3:23 Islam is not an…11:40 i'm going to excel…26:17 the one who says i…
Community & unityFrom the masjid's own video, Aug 15, 2026.

Islam requires responsibility, not entitlement

Pillars · John Ederer

“Islam is not an entitlement where you're supposed to get special treatment.”

The khateeb, at 3:23

Watch the khutbahFamily kit
In one sentence

Islam is not an entitlement to special treatment but a responsibility to follow revelation, serve others fairly, respect communal leadership, and actively revive a prophetic community.

The khutbah in 6 steps

  1. Frames Muslim identity as responsibility rather than entitlement.
  2. Urges fair support for Muslim businesses without demanding discounts.
  3. Calls for excellence, integrity, and merit in employment.
  4. Explains mosque leadership, etiquette, childcare, cleanliness, and participation as religious responsibilities.
  5. Challenges congregants to attend mosque programs and contribute time, skills, and wealth.
  6. Closes with a prayer for revival of the prophetic community and removal of Islamophobia through believers’ actions.
Try this week
Pay Muslim businesses fairly and support their stated financial plans instead of demanding special discounts.
Pursue employment through qualifications, skills, hard work, integrity, and strong recommendations.
Respect mosque leaders, volunteers, parking staff, and communal rules.
Supervise children, use the designated room when needed, and protect mosque property.
Attend mosque events for prayer, learning, and relationship-building, not only recreational activities.
Contribute time, skills, wealth, and initiative to mosque programs and community development.
Quotes

In the khateeb's words

“Islam is not an entitlement where you're supposed to get special treatment because of your affiliation to the club that's not what Islam is”
Pillars · University City, NC
Play from 3:23
“i'm going to excel because i'm a muslim and because i'm muslim i will be the best wherever i go”
Pillars · University City, NC
Play from 11:40
“the one who says i don't want to do it is the one who has accepted defeat”
Pillars · University City, NC
Play from 26:17
Talk about it at home

For the dinner table

The imam reminded us that being Muslim is not a claim to special treatment; it is a responsibility to live by revelation and serve others well. We should support neighbors and Muslim businesses fairly, work with honesty and excellence, and respect the people responsible for the mosque. The mosque is meant to be a place of prayer, learning, good relationships, and community life, so we should care for it, guide our children, and take part in its programs. Reviving a strong community will require each of us to give time, skills, wisdom, and effort.

  1. How can we help someone without expecting a special deal in return?
  2. What is one way we can show respect for our mosque this week?
  3. How could you use one of your skills to help the community?
Where it was given

The masjid

Pillars Mosque3116 Johnston Oehler Rd, Charlotte, NC 28269Jumu'ah 12:00 PM, 1:00 PM, and 2:10 PMKhateebJohn EdererMore khutbahsArchiveAll khutbahs at Pillars156 khutbahs
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