4:45 when you see millions…7:23 the fact is, we have…12:49 our ayam, salamu…13:20 Since he is a human…
Seeking knowledgeFrom the masjid's own video, Dec 26, 2025.

Truth is not decided by popularity

Al-Khoei

“When you see millions of people following one direction, it doesn't mean that this direction is correct.”

The khateeb, at 4:45

Watch the khutbahFamily kit
In one sentence

Because majority opinion can be wrong, believers should learn from and follow the wisdom of Imam al-Hadi and the Ahl al-Bayt, grounding their choices in Allah rather than popularity and treating respectful people with dignity.

The khutbah in 5 steps

  1. Argues that popularity and majority opinion do not establish truth.
  2. Recounts Imam al-Hadi's confinement under al-Mutawakkil and his reliance on Allah.
  3. Explains the Imam's Quran-based response about “Zalim” and “Fulan.”
  4. Shares the warning preceding al-Mutawakkil's death as an example of Ahl al-Bayt's wisdom.
  5. Concludes by urging adherence to the Ahl al-Bayt and offering prayers and congregational worship.
Try this week
Learn the names, sequence, and teachings of the Imams.
Evaluate popular beliefs by truth and guidance rather than by the number of followers.
When facing intimidation, turn to Allah and rely on His power rather than worldly status.
Respect people of other religions when there is mutual respect and no animosity.
Sources the khateeb cited
Surah 103Frames the sermon around faith, righteous action, truth, and patience.
Quran 25:27-29Supports the discussion of regret, harmful companionship, and the unnamed “Fulan” and “Zalim.”
Quran 111:1Used to explain that a person may be addressed by a title or kunya, including across religious differences.
Quotes

In the khateeb's words

“when you see millions of people following one direction, it doesn't mean that this direction is correct.”
Al-Khoei · Jamaica, NY
Play from 4:45
“the fact is, we have to emphasize that the majority of the people, not necessarily, they make the right decision. And not necessarily, they practice the right way.”
Al-Khoei · Jamaica, NY
Play from 7:23
“our ayam, salamu allahhi alayhim, they are the key to the knowledge of al-Islam.”
Al-Khoei · Jamaica, NY
Play from 12:49
“Since he is a human being, and since he respects you, there is no animosity.”
Al-Khoei · Jamaica, NY
Play from 13:20
Talk about it at home

For the dinner table

The khutbah focused on Imam al-Hadi and the wisdom of the Ahl al-Bayt. It reminded us that a large crowd is not proof that an idea is true, so we should seek guidance from Allah and sound knowledge. The speaker encouraged listeners to learn the Imams' names and teachings, follow their example, and turn to Allah when facing fear or pressure. He also taught that we can respect people of other religions when there is mutual respect and no hostility. The service ended with prayers and congregational worship.

  1. When have you seen people follow a crowd without thinking carefully?
  2. What is one teaching from the Imams you would like to learn more about?
  3. How can our family show respect to people with different beliefs?
Where it was given

The masjid

Imam Al-Khoei Islamic Center89-89 Van Wyck Expressway, Jamaica, NY 11435ArchiveAll khutbahs at Al-Khoei20 khutbahs
Keep listening

More on Seeking knowledge

All on this topic
IMAN Center · Kirkland, WA · Sep 19, 2026Knowledge matters only when it changes us“Sometimes the problem is knowledge without action.”Daar-Ul-Islam · Ballwin, MO · Oct 3, 2026The first revelation calls us to learn and serve“Before any type of great transformation occurs outwardly, there must be deep reflection inwardly.”CCIL-KBW · Laval, QC · Sep 26, 2026Protect your heart from information overload“Faire confiance à Allah ne signifie pas rester sans rien faire.”