23:48 We cannot assert our…26:21 Your power, your…
Civic engagementFrom the masjid's own video, Aug 30, 2025.

Stand together for justice without fear

ICGC · Khalid Turaani

“We cannot assert our rights if we do not know our rights.”

The khateeb, at 23:48

Watch the khutbahFamily kit
In one sentence

Because Allah is sovereign and believers must rely on Him while doing their part, Muslims should overcome fear, learn their rights, and stand together for justice.

The khutbah in 6 steps

  1. Challenges listeners to consider whether they would have followed the Prophet in early Mecca by examining how they stand for justice today.
  2. Explains Surah al-Fatihah’s worship and seeking-help verse through love, surrender, trust, reliance, and personal effort.
  3. Connects worship and reliance on Allah with overcoming human fear, impatience, and miserliness.
  4. Urges Muslims not to let fear of losing status prevent them from standing firm for justice.
  5. Uses personal experiences involving the Gaza flotilla and airport questioning to emphasize courage and knowing one’s rights.
  6. Frames wealth, health, education, power, and position as tests, then closes with prayers for oppressed communities and a shahadah ceremony.
Try this week
Reflect on whether your present choices resemble the courage and justice of the early Muslims in Mecca.
Worship Allah with love and surrender, seek His help with trust and reliance, and still do your part.
Attend or join a Know Your Rights workshop or online session and learn how to assert your rights.
Come together as a community to protect people from abuse and stand for justice.
Use wealth, health, education, power, and position for righteous purposes rather than hoarding or withholding them.
Sources the khateeb cited
Surah 1
Quotes

In the khateeb's words

“We cannot assert our rights if we do not know our rights.”
ICGC · West Chester, OH
Play from 23:48
“Your power, your strength, your wealth, your education, your position in the community is all a test.”
ICGC · West Chester, OH
Play from 26:21
Talk about it at home

For the dinner table

Dr. Khalid Turaani asked us to think about how our choices today reflect our willingness to follow Prophet Muhammad, especially when doing what is right is difficult. He explained that worship involves love for Allah and surrender to Him, while seeking His help involves trust and reliance. Trusting Allah also means doing our part and taking practical steps. He encouraged the community to learn their rights so they can stand up for justice and support people facing unfair treatment. He reminded us that our money, education, strength, and opportunities are tests, and encouraged us to use them courageously and generously for good.

  1. What is one way you could follow the Prophet’s example when doing the right thing feels difficult?
  2. When you feel worried about a challenge, what could you do while asking Allah for help?
  3. What ability or resource could our family use this week to help someone?
Where it was given

The masjid

Islamic Center of Greater Cincinnati8092 Plantation Drive, West Chester, OH 45069Jumu'ah Three services · 1:30 PM, 2:45 PM & 4:00 PMArchiveAll khutbahs at ICGC26 khutbahs
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