8:12 Influence isn't how…29:18 People may forget Our…
Character & conductFrom the masjid's own video, Jan 3, 2026.

Sincere actions build lasting influence

Maryam Islamic Center

“Real influence comes from sincerity and action.”

The khateeb, at 8:12

Watch the khutbahFamily kit
In one sentence

Every Muslim has influence and responsibility, and by aligning actions with words and practicing sincere, patient kindness, they can represent Islam and build a lasting legacy.

The khutbah in 6 steps

  1. Introduces every person's responsibility and circle of influence.
  2. Explains that genuine influence comes from sincerity and action, not popularity.
  3. Uses Ibn Ata'illah and Musa's example to encourage owning difficult responsibilities wisely.
  4. Warns that influence fails when actions contradict religious advice.
  5. Illustrates lasting influence through Aisha, Abu Bakr, Tufail, Abu Huraira, and the chaiwala story.
  6. Connects personal integrity, kindness, prayer, and charitable action to legacy and solidarity with oppressed communities.
Try this week
Align personal actions with the religious behavior you ask from others.
Approach family, coworkers, and neighbors with wisdom, patience, kindness, and sincerity rather than force.
Examine where words and actions diverge, and seek help from the masjid's imams when needed.
Practice small sincere acts of kindness and do not despair when others initially reject guidance.
Pray consistently, stand for justice with dignity, and donate or perform another act of goodness for oppressed people.
Sources the khateeb cited
Sahih al-BukhariThe shepherd narration establishes that everyone is responsible for those within their care.
Quotes

In the khateeb's words

“Influence isn't how many followers you have on Instagram or TikTok or social media But real influence comes from sincerity and action”
Maryam Islamic Center · Sugar Land (New Territory), TX
Play from 8:12
“People may forget Our speeches But they never forget How you make them feel They never forget How you make them feel”
Maryam Islamic Center · Sugar Land (New Territory), TX
Play from 29:18
Talk about it at home

For the dinner table

The khateeb reminded us that every person influences others through words, choices, and character. Real influence is not about followers or status; it comes from sincere actions that match what we say. We should begin by improving ourselves, then treat family, neighbors, coworkers, and strangers with patience, wisdom, mercy, and kindness. Even a small caring act can open someone's heart and continue helping people long after we are gone. Seeing suffering around the world should move us to pray, stand for justice, help those in need, and build a legacy of sincere goodness.

  1. Who is in your circle of influence, and how might your actions affect them?
  2. What small act of kindness could someone remember for a long time?
  3. How can we make sure our actions match the values we talk about?
Where it was given

The masjid

Maryam Islamic Center (New Territory Islamic Center)504 Sartartia Rd, Sugar Land, TX 77479Jumu'ah 1:30 PM khutbah / 2:00 PM salah & 3:15 PM khutbah / 3:45 PM salahArchiveAll khutbahs at Maryam Islamic Center63 khutbahs
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