5:56 Your friends affect…13:18 Find friends who push…19:29 We need to be able to…
Character & conductFrom the masjid's own video, Sep 3, 2025.

Choose friends who strengthen your faith

MCC East Bay

“Your friends have an influence on you.”

The khateeb, at 5:56

Watch the khutbahFamily kit
In one sentence

Because companions deeply shape a person's faith and character, Muslims should choose righteous friends, uplift one another, and build everyday relationships around obedience to Allah.

The khutbah in 6 steps

  1. Defines Islamic brotherhood as faith-based mutual care and responsibility.
  2. Explains through hadith that close companions influence one's religion and character.
  3. Uses Ibrahim and Yusuf's supplications to emphasize righteous companionship.
  4. Applies the principle to spouses, hobbies, prayer, and missing Fajr.
  5. Encourages small acts of Quran, hadith, and dhikr during gatherings.
  6. Calls for gentle reciprocal advice and closes with the musk-seller companion analogy.
Try this week
Choose close friends who encourage faith, prayer, and good character.
Include a few minutes of Quran, hadith, or dhikr in social gatherings.
Prioritize prayer on time and avoid friendships or activities that cause missed prayers or Fajr.
Give and receive sincere advice gently, politely, and effectively.
Make dua for righteous friends and spouses for oneself and one's children.
Sources the khateeb cited
Surah 26Ibrahim's supplication to be joined with the righteous illustrates the importance of righteous companionship.
Surah 12Yusuf's final supplication to die as a Muslim and join the righteous reinforces companionship as a key to success.
Surah 103Belief, righteous deeds, advising truth, and advising patience are presented as ways friends uplift one another.
Quotes

In the khateeb's words

“Your friends affect you. Your friends have an influence on you. You have an influence on your friends.”
MCC East Bay · Pleasanton, CA
Play from 5:56
“Find friends who push you slowly but surely in the right direction. Stay away from the people who slowly but surely push you in the wrong direction.”
MCC East Bay · Pleasanton, CA
Play from 13:18
“We need to be able to give sincere advice in a polite and effective way.”
MCC East Bay · Pleasanton, CA
Play from 19:29
Talk about it at home

For the dinner table

Today's khutbah reminded us that friendship in Islam is a bond of faith, love, and care for one another. The people closest to us influence our choices, so we should seek friends who help us grow closer to Allah and try to be that kind of friend ourselves. The khateeb shared how Prophets Ibrahim and Yusuf prayed to be joined with the righteous, and how he prays for righteous friends for his children. Good friendships leave room for laughter, hobbies, and games while helping us remember prayer and our responsibilities to Allah. Even a few minutes of Quran, hadith, or dhikr can uplift a gathering, and gentle, sincere advice can help us grow together.

  1. What does a friend do that helps you become a better person?
  2. How could we add a few minutes of remembering Allah to our next family game night?
  3. How would you want a friend to remind you when you make a mistake?
Where it was given

The masjid

Muslim Community Center East Bay5724 W Las Positas Blvd, Pleasanton, CA 94588ArchiveAll khutbahs at MCC East Bay71 khutbahs
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