12:14 It's not possible that…34:05 A true leader shares…
Community & unityFrom the masjid's own video, Aug 15, 2025.

Muslim brotherhood requires sharing hardship

King Fahad · Ahson Syed

“It's not possible that Muslims in one land can feel relaxed and comfortable while Muslims in another land are suffering.”

The khateeb, at 12:14

Watch the khutbahFamily kit
In one sentence

The story of Umar ibn al-Khattab's response to the famine of Amur Ramadah teaches that Muslim brotherhood requires united material aid, leaders who share people's hardship, and persistent prayer to Allah, applied today to those suffering in Gaza and elsewhere.

The khutbah in 4 steps

  1. Recounts the severe famine of Amur Ramadah and the relief mobilized from Egypt, Sham, and Persia.
  2. Highlights Umar's hands-on leadership through distributing supplies, cooking, feeding families, and sharing their deprivation.
  3. Describes Umar's nightly prayer and Salat al-Istisqa as means of seeking Allah's relief.
  4. Applies the story to unity, compassionate service, responsible leadership, and helping suffering Muslims today.
Try this week
Support suffering people in Gaza and elsewhere through whatever helpful means are available.
Respond collectively when fellow Muslims face hardship, including material aid and direct relief work.
Leaders and volunteers should serve people personally and share in their difficulties.
Make dua consistently, especially during the last third of the night.
Avoid displaying abundant meals on social media while others are suffering.
Quotes

In the khateeb's words

“It's not possible that Muslims in one land can feel relaxed and comfortable while Muslims in another land are suffering.”
King Fahad · Culver City, CA
Play from 12:14
“A true leader shares in the suffering of his people and does not live in comfort while others endure hardship.”
King Fahad · Culver City, CA
Play from 34:05
Talk about it at home

For the dinner table

The khateeb told the story of a severe famine during Umar ibn al-Khattab’s leadership, when Muslims in other regions sent food, clothing, and supplies to help. Umar made sure help reached families, carried food himself, and cooked and served meals for hungry people. The khutbah reminded us that believers are like one body: when some are hurting, the rest should respond with care. It also encouraged us to respect relief workers, make dua for them, and be thoughtful about sharing pictures of our meals while others are hungry. Umar’s daytime service and nighttime prayers remind us to do what we can for people suffering in Ghazza and elsewhere while asking Allah to bring them relief.

  1. What does Umar serving meals himself teach us about being a leader at school or at home?
  2. Who could we make dua for tonight, and what practical help could we offer?
Where it was given

The masjid

King Fahad Mosque10980 Washington Blvd, Culver City, CA 90232Jumu'ah 1:00 PMKhateebAhson SyedMore khutbahsArchiveAll khutbahs at King Fahad47 khutbahs
Keep listening

More on Community & unity

All on this topic
There is no such thing as a nobody.19:44Masjid Fulton · Sacramento, CA · Oct 10, 2026No one should feel forgottenThe question is how do we disagree without destroying our relationships and our communities?14:27Al-Misbah Islamic Centre · Toronto, ON · Oct 3, 2026How to disagree without hostilityICNYC · Greenwich Village, NY · Sep 26, 2026True faith serves people and Allah“We have a comprehensive and holistic understanding of this deen that goes beyond just benefiting ourselves to benefiting humanity at large.”