7:19 But the reality is…9:28 The essence and the…16:17 Thinking that there…22:52 It's not only a…
Character & conductFrom the masjid's own video, Sep 19, 2026.

Compassion must become concrete action

ICCP · Refai Arefin

“It's not only a movement of the heart, it is the movement of the limbs.”

The khateeb, at 22:52

Watch the khutbahFamily kit
In one sentence

Emulating the Prophet Muhammad’s empathetic character requires self-mastery, attentive relationships, and turning spiritual awareness into compassionate action that relieves others’ suffering.

The khutbah in 7 steps

  1. Human beings are oriented beyond worldly life, and humility helps complete them.
  2. The story of Umm Ma'bad presents the Prophet’s beauty and inspires recognition of people’s potential.
  3. The Prophet’s defining quality was empathy, which includes moral and emotional intelligence.
  4. Self-knowledge and mastery over negative thoughts, desires, and habits enable deeper connection with others.
  5. Prophetic examples demonstrate equal attention to people, kindness to animals, and tenderness toward vulnerability.
  6. Spiritual feeling must become action by seeing suffering, supporting community members, and becoming a source of relief.
  7. The khutbah closes with prayers, a food-collection reminder, and the call to prayer.
Try this week
Notice and work on recurring negative thoughts and habits through regular self-awareness.
Listen without interrupting and give people your full attention so they feel seen and heard.
Treat animals kindly by noticing their needs and avoiding overwork or neglect.
Turn compassion into concrete support for people experiencing pain or grief.
Bring non-perishable food items to the blue collection bins in front of building A.
Make dua for Sister Suraya Begum and others facing serious illness.
Quotes

In the khateeb's words

“But the reality is that his empathy was the secret to his intelligence, his aql.”
ICCP · Potomac, MD
Play from 7:19
“The essence and the core of what makes him special is his empathy.”
ICCP · Potomac, MD
Play from 9:28
“Thinking that there was no one, each person would walk away saying, I must be the most noble person in the sight of the Prophet sallallahu alayhi wa sallam.”
ICCP · Potomac, MD
Play from 16:17
“It's not only a movement of the heart, it is the movement of the limbs.”
ICCP · Potomac, MD
Play from 22:52
Talk about it at home

For the dinner table

The khutbah taught that the Prophet Muhammad’s greatest beauty was not only his appearance but his empathy and attention to people. We grow in that character by noticing our own thoughts and habits, becoming more at peace with ourselves, and listening carefully to others. The Prophet made people feel seen, cared for animals, and responded gently to vulnerability. The khateeb reminded us that feeling compassion is not enough; it should become helpful action, community support, prayer, and relief for people who are hurting. He also invited the congregation to donate non-perishable food to the interfaith collection.

  1. Who in our family might need to feel more seen or heard this week?
  2. What is one small act of kindness we can do for someone or an animal?
  3. How can we turn a feeling of compassion into action?
Where it was given

The masjid

Islamic Community Center of Potomac10601 River Rd, Potomac, MD 20854Jumu'ah Adhan 1:15 PMKhateebRefai ArefinMore khutbahsArchiveAll khutbahs at ICCP96 khutbahs
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