0:42 That doesn't mean we…3:31 And so when we say it…12:08 How can we expect…13:28 If I am focusing on…
Civic engagementFrom the masjid's own video, Aug 22, 2025.

True faith demands character and justice

Imam al-Asr

“How can we expect Islam to fulfill its promise when we distract ourselves with petty disputes.”

The khateeb, at 12:08

Watch the khutbahFamily kit
In one sentence

True religion is submission to God through the final revelation, expressed by faithful character, priorities, and responsibility toward suffering people.

The khutbah in 6 steps

  1. Explains that all prophets taught the same submission to God despite changing laws and rituals.
  2. Defines Islam as submission to God and commitment to the Quran and Prophet Muhammad’s teachings.
  3. Argues that social and religious failures should lead people closer to religion, not away from it.
  4. Warns against replacing faith with material success, secular systems, or obsession with minor religious details.
  5. Uses Quranic teachings to prioritize piety, moral character, care for the vulnerable, and justice.
  6. Calls the Muslim community to support people facing hardship and injustice, regardless of background.
Try this week
Return to the Quran and the teachings and example of Prophet Muhammad and Ahlulbayt when confronting personal or community weaknesses.
Prioritize foundational beliefs, prayer, and character over petty disputes and religious trivia.
Raise your voice, organize collective support, and stand with people facing hardship or injustice, regardless of background.
Sources the khateeb cited
Surah 107Shows that concern for orphans, the poor, and injustice is central to faith.
Quotes

In the khateeb's words

“That doesn't mean we believe in all of the religions. We believe that all of the prophets were sent by the same God.”
Imam al-Asr · Alexandria, VA
Play from 0:42
“And so when we say it is only Islam that is the true religion, What that is based on is that it is only submission to God”
Imam al-Asr · Alexandria, VA
Play from 3:31
“How can we expect Islam to fulfill its promise when we distract ourselves with petty disputes.”
Imam al-Asr · Alexandria, VA
Play from 12:08
“If I am focusing on small details, and I am forgetting the big picture of what is the key priority of a Muslim, then I am not religious.”
Imam al-Asr · Alexandria, VA
Play from 13:28
Talk about it at home

For the dinner table

Today’s sermon taught that Islam means submitting to God and following His final revelation, even though some laws and practices changed across earlier prophets. When society or religious communities fall short, we should not abandon faith; we should return to the Prophet’s example and help repair what is weak. Religious learning should shape our character and concern for orphans, the poor, and people facing injustice, rather than becoming arguments over trivia. We are called to turn our concern into shared support for people suffering, regardless of their background.

  1. What does submitting to God look like in everyday family life?
  2. How can we keep religious learning from turning into arguments about minor details?
  3. What is one practical way our family can support someone facing hardship?
Where it was given

The masjid

Imam al-Asr Masjid5501 Cherokee Ave, Alexandria, VA 22312Jumu'ah 1:15 PMArchiveAll khutbahs at Imam al-Asr9 khutbahs
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