15:58 So you do your part,…22:31 Agency is when a…
Qur'an & tafsirFrom the masjid's own video, Sep 18, 2026.

Surah al-Kahf teaches principled action

NHIEC

“You do your part, you stand with what is right, you go ahead and you stand against what is wrong.”

The khateeb, at 15:58

Watch the khutbahFamily kit
In one sentence

Surah al-Kahf teaches believers to respond to each stage of agency, powerlessness, influence, uncertainty, and power, with principled firmness, gentle counsel, patience, justice, humility, and shared responsibility.

The khutbah in 6 steps

  1. Frames Surah al-Kahf through Ibn Ashur’s goal-oriented interpretation.
  2. Uses the People of the Cave to teach principled firmness under oppression and weakness.
  3. Uses the two gardens to show how to advise others gently as influence grows.
  4. Uses Musa and Khidr to teach humility, patience, and trust when outcomes are unseen.
  5. Uses Dhul Qarnayn to define power through justice, empowerment, and humility before Allah.
  6. Applies the framework to the Companions, a contemporary Free Palestine example, and prayers for oppressed communities.
Try this week
Read Surah al-Kahf with attention to its overall purpose and apply its lessons.
When powerless, remain firm on your principles and preserve your ability to continue guiding others.
Begin guidance with close family and trusted people when public speech could cause harm.
When you have influence, advise gently, humbly, and without aggression.
Help others build their own capacity, stand for justice, and remain patient with unseen outcomes.
Sources the khateeb cited
Surah 18Its four major narratives are used to guide believers through weakness, influence, uncertainty, and power.
Surah 18Used to argue that power should establish justice and help vulnerable people build their own capacity.
Quran 3:144Used to argue that the mission continues through the community after the Prophet's death.
Quotes

In the khateeb's words

“So you do your part, you stand with what is right, you go ahead and you stand against what is wrong.”
NHIEC · Union City, NJ
Play from 15:58
“Agency is when a people upon principles come and join one another and stand firm, support one another, have the end goal in mind, being the success of justice, being standing with what's right and standing against what's wrong.”
NHIEC · Union City, NJ
Play from 22:31
Talk about it at home

For the dinner table

The khateeb invited us to read Surat Al-Kahf as a connected guide for how to act in different circumstances. From the people of the cave, he highlighted staying faithful to our principles even when we have little power. From the story of the gardens, he reminded us to recognize Allah’s blessings and offer advice with kindness and humility when we can speak. Through Musa and Khidr, he encouraged us to do what is right while remembering that our knowledge is limited and trusting Allah when results puzzle us. From Dhul Qarnayn, he emphasized using strength justly, protecting people facing oppression, and helping others develop the ability to carry on good work together.

  1. What is one way you could stay true to your values when friends pressure you?
  2. How could you give someone helpful advice without embarrassing them?
  3. What could our family do together that helps someone learn to solve a problem?
Where it was given

The masjid

North Hudson Islamic Educational Center4613 Cottage Pl, Union City, NJ 07087ArchiveAll khutbahs at NHIEC31 khutbahs
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