Taqwa means justice when no one sees
“The absence of witnesses does not make things invisible to Allah.”
True taqwa is shown by protecting people's dignity and rights, acting justly and mercifully toward those under our influence, and obeying Allah even when no one is watching.
The khutbah in 7 steps
- Opens with Qur'anic calls to taqwa, repentance, and hope in Allah's forgiveness.
- Explains maqasid al-shariah as protecting religion, life, intellect, family, property, and honor.
- Uses Surah al-An'am and the Farewell Sermon to frame justice, sanctity of rights, and mutual defense.
- Rejects race, status, clothing, wealth, and nationality as measures of a Muslim's worth, while emphasizing community diversity and solidarity with Gaza.
- Asks who a person becomes when surveillance, social pressure, and worldly accountability disappear.
- Through Yusuf, Mu'adh, and the shepherd hadith, calls parents, spouses, employers, teachers, and leaders to fear Allah, mercy, and justice.
- Closes with Qur'anic exhortations and prayers for Muslims, Gaza, and the oppressed.
In the khateeb's words
“These are not measures. But a true Muslim, if he has even minor feelings, he dismisses these such feelings.”
“Fear Allah wherever you are Fear Allah in public and in private Fear Allah with the wealthy and the poor”
“The presence of an opportunity does not make any action permissible. And the absence of witnesses does not make things invisible to Allah.”
For the dinner table
Today's khutbah teaches that Islam is not only about private worship; it is also about protecting people's lives, minds, families, property, and dignity. Our faith is tested most clearly when nobody is watching, because an opportunity or missing witness never makes wrongdoing invisible to Allah. We should be especially gentle and just with people who depend on us, including family members, employees, and students. The khutbah also reminds us not to judge Muslims by race, nationality, clothes, work, or wealth, and to stand with oppressed people, including the people of Gaza. The practical goal is to carry taqwa into ordinary choices by speaking fairly, avoiding oppression, and choosing mercy when we have power.
- What is one good choice you can make when nobody else is watching?
- Who depends on you, and how can you help that person feel safe?
- What qualities matter more than someone's clothes, job, or possessions?
More on Repentance & taqwa
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