Character & conductFrom the masjid's own video, Sep 3, 2025.

Faith shows in how we treat others

“If I don't feel their pain, then there's something wrong with my religion.”

The khateeb, at 15:33

In one sentence

The khutbah argues that genuine religiosity is measured not only by ritual observance but by honest, trustworthy, compassionate, patient, and socially responsible conduct toward family, the vulnerable, and those we may be tempted to judge.

The khutbah in 7 steps

  1. Distinguishes Deen as the shared prophetic call from Sharia as the obligations Muslims accept.
  2. Defines religious character through honesty, humility about knowledge, mutual correction, and trustworthy stewardship.
  3. Calls for compassion toward suffering civilians and generosity toward people in need.
  4. Emphasizes promise-keeping, honoring parents, and preserving family ties.
  5. Urges mercy for the weak, opposition to oppression, and support for the oppressed.
  6. Warns against harmful speech and snap judgments, then calls for patience and self-examination.
  7. Closes by framing worldly life as temporary and good deeds as what should remain.
Try this week
Be honest with yourself and others, especially about your knowledge and qualifications.
Share resources with poor and suffering people.
Keep promises and give realistic time commitments.
Respect, love, and personally care for parents when they need help.
Maintain some connection with difficult relatives, even through a simple greeting.
Support the oppressed and avoid honoring or legitimizing oppressors.
Avoid hurting people with speech and refrain from judging others by one mistake.
Practice patience and focus on correcting your own faults.
Quotes

In the khateeb's words

“If I don't feel their pain, then there's something wrong with my religion.”
Imam-a-Zamana Foundation of · Freehold, NJ
Play from 15:33
“If you have a piece of bread, if you have $100, put $50 for the poor people.”
Imam-a-Zamana Foundation of · Freehold, NJ
Play from 16:31
“You need to respect your father. You need to respect your mother. You need to love them.”
Imam-a-Zamana Foundation of · Freehold, NJ
Play from 23:38
Talk about it at home

For the dinner table

The khutbah teaches that Islam is not only a set of rituals but a way of living that should shape our character. It says a religious person is honest, trustworthy, faithful to promises, connected to family, merciful to the weak, and careful with people's dignity. We are urged to care for parents, keep even small ties with difficult relatives, feel the pain of people suffering, and stand away from oppression. The speaker also warns us not to injure others with our tongues or judge someone by one mistake, especially online. The goal is to use our temporary time in this world for good deeds and prepare to meet Allah with a clean record.

  1. Which quality of a religious person do you most want to practice this week?
  2. How can our family show care for someone who is suffering?
  3. What should we do before judging someone because of something online?