9:19 Do not make the backs…12:01 The animal cannot…
Civic engagementFrom the masjid's own video, Aug 29, 2025.

Animals deserve mercy and people their rights

IMAAM Center

“The animal cannot speak to us.”

The khateeb, at 12:01

Watch the khutbahFamily kit
In one sentence

Because Allah holds people accountable for how they treat all living beings, Muslims must protect animals from cruelty and uphold the rights and dignity of other people.

The khutbah in 4 steps

  1. Islam is presented as a mercy to all creation, including animals.
  2. Stories of the thirsty dog, neglected cat, and conscientious early Muslims illustrate accountability for animal welfare.
  3. The sermon extends this responsibility to human rights, warning against oppression, exploitation, and broken trusts.
  4. Listeners are urged to protect others’ rights, fulfill responsibilities, and repair injustices before Judgment Day.
Try this week
Feed animals adequately and keep them in good condition.
Protect the dignity and rights of other people.
Avoid exploiting, scamming, hurting, or taking others’ wealth unjustly.
Fulfill responsibilities and return or repair rights taken from those who were wronged.
Quotes

In the khateeb's words

“Do not make the backs of your animals. As pulpit. In other riwayah. As chair.”
IMAAM Center · Silver Spring, MD
Play from 9:19
“The animal cannot speak to us. If they. Got starved. Or suffering. Pain. Struggling with their work. They cannot speak. I am tired. No.”
IMAAM Center · Silver Spring, MD
Play from 12:01
Talk about it at home

For the dinner table

Today's khutbah taught that Islam is a mercy to all creation, including animals. The Prophet cared about animals’ food, workload, comfort, and dignity, and the sermon reminded us that kindness can bring forgiveness while cruelty brings accountability. If Allah asks us about how we treated animals, we should take even more seriously how we treat people, especially when we have responsibility over family, employees, or a community. This week, let’s care for animals, avoid overburdening others, protect people’s rights, and repair any wrongs we have caused.

  1. What is one way we can show mercy to an animal this week?
  2. When might someone be carrying a burden that they cannot easily explain?
  3. What does it mean to return someone’s rights before Judgment Day?
Where it was given

The masjid

IMAAM Center (Indonesian Muslim Association in America)9100 Georgia Ave, Silver Spring, MD 20910Jumu'ah 1st Jumu'ah 12:15 PM · 2nd Jumu'ah 1:30 PMArchiveAll khutbahs at IMAAM Center74 khutbahs
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