Civic engagementFrom the masjid's own video, Sep 3, 2025.

Faith calls for lawful civic engagement

“We cannot exist in a bubble but rather we have to interact with the greater society.”

The khateeb, at 10:45

In one sentence

Islam encompasses worship and responsible engagement with society, so Muslims should participate lawfully in civic life while strengthening their relationship with Allah and maintaining unity despite differing choices.

The khutbah in 6 steps

  1. Expands the meaning of deen beyond ritual worship to guidance for every area of life.
  2. Shows the Prophet’s social engagement through marketplace ethics, Hilf al-Fudul, the Medina pact, and Hudaybiyyah.
  3. Applies these examples to Muslims living as a minority who must obey laws and engage constructively with society.
  4. Urges voting, researching candidates and policies, addressing local concerns, and respecting differing political judgments.
  5. Calls for istikhara, tahajjud, Fajr in congregation, qunut nazila, and reliance on Allah rather than speculation.
  6. Concludes that communal religious conduct influences leadership and that stronger worship is essential for lasting change.
Try this week
Obey the laws of the country while engaging constructively with wider society.
Research candidates, their records, policies, and promises before voting.
Perform salat al-istikhara, wake for tahajjud, make dua, and pray Fajr in congregation.
Participate in qunut nazila and maintain regular connection with the masjid.
Vote within one’s lawful civic rights.
Avoid insulting or attacking Muslims who make different political choices.
Sources the khateeb cited
Quran 5:3Used to establish that Allah completed the deen and provided guidance for all situations.
Quran 48:1Used to connect patience at Hudaybiyyah with the later opening of Makkah.
Quotes

In the khateeb's words

“However, ibadah or deen is not restricted to these actions, but rather it extends far, far beyond.”
DarusSalam · Lombard, IL
Play from 2:27
“we cannot exist in a bubble but rather we have to interact with the greater society.”
DarusSalam · Lombard, IL
Play from 10:45
“our connection with Allah subhanahu wa ta'ala is even more important than our votes”
DarusSalam · Lombard, IL
Play from 19:10