Prayer & worshipFrom the masjid's own video, Jun 13, 2026.

Dua is a direct connection to Allah

“Dua, my dear brother and sister, it's the essence of the ibadah.”

The khateeb, at 3:37

In one sentence

Du'a is both a foundational act of worship and a direct connection to Allah, so Muslims should pray sincerely, obediently, humbly, and patiently throughout daily life.

The khutbah in 6 steps

  1. Responds to calamity with inna lillahi wa inna ilayhi raji'oon and presents du'a as a direct connection to Allah.
  2. Explains Al-Fatiha and saying Ameen as daily prayer for guidance.
  3. Connects answered du'a with obedience, faith, humility, and worship through Quranic references.
  4. Addresses delayed answers by urging self-examination, patience, and trust in Allah's timing.
  5. Lists manners, divine names, and special occasions for du'a, including sujood, fasting, Friday afternoon, travel, rain, Fajr, and good deeds.
  6. Closes with immediate repentance, Ibrahim's inclusive prayer, and the hadith about a righteous child praying for parents.
Try this week
Say inna lillahi wa inna ilayhi raji'oon during calamity.
Say Ameen sincerely after the imam's du'a.
Examine prayer, honesty, charity, kindness to parents, and other obedience when du'a feels unanswered.
Make du'a with certainty, humility, sincerity, and gratitude.
Use Allah's beautiful names when making specific requests.
Follow good deeds with du'a.
Repent immediately after recognizing wrongdoing.
Include children, parents, and all believers in personal prayers.
Sources the khateeb cited
Surah 2Used to teach that Allah is near and responds when servants call upon Him with faith and obedience.
Surah 40Used to connect calling upon Allah with worship and warn against arrogance.
Quotes

In the khateeb's words

“Dua, my dear brother and sister, it's the essence of the ibadah. The foundation of the ibadah. Very, very important.”
Al-Shareef · Long Beach, CA
Play from 3:37
“Allah is different. The more you ask, the more He loves you.”
Al-Shareef · Long Beach, CA
Play from 4:41
“You have to be calm. You have to be polite and nice and grateful to Allah Subhanahu wa ta'ala.”
Al-Shareef · Long Beach, CA
Play from 10:16
Talk about it at home

For the dinner table

The khutbah teaches that du'a is not just asking for things; it is an act of worship and a direct connection with Allah. When life brings difficulty, Muslims should remember that they belong to Allah and will return to Him, while continuing to pray with trust and patience. The speaker says we should pair du'a with obedience, honesty, humility, repentance, and care for others. He also points to special times for prayer, such as sujood, fasting, Friday afternoon, travel, rain, and the quiet time before Fajr. Finally, he reminds us to include our children, parents, and all believers in our prayers.

  1. When do you feel most comfortable talking to Allah, and what would you like to ask Him for?
  2. What is one good deed you could follow with a du'a this week?
  3. Who in our family or community should we remember in our prayers?