2:31 We are writing a book.…5:50 Your goal is to please…12:33 Just take the…
Civic engagementFrom the masjid's own video, Sep 19, 2026.

Serve Allah by serving your community

Pillars · Youssef Mekawy

“Your goal is to leave an impact on this earth.”

The khateeb, at 5:50

Watch the khutbahFamily kit
In one sentence

A believer should treat life as an accountable book, pursue sincere service and positive community impact, and remain grounded in taqwa, tawakkul, and righteous companionship.

The khutbah in 6 steps

  1. Calls listeners to taqwa, submission, and guidance through the Quran and Sunnah.
  2. Uses the metaphor of a daily-written book to frame accountability before Allah.
  3. Recasts worldly success as secondary to purpose, stewardship, and lasting community impact.
  4. Urges sincere intention and initiative rather than complaint as the starting point for service.
  5. Presents taqwa and tawakkul as provision for criticism, hardship, and uncertain outcomes.
  6. Concludes with seeking sincere companions who support Quran, salah, and the path to Jannah.
Try this week
Renew the intention behind service so it seeks Allah’s pleasure rather than recognition.
Identify a unique skill or idea and take initiative by bringing it to the community or its leadership.
Replace complaining about community shortcomings with personally leading a constructive effort.
Stay rooted in taqwa and tawakkul when criticized or tested.
Seek sincere companions who support Quran, salah, and spiritual steadiness.
Sources the khateeb cited
Surah 18Encourages seeking sincere companions who remember Allah and support faith.
Quotes

In the khateeb's words

“We are writing a book. Every day you are writing a page of that book. Every year you are concluding a chapter of that book.”
Pillars · University City, NC
Play from 2:31
“Your goal is to please Allah subhanahu wa ta'ala. Your goal is to leave an impact on this earth.”
Pillars · University City, NC
Play from 5:50
“Just take the initiative, have the intention, the sincere intention, and Allah will open doors.”
Pillars · University City, NC
Play from 12:33
Talk about it at home

For the dinner table

The imam reminded us that every day adds a page to the book of our lives, which we will one day present to Allah. Having nice things is not wrong, but our deeper purpose is to please Allah and leave the world better through our actions. Listening to someone, helping at the masjid, or sharing what we know can all make a meaningful difference. We can begin with a sincere intention and take a small step to meet a need instead of only complaining about it. When serving others becomes difficult, remembering Allah, trusting Him, and keeping sincere friends around us can help us stay steady.

  1. What is one thing you would like to put on tomorrow’s page in your book of deeds?
  2. What could our family do this week to help someone feel welcome or cared for?
  3. How can you be a friend who helps others remember Allah and do good?
Where it was given

The masjid

Pillars Mosque3116 Johnston Oehler Rd, Charlotte, NC 28269Jumu'ah 12:00 PM, 1:00 PM, and 2:10 PMKhateebYoussef MekawyMore khutbahsArchiveAll khutbahs at Pillars156 khutbahs
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