13:22 by saying there is no…24:21 his character was the…
Prayer & worshipFrom the masjid's own video, Apr 24, 2026.

The shahada calls us to worship Allah alone

Mecca Center · Joe Bradford

“By saying there is no one worthy of worship but Allah, the heart finds rest and we free ourselves from being servants to the creation.”

The khateeb, at 13:22

Watch the khutbahFamily kit
In one sentence

The shahada is the foundation of Islam, and living its meaning requires worshiping Allah alone, following the Prophet Muhammad, embodying his character, and keeping hope open for others.

The khutbah in 6 steps

  1. Establishes la ilaha illallah as the greatest phrase, purpose of creation, first obligation, and source of unity.
  2. Connects the shahada with inner peace, relief from distress, a wholesome life, and salvation.
  3. Explains Muhammadur Rasulullah as the way to worship Allah and follow divine guidance.
  4. Uses the Prophet’s steadfastness and mercy at Ta’if to show principled conduct without revenge.
  5. Shows that love for the Prophet means following his example, reading the Quran, and emulating his character.
  6. Encourages Muslims to leave the door open for guidance and prays for the community’s families, friends, and neighbors.
Try this week
Keep the shahada central in prayer and remembrance.
Read the Quran to learn and emulate the Prophet’s character.
Follow and obey the Prophet while remaining firm on core beliefs.
Leave the door open for people who may later be guided, and invite them with hope rather than dismissal.
Sources the khateeb cited
Sahih al-BukhariMu'adh is instructed to make the testimony the first call to a people.
Surah 109Illustrates that core monotheistic beliefs are non-negotiable.
Sahih MuslimThe conversion of Amr ibn al-As illustrates that Islam erases previous wrongdoing and that guidance remains possible.
Jami` at-TirmidhiIdentifies la ilaha illallah as the best statement spoken by the Prophet and earlier prophets.
Quotes

In the khateeb's words

“by saying there is no one worthy of worship but Allah the heart finds rest and we free ourselves from being servants to the creation and we become servants to Allah alone”
Mecca Center · Willowbrook, IL
Play from 13:22
“his character was the Quran you don't need to go and find anything but ask about his character read the Quran you will find his character in the Quran”
Mecca Center · Willowbrook, IL
Play from 24:21
Talk about it at home

For the dinner table

The sermon teaches that the shahada is the heart of Islam: we worship Allah alone and follow Muhammad as His Messenger. The Prophet remained firm in his beliefs while responding to rejection and harm with patience, mercy, and hope rather than revenge. Loving him means following his example and letting the Quran shape our character. We should keep the door open for people to find guidance and treat family, neighbors, and friends with hope and kindness.

  1. What would it look like this week to rely more on Allah than on other people’s approval?
  2. How can we respond to hurt without taking revenge?
  3. Who might need us to leave the door open for them with patience and kindness?
Where it was given

The masjid

The Mecca Center16W560 91st Street, Willowbrook, IL 60527Jumu'ah 1:00 PM & 2:30 PMKhateebJoe BradfordMore khutbahsArchiveAll khutbahs at Mecca Center37 khutbahs
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