Qur'an & tafsirFrom the masjid's own video, Oct 24, 2026.
Choose who and what you follow
“Why do we follow certain people?”
In one sentence
Because social pressure, pride, and harmful influences can pull people off course, Muslims should follow the Qur'an and Prophet Muhammad's example while trusting Allah for guidance.
The khutbah in 6 steps
- Prophet Joseph's resistance to sexual pressure shows that faithfulness may require choosing hardship over temptation.
- Muslims should follow Prophet Muhammad and the Qur'an amid pluralistic society and competing influences.
- Iblis's refusal to bow to Adam illustrates superiority, racism, classism, sexism, and other hierarchies.
- Historical persecution and contemporary examples show how powerful leaders and systems can misuse influence.
- Social media, peer groups, workplaces, and organizations require careful examination of who and what we follow.
- Reading the Qur'an with understanding, practicing it, leading through good character, and trusting Allah are presented as the proper path.
Try this week
Read the Qur'an, seek understanding, and follow its guidance in daily life.
Keep the Qur'an and Prophet Muhammad's example close when facing social pressure or temptation.
Examine who and what influences you, including social media, peer groups, and organizations.
Pray for guidance and protection, trust Allah through uncertainty, and maintain good deeds and character.
Pay zakat and sadaqah through the masjid's listed channels.
Complete the form to join the announced post-Jumu'ah group trip for early voting, if relevant.
Sources the khateeb cited
Surah 12Prophet Joseph's response to sexual temptation and his preference for prison over wrongdoing support steadfastness.
Quran 2:34Iblis's refusal to prostrate to Adam is used to explain disobedience and superiority.
Quran 7:11A parallel account of Iblis's refusal reinforces the lesson about following Allah's command.
Surah 114Satan's whispering is used to explain everyday spiritual distraction and temptation.
Quran 2:124Abraham's appointment as an imam is used to distinguish righteous leadership from inherited status.
Quran 2:168Listeners are told not to follow the footsteps of Satan and evil.
Quran 2:208Listeners are told not to follow the footsteps of Satan and evil.
Quran 33:21Prophet Muhammad is presented as a beautiful pattern of conduct to follow.
Quotes
In the khateeb's words
“We have to allow that to guide us through this darkness that we may experience in this society.”
“Why do we follow certain people? Or certain things? These are some questions that we should ask ourselves.”
Keep listening
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