20:20 the oppressed will…
Character & conductFrom the masjid's own video, Feb 20, 2026.

True worship means keeping people safe

ICD · Mustafa Ali

“The oppressed will each be given from his good deeds.”

The khateeb, at 20:20

Watch the khutbahFamily kit
In one sentence

The khutbah argues that true Muslim character requires both sincere worship and making others feel safe by avoiding harm and restoring people's rights.

The khutbah in 6 steps

  1. Defines the best Muslim as one whose words and actions keep others safe.
  2. Applies this principle to family, neighbors, bullying, and mosque etiquette.
  3. Contrasts ritual worship with humane treatment and calls for balance.
  4. Explains the hadith of the bankrupt person whose good deeds are claimed by victims.
  5. Urges listeners before Ramadan to return property, apologize, and repair reputational harm.
  6. Concludes with an iftar-date donation announcement, prayers, and Quran recitation.
Try this week
Make people feel safe through your words and actions, especially family, neighbors, and mosque-goers.
Avoid bullying, backbiting, insults, defamation, fighting, and behavior that distracts others during prayer.
Before Ramadan, return any money or property taken unjustly.
Ask forgiveness for backbiting; if the person cannot be reached, speak well of them in the same setting.
Balance obligatory and voluntary worship with helping people rather than harming them.
Ask about donating toward dates for the mosque's iftar if you wish to contribute.
Sources the khateeb cited
Sahih MuslimUsed to establish safety from verbal and physical harm as a basic Muslim obligation.
Quotes

In the khateeb's words

“the oppressed will each be given from his good deeds if his good deeds run out before justice is fulfilled then their sins will be cast upon him and he will be thrown into the hell fire”
ICD · Tireman · Detroit, MI
Play from 20:20
Talk about it at home

For the dinner table

Imam Mustafa Ali reminded us that a real Muslim is someone whose words and actions make other people feel safe. Worship matters, but it must be joined with kindness, honesty, and care for neighbors, relatives, and everyone around us. He warned that bullying, backbiting, insults, and taking someone's property can diminish the benefit of our good deeds on the Day of Judgment. Before Ramadan, we should return what we owe, apologize for hurtful speech, and make amends where possible. The goal is to enter Ramadan with both our worship and our relationships in better shape.

  1. Who helps you feel safe, and how can you help someone else feel safe this week?
  2. What is one kind action you can take at home, school, or the mosque before Ramadan?
  3. If you hurt someone with words, what could a sincere apology look like?
Where it was given

The masjid

Islamic Center of Detroit14350 Tireman Ave, Detroit, MI 48228Jumu'ah Three prayers · 12:00 PM, 1:00 PM, 2:00 PM (3rd khutbah in English)KhateebMustafa AliMore khutbahsArchiveAll khutbahs at ICD44 khutbahs
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