Repentance & taqwaFrom the masjid's own video, Aug 14, 2026.

Avoid destructive sins and return to Allah

In one sentence

Muslims must recognize and avoid the seven destructive sins while urgently returning to Allah through sincere repentance when they fall.

The khutbah in 6 steps

  1. Opens with taqwa and introduces the hadith of the seven destructive sins.
  2. Explains shirk, including showing off, then warns against sorcery, fortune-telling, and horoscopes.
  3. Condemns unlawful killing and urges listeners to save lives whenever possible.
  4. Warns against riba and consuming orphan property, emphasizing accountability and proper guardianship.
  5. Addresses fleeing a battlefield and slandering believing people without four witnesses.
  6. Closes by emphasizing Allah’s mercy, sincere repentance, and returning to Him before death.
Try this week
Memorize the seven destructive sins and actively avoid them.
Do not consult fortune-tellers, horoscopes, or related websites.
Help save lives in emergencies, such as calling 911 after an accident.
Avoid riba and seek a path out of existing involvement in it.
Protect orphan property and use transparent guardianship practices with witnesses.
Do not spread sexual accusations without the required evidence.
Repent sincerely and promptly after committing a serious sin.
Sources the khateeb cited
Surah 4Warns that Allah does not forgive shirk if maintained and forgives lesser sins as He wills.
Surah 31Describes shirk as a great injustice.
Surah 2Used regarding magic and the prohibition of riba.
Quotes

In the khateeb's words

“So, brother and sister, a shirk is something that we need to be aware of it, avoid it, don't even come too close to it.”
ISF · Frederick, MD
Play from 8:39
“If you are by the seashore or somehow and somebody is drowning and you save them, Allah subhanahu wa ta'ala will reward you for this.”
ISF · Frederick, MD
Play from 13:21
“Brother and sister, it's a serious matter that we need to avoid and do not fall in the riba.”
ISF · Frederick, MD
Play from 15:37
“Who is happier than this person? Allah subhanahu wa ta'ala will be happy if we repent and repent and come back to Him.”
ISF · Frederick, MD
Play from 25:08
Talk about it at home

For the dinner table

Today’s khutbah reminded us of seven destructive sins: associating partners with Allah, sorcery, unlawful killing, riba, taking an orphan’s property, fleeing the battlefield, and slandering believing women or men with accusations of sexual immorality. The khateeb encouraged us to learn these warnings so we can avoid harming our faith and other people. He also reminded us to do good sincerely for Allah, protect vulnerable children, and help preserve human life. Alongside these serious warnings, he shared the hopeful reminder that Allah is merciful and welcomes sincere repentance. When we do wrong, we should hurry back to Allah, ask His forgiveness from our hearts, and remember the joy he described in Allah welcoming a servant’s return.

  1. What is one kind thing you could do without needing anyone to praise you?
  2. How could you respond kindly if friends started spreading an accusation about someone?
  3. What did the story of the traveler finding his lost camel teach you about returning to Allah?