Civic engagementFrom the masjid's own video, May 30, 2026.
Muslims must organize to serve their community
“If you have more criticism than you have contribution, you got a problem.”
In one sentence
Muslims must move beyond criticism and ritual-only religiosity to take active, organized responsibility for the governance, security, and material welfare of their community, following the Prophet's example of building institutions in Medina.
The khutbah in 7 steps
- Announcements: Eid festival block party, donations, volunteers, classes, and a du'a request for a brother in hospice
- Why Umar (RA) established the Hijri calendar and why the Hijrah marked the start of Islamic civilization
- Islamic history includes realpolitik; Muslims alone are criticized for engaging in governance and civic life
- Umar's generals wearing local dress in Damascus: wisdom in adapting to the people you serve
- The community criticizes everyone but few show up to work: food distribution, vans, volunteering
- Masjid neighborhood safety: drug-free zone, protecting sisters and children around the masjid
- Call to action: organize security perimeters, show up for meetings, lock in as a community, closing du'as
Try this week
Donate to the masjid and to the Eid festival
Volunteer for the Eid Fest block party (see the khateeb, Brother Rashawn, or Marmoussa)
Invite family, friends, neighbors, and coworkers, Muslims and non-Muslims, to the Eid Fest
Attend Sunday Arabic reading (10 a.m.) and new Shahada classes (11 a.m.)
Make du'a for Brother Abdul Malik who is in hospice
Commit to regular volunteer shifts (e.g., 15-minute food-distribution rotations)
Show up to planning meetings for masjid security perimeter and escorting sisters
Help maintain a drug-free zone around the masjid neighborhood
Engage in civic and political life rather than shunning voting and governance
Sources the khateeb cited
Quran 8:60'Prepare whatever you can of strength (quwwa)... mastata'at', used to argue Muslims must build capacity and readiness within their means
Quran 2:201Recited in the closing du'a asking for good in this world and the next
Quotes
In the khateeb's words
“He wrote up or constructed what would be considered to be the constitution for Medina. The laws, the bylaws, the do's and the don'ts”
“If you have more criticism than you have contribution, you got a problem. And you don't have a place here, man.”
“Come as you are, man. And we'll deal with whatever your relationship or your situation is when you get here. But come.”
“Because if we don't do it, who's going to do it? Superman ain't coming.”
Keep listening
More on Civic engagement
If you don't utilize your vote, you have no power.13:23MIC · Malden, MA · Oct 24, 2026Voting is an amanah for justice
CLIC · Clear Lake, TX · Oct 31, 2026Vote patiently for justice and less harm
The only way to change policies is through elections, through voting.24:31Medical Center Islamic · Houston, TX · Oct 30, 2026Voting helps protect religious freedom