Civic engagementFrom the masjid's own video, Sep 26, 2026.
Answer hatred with kindness and courage
The khutbah in 5 steps
- Defines Muslims’ responsibility to participate actively in improving society.
- Addresses election-cycle Islamophobia and urges voter registration and participation.
- Teaches responding to hatred and bigotry with forgiveness, compassion, and cooperation.
- Connects prophetic compassion to post-9/11 persecution and broader communal solidarity.
- Calls listeners to seek out and stand with weak and oppressed people.
Try this week
Register to vote, verify voter registration, and participate in elections.
Answer hateful speech with kindness, forgiveness, humility, and compassion rather than retaliation.
Work collaboratively with others to create positive change in society.
Stand with weak and oppressed people, including immigrants, people of color, and unhoused neighbors.
Seek out and build relationships with people in the mosque and community whom you do not already know.
Sources the khateeb cited
Surah 3The instruction to pardon, seek forgiveness, and consult supports responding to hostility with mercy and cooperation.
Quotes
In the khateeb's words
“We respond hatred, we respond bigotry with kindness, generosity, humility, love, compassion, forgiveness, etc, etc”
“It is not cowardness It's courage It's bravery It's strength It's commitment to your faith”
Talk about it at home
For the dinner table
The khutbah reminds us that Muslims are called to help make society better, not sit back when people are treated unfairly. When we face Islamophobia or personal hurt, we should answer with courage, mercy, forgiveness, and cooperation rather than returning hatred. The stories of Ta’if and the man who misbehaved in the mosque show that kindness is strength, not weakness. We should also take part in civic life, stand with vulnerable people, and find practical ways to serve our neighbors.
- When has kindness been harder, and more meaningful, than anger?
- Who around us might need our support or friendship?
- What is one positive change our family could help make this week?
Keep listening
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