The deen belongs to the whole community
“The deen is not based on one person.”
The community should continue carrying the deen collectively after a beloved shaykh's departure by preserving his lessons of balance, unity, cooperation, and Qur'an-shaped character.
The khutbah in 6 steps
- Redefines success as remembrance of Allah and presence in the masjid.
- Honors Shaykh Muhammad Yahya and asks what the community should learn from his departure.
- Argues that the deen is not tied to one person, using the Battle of Mu'tah and shared responsibility.
- Presents balance and refusal to divide over secondary differences as core lessons.
- Connects unity to cooperation among Cleveland masajid and communal counseling.
- Calls listeners to embody generosity, mercy, useful speech, humility, and detachment from dunya.
In the khateeb's words
“the deen is not based on one person. Everybody's responsibility is to hold the deen and take care of it.”
“we are all together. We are all brothers. We do not deviate, and we do not divide, just because of like one shaykh or one way say this and the other one say that.”
“If s.w.t. calls Himself al-kareem, that means He likes to be generous, so you be generous.”
For the dinner table
The khateeb reflected on the lessons the community could carry forward after Shaykh Muhammad's departure. He reminded everyone to thank those who serve us and to keep making dua for them. He explained that our deen does not depend on one person, and each of us has a responsibility to help the community continue. He praised the Shaykh's balanced approach, welcoming spirit, and efforts to bring Muslims together despite differences of opinion. He also reminded us that learning and reciting the Qur'an should shape our actions, helping us become generous, merciful, humble, and thoughtful in what we say.
- Who has helped you recently, and what dua would you like to make for them?
- How could you help someone feel welcome when their opinion differs from yours?
- What is one way you could practice generosity, mercy, or humility tomorrow?
More on Community & unity
There is no such thing as a nobody.19:44Masjid Fulton · Sacramento, CA · Oct 10, 2026No one should feel forgotten
The 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 hostility
ICNYC · 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.”