Muslims must use freedom to build power
“Every single one of us should get involved in the process of decision making in this country.”
Muslims should recognize freedom as the central issue behind current struggles and use their available civic, social, financial, and political resources to protect themselves, their families, and their communities.
The khutbah in 6 steps
- Prayers for Syria and Gaza introduce the human cost of oppression and war.
- The khutbah frames struggles in Syria, Gaza, Kashmir, and elsewhere as quests for freedom.
- The Prophet's migration to Medina and the American Civil War are presented as examples of sacrifices made for liberty.
- Surah al-Nisa 4:97-99 warns against accepting helplessness when meaningful resources and options exist.
- Allah preserves the deen, while Muslims are responsible for building power to defend themselves and their children.
- Listeners are urged to participate actively in decision-making, from school boards and curricula to national politics.
In the khateeb's words
“The question is whether we are willing to do it or not.”
“Every single one of us should get involved in the process of decision making in this country.”
“To attain means of power. Whether it's financial power, political power, any power that's necessary for us to have a way to protect ourselves and our children, that is our responsibility.”
For the dinner table
Today the khateeb asked us to pray for the people of Gaza now that there is a ceasefire, especially the many wounded children who urgently need operations, and for our brothers and sisters in Syria. He said the big lesson from these struggles is freedom. Even the Prophet (s.a.w.) left Mecca for Medina not for safety, since Allah had promised to protect him, but to be free to worship and share Islam. He reminded us of an ayah in Surah An-Nisa where the angels ask people who let themselves stay weak, 'What were you doing?' The khateeb said that people who live here, with education, rights, and freedoms, cannot claim to have no means. So our job is to use what Allah has given us, our time, our skills, our voices, and our community, to protect ourselves and our children and to help others.
- Why do you think the Prophet (s.a.w.) left his hometown of Mecca, even though Allah promised to keep him safe?
- What is one gift or ability Allah has given you that you could use to help our family or community?
- If you could change one thing at your school, who would you talk to about it?
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