islam's accessibility.
  6. Urges listeners to seek forgiveness, reconcile with those they harmed, and pray for people they cannot reach.
  7. Concludes with the 999-of-1000 hadith, hope for the Muslim ummah, and supplications for forgiveness and healing.
Try this week
Ask forgiveness from anyone you have wronged or falsely accused.
Make dua for people you harmed, especially if you cannot reach them.
Do not rely on prayer, Hajj, or Umrah as substitutes for repairing harm against others.
Use the taught phrases of praise, forgiveness, mercy, provision, and wellbeing in supplication.
Sources the khateeb cited
Surah 4Used the case of the stolen flour and innocent Jewish man to argue for impartial judgment and against defending deceivers.
Surah 4Used verses about sin, false accusation, repentance, and Allah's forgiveness to warn against shifting blame onto innocents.
Sahih al-BukhariRecounted the 999-of-1000 hellfire narration and used the Prophet's reassurance to give hope to Muslims.
Quotes

In the khateeb's words

“We have a Jew, an innocent Jew in the Muslim community, minority, and the Quran will be recited until the end of time defending the innocence of the Jew.”
Al-Masjid Islamic Center · Greenville, NC
Play from 12:26
“But Shari'a is very clear. No discrimination against anybody. Especially the minority people.”
Al-Masjid Islamic Center · Greenville, NC
Play from 14:23
“if you did any mistake to somebody go ahead don't be arrogant today it's only ask for forgiveness”
Al-Masjid Islamic Center · Greenville, NC
Play from 25:43
Talk about it at home

For the dinner table

The khutbah teaches that justice must be given to everyone, even when the person involved is outside our own community. The speaker recounts how the Quran defended an innocent Jewish man instead of protecting a guilty Muslim who lied. He says true Sharia is built on justice, mercy, wisdom, and refusing discrimination. If we hurt or falsely accuse someone, we should ask forgiveness while we are still alive, and pray for them if we cannot reach them. At the same time, Allah's mercy remains open to people who sincerely regret their sins and turn back to Him.

  1. When is it hardest to be fair to someone outside our group?
  2. What can we do when we realize our words hurt someone?
  3. How can asking Allah for forgiveness change what we do next?