2:33 the Quran does not…
Qur'an & tafsirFrom the masjid's own video, Sep 25, 2026.

Allah controls power and every outcome

Islamic Center of

“The Quran does not give us a story for the purpose of narrating a historical event.”

The khateeb, at 2:33

Watch the khutbahFamily kit
In one sentence

Surah al-Fil teaches that Allah alone controls power and outcomes, so believers should trust Him, obey Him, serve His creation, and fear their own sins rather than worldly threats.

The khutbah in 6 steps

  1. Introduces Surah al-Fil and the historical background of Abraha’s campaign against the Kaaba.
  2. Explains “alam tara” as believing Quranic accounts with the certainty of firsthand sight.
  3. Interprets Abraha’s failed plot, the birds, and the army’s humiliation as signs of Allah’s power.
  4. Draws lessons about divine control, providence, and the absence of randomness.
  5. Applies the lesson to believers through faith, obedience, steadfastness, service, and self-examination.
  6. Concludes by urging listeners to fear their sins and place hope and reliance in Allah alone.
Try this week
Believe Quranic accounts with certainty.
Examine whether your conduct reflects true faith.
Obey Allah’s commands and remain steadfast.
Help Allah’s creation, including people and animals.
Fear your own sins and misdeeds.
Place fear, hope, supplication, and reliance in Allah alone.
Sources the khateeb cited
Surah 105Used to teach Allah’s protection of the Kaaba and the defeat of those who oppose His sacred causes.
Quotes

In the khateeb's words

“the Quran does not give us a story for the purpose of narrating a historical event there is a lesson to be learned, you know, from it that's valid for all time”
Islamic Center of · West Chicago, IL
Play from 2:33
Talk about it at home

For the dinner table

The khutbah used Surah al-Fil to show that Allah controls every outcome and protects what He makes sacred. The story is not only history; it teaches us to trust the Quran with certainty. The speaker reminded us that faith must appear in obedience, steadfastness, and kindness toward Allah’s creation. When we feel afraid, we should examine our own sins and turn to Allah with hope, humility, and prayer.

  1. What does it look like for faith to become goodness in our daily lives?
  2. What is one sin or bad habit we can ask Allah to help us leave?
  3. How can we show kindness to Allah’s creation this week?
Where it was given

The masjid

Islamic Center of Western Suburbs (ICWS)28W774 Army Trail Rd, West Chicago, IL 60185Jumu'ah “Khutbah 1 | 1:05 | pm; Jamaat 1 | 1:25 | pm; Khutbah 2 | 1:35 | pm; Jamaat 2 | 1:55 | pm” (Bartlett location). “Khutbah | 1:15 | pm; Jamaat | 1:35 | pm” (West Chicago location).ArchiveAll khutbahs at Islamic Center of48 khutbahs
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