Unity requires rejecting arrogance and oppression
The khutbah argues that communities must reject arrogance, oppression, and worldly conditioning through Quranic healing, self-examination, gratitude, and unity.
The khutbah in 6 steps
- Defines oppression and fitna as severe harms rooted in superiority and injustice.
- Explains Iblis’s arrogance and Satan’s efforts to divert people from righteous action.
- Connects slavery, colonialism, inherited discipline, and identity loss to present community struggles.
- Urges African-American listeners to recognize survival as preparation for social responsibility and leadership.
- Uses the story of Moses and the Children of Israel to warn against adopting worldly idols after liberation.
- Reframes Jumu’ah as unity beyond language, clothing, ethnicity, and social distinction.
In the khateeb's words
“Do you think that Allah would put people in a condition and would not be obligated to help those people out of that condition?”
“If we can begin with us and pull away those influences, the bad influences, we can pull away and polish ourselves up, bring ourselves up again by reading what is in the Quran.”
“Friday is Juma. What does that mean? We come together for the prayer. We come together for the kutbah. But we come together for what? For the unity.”
“You got to love your brothers. You got to love your sisters. No matter where they come from.”
For the dinner table
Today’s khutbah asked us to look at our own hearts and choose humility over arrogance. The khateeb reflected on oppression, especially in African American history, and urged the community to examine how painful experiences can shape habits passed between generations. He encouraged gratitude for those who helped along the way and described the Quran as a source of healing, with Prophet Muhammad as our example. He reminded adults to keep caring for young people and to teach through their own actions. He also emphasized that Jumu’ah brings us together in unity, calling us to love our brothers and sisters wherever they come from.
- What is one way we can practice humility when we feel better than someone else?
- Who teaches you something good through their actions, and what do you notice about them?
- How could our family help someone feel welcome at the masjid?
More on Community & unity
There is no such thing as a nobody.19:44Masjid Fulton · Sacramento, CA · Oct 10, 2026No one should feel forgotten
The question is how do we disagree without destroying our relationships and our communities?14:27Al-Misbah Islamic Centre · Toronto, ON · Oct 3, 2026How to disagree without hostility
ICNYC · Greenwich Village, NY · Sep 26, 2026True faith serves people and Allah“We have a comprehensive and holistic understanding of this deen that goes beyond just benefiting ourselves to benefiting humanity at large.”