Zakat should strengthen the local community
“How can we plan to become strong and we don't even know if our Muslim neighbor is full or hungry?”
Muslims in Princeton must fulfill their zakah obligation and give charitably toward their own local community, not only send support overseas, so the congregation can stand strong and accountable before Allah.
The khutbah in 8 steps
- Opening khutbah formulas and testimony of faith
- Hadith warning from Sahih al-Bukhari: withheld wealth becomes a venomous snake on the Day of Judgment
- Quranic rebuke of those who withhold Allah's bounty and the reminder that all wealth ultimately belongs to Him
- Islam trains believers to give through salah, hajj, and zakah; zakah itself is only 2.5%
- Rewards of sadaqah and the danger of treating obligatory zakah as optional
- Local crisis: eligible zakah recipients exist in Princeton but the masjid has had no zakah to give them
- Call to keep part of one's zakah at home, know neighbors' needs, and take communal responsibility
- Practical appeal to make room in the masjid so sisters can pray
In the khateeb's words
“if we are planning to become a strong community in Princeton how can we plan to become strong and we don't even know if our Muslim neighbor is full or hungry”
“there are people in this community in Princeton they are not only in need they fall under the categories of Zaka they are eligible for Zaka”
“we have only two options either fulfill what Allah subhanahu wa ta'ala expects from us and show Him that ya Allah I did what you asked me to do or abandon the responsibility”
For the dinner table
The khutbah reminded us that wealth is an amanah from Allah, not something we own forever; whatever we hold will eventually pass on. Zakah is a required act of giving, and sadaqah brings great reward. Worship trains us to give our time, priorities, health, and wealth for Allah’s sake, including the required 2.5% when zakah applies. While supporting families overseas matters, we must also care for people in our own Princeton Muslim community. A strong community begins with noticing one another, sharing what Allah has given us, and fulfilling our responsibilities with sincerity.
- What is one thing besides money, time, attention, or a skill, you could give this week?
- How could we check on someone nearby without making them feel embarrassed?
- What helps you put prayer before a busy activity?
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