2:10 And the real test for…6:36 When we want those…7:05 But just like how we…
General remindersFrom the masjid's own video, Sep 18, 2026.

Faith grows through love, not force

ICNEV

“When we want those close to us to submit, it has to come by choice.”

The khateeb, at 6:36

Watch the khutbahFamily kit
In one sentence

Islam is willing, loving submission to Allah, and it should be nurtured through patience and gentleness rather than coercion or religious extremism.

The khutbah in 4 steps

  1. All creation submits to Allah, but humans uniquely choose willing or unwilling submission.
  2. Deen means more than religion: it includes Allah’s law and comprehensive way of life.
  3. Islam is the only accepted deen, while genuine submission grows from gratitude and love, not compulsion.
  4. Islam is easy and balanced; religious extremes contradict the Sunnah, whose essence is gentleness.
Try this week
Encourage children and loved ones toward worship through love, patience, and choice rather than force.
Treat your own nafs like a child and build religious habits gradually.
Avoid extreme self-imposed practices and follow the balanced Sunnah of worship.
Sources the khateeb cited
Surah 12Used to explain deen as the law or authority of a king.
Surah 1
Surah 3Used to argue that a way other than Islam will not be accepted.
Quotes

In the khateeb's words

“And the real test for us as humans is, are we going to submit willingly? Or are we going to submit unwillingly?”
ICNEV · Scottsdale, AZ
Play from 2:10
“When we want those close to us to submit, it has to come by choice. It has to come by love and patience. And it has to come inwardly.”
ICNEV · Scottsdale, AZ
Play from 6:36
“But just like how we treat children, we treat our nafs like a child. And not everything can be done with force.”
ICNEV · Scottsdale, AZ
Play from 7:05
Talk about it at home

For the dinner table

Allah has made every creation subject to His will, but human beings are tested by whether they submit willingly. The khutbah explains that deen is more than a private religion; it is a whole way of life under Allah’s law, and true submission grows from gratitude for His blessings. Because faith cannot be forced, parents, teachers, and we ourselves should use love, patience, and gradual growth. The Prophet’s gentle treatment of Anas and his rejection of extreme practices show that Islam is easy and balanced. We can carry this into the week by encouraging worship with mercy rather than pressure.

  1. Where do you see blessings that make gratitude easier?
  2. How can we help someone grow in worship without forcing them?
  3. What is one good habit you could build gradually?
Where it was given

The masjid

Islamic Center of North East Valley12125 E Via Linda, Scottsdale, AZ 85259Jumu'ah 12:30 PM · 1:30 PM · 3:00 PMArchiveAll khutbahs at ICNEV40 khutbahs
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