Muslims need knowledge before lasting reform
“You are a better person every day.”
Muslims can overcome stagnation by deepening their relationship with Allah and the Quran, honestly understanding their religion, history, and present reality, and pursuing accountable personal and communal improvement.
The khutbah in 7 steps
- Urges continual mindfulness of Allah, spiritual growth, Quran reflection, and preparation for the Hereafter.
- Reflects on the Quranic duty to treat parents well while obeying Allah above all.
- Frames three questions: why Muslims lag behind, why reform attempts fail, and what can restore progress.
- Defines Muslim leadership as service, mercy, excellence, and guidance rather than domination or control.
- Identifies proper understanding of the deen, history, and reality as requirements for successful reform.
- Examines Muslim history as often inconsistent with Islamic principles, highlighting dynastic rule, dictatorship, and suppression of thinkers.
- Concludes by urging education, realistic New Year goals, and personal accountability.
In the khateeb's words
“the curve should be ascending until you meet Allah subhanahu wa ta'ala you are a better person every day”
“when I say leading community doesn't mean that we dominate people or control that's not what Islam asks for”
“for any change or reform attempt or experience or movement to succeed it has to meet all three requirements”
For the dinner table
The khateeb reminded us that faith should be a growing relationship with Allah, and that we should regularly examine what we are preparing for the Hereafter. He encouraged us to read the Quran with reflection and joy, not merely as a checkbox. He also said Muslims need to understand our religion, our real history, and our present circumstances honestly if we want meaningful reform. A community's leadership should mean serving people, showing mercy, learning, teaching, and making the world better, not dominating others. As the year ends, he urged each of us to set challenging but realistic goals and hold ourselves accountable.
- What is one small thing that helps you feel close to Allah?
- What makes a goal challenging but realistic?
- How can our family make life better for someone else?
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