Repentance & taqwaFrom the masjid's own video, Sep 3, 2025.

Keep taqwa alive through daily action

“The real measure of your taqwa, of how much taqwa you gained, lies in how much action you take up in the world.”

The khateeb, at 19:13

In one sentence

Ramadan’s spiritual gains should continue through sincere, persistent worship and active service to humanity, especially by remaining connected to and supporting the masjid throughout the year.

The khutbah in 6 steps

  1. Ramadan’s blessings depend on a heart prepared to receive them, and Allah’s mercy continues after Ramadan.
  2. Taqwa should produce action in the world through worship, moral responsibility, service, and spending what one loves.
  3. The Prophet’s first revelation moved him from seclusion toward public responsibility, supported by Khadijah’s example.
  4. Masjids should remain year-round centers of worship, belonging, education, and community service.
  5. Sincerity and consistent worship matter more than temporary intensity; even small daily deeds should continue after Ramadan.
  6. Believers are urged to serve their masjid through finances, physical work, professional skills, and community participation.
Try this week
Continue worship after Ramadan with a manageable daily Qur'an portion, even if only a page.
Maintain at least two units of night prayer or another small, regular devotional practice.
Stay connected to the masjid and attend religious gatherings throughout the year.
Serve the masjid through financial support, physical work, professional skills, medical help, or technology.
Help children feel connected to the masjid and included in its community.
Sources the khateeb cited
Surah 62Used to argue that remembering Allah continues while walking, sitting, and living daily life after prayer.
Surah 96The first revelation was presented as a call to action and responsibility rather than permanent seclusion.
Surah 15Worship until certainty was used to argue that worship continues until death, not merely through Ramadan.
Musnad AhmadThe statement that actions depend on their endings was used to warn against abandoning worship after Ramadan.
Quotes

In the khateeb's words

“because Ramadan is like rain. It falls everywhere without any discrimination. But the ground that is soft and is prepared to receive the water receives these blessings.”
Al Aqsa Community · Plainfield, IL
Play from 10:43
“The real measure of your taqwa, of how much taqwa you gained, lies in how much action you take up in the world.”
Al Aqsa Community · Plainfield, IL
Play from 19:13
“This is where your children should feel connected. They should feel a sense of belonging here.”
Al Aqsa Community · Plainfield, IL
Play from 24:53
Talk about it at home

For the dinner table

The khutbah reminds us that Ramadan ends, but Allah’s mercy and invitation to worship continue all year. Taqwa is not only a feeling or private ritual; it should help us serve people, stand for what is right, and use our time and resources well. We should keep a small, sincere routine of prayer and Qur’an, even when we cannot maintain Ramadan’s intensity. The masjid should remain a place where we worship, find peace, serve others, and help our children feel they belong. Everyone can contribute through money, time, skills, or simple acts of care.

  1. What small act of worship could we continue together after Ramadan?
  2. How could our family help someone or serve our masjid this month?
  3. What would make the masjid feel more welcoming to children and young people?