Prayer & worshipFrom the masjid's own video, Sep 3, 2025.
Sincere intentions make deeds acceptable
“If the intention is good, it reflects in the action.”
In one sentence
Every deed is accepted and rewarded according to the sincerity of its intention for Allah, not its outward appearance, size, or public recognition.
The khutbah in 6 steps
- Opens with praise, testimony of faith, Qur'anic reminders, and the hadith that deeds depend on intentions.
- Explains that niyyah is a sincere inner intention, not merely repeated words, and underlies every act of worship.
- Describes the martyr, scholar, and wealthy donor whose outwardly good deeds are rejected because they sought worldly recognition.
- Emphasizes that Allah values the quality and purity of deeds over their quantity, urging believers to ignore people's opinions.
- Encourages pursuing forgiveness, avoiding even small sins, and recognizing every opportunity for small acts of goodness.
- Concludes with the story of a sinful woman forgiven for watering a dog, followed by supplications, prayer, and community announcements.
Try this week
Set a sincere intention for worship, charity, service, and other good deeds before acting.
Do small acts of khair, such as charity, bringing food for iftar, or helping someone in need.
Resist seeking praise or recognition when doing good, and focus on pleasing Allah.
Regularly seek Allah's forgiveness and avoid underestimating either small sins or small good deeds.
Quotes
In the khateeb's words
“Doesn't matter, my brothers and sisters, what we do If the intention is not right Our action is also not right If the intention is good It reflects in the action”
“To Allah, it's not the quantity that matters It's the quality of your deeds that matter”
“Her entire sins were forgiven And she was forgiven Just because of this one action”
Talk about it at home
For the dinner table
The khutbah teaches that Allah looks at the sincerity behind our actions, not only at what people can see. Prayer, charity, and service become truly valuable when they are done for Allah rather than for praise or status. We should not dismiss small acts of kindness, because even one compassionate deed may become a means of forgiveness. We should also seek forgiveness and guard our hearts from wanting recognition.
- What is one small helpful thing you could do this week just because it is right?
- How can you check your intention before helping someone or giving charity?
- Why might a small kind act matter even if nobody notices?
Where it was given
The masjid
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