Repentance & taqwaFrom the masjid's own video, Oct 31, 2026.

Allah accepts deeds rooted in taqwa

“It's never too late to fix your intention, it's never too late to have taqwa, and it's never too late to conceal your act of worship.”

The khateeb, at 19:45

In one sentence

Allah values and accepts deeds according to sincere intention and taqwa, not public recognition, so believers should cultivate hidden worship.

The khutbah in 5 steps

  1. Establishes that every deed’s worth is measured by Allah’s acceptance, illustrated through unseen night prayer.
  2. Explains how concealed charity, fasting, and private remembrance receive special divine reward.
  3. Uses Surah al-Ahzab 35 and Surah al-Mutaffifin to show that sincere deeds are forgiven, recorded, and honored.
  4. Retells the story of Qabil and Habil to emphasize that Allah accepts deeds from people of taqwa.
  5. Closes by asking for sincerity and urging justice, family kindness, remembrance, and seeking forgiveness.
Try this week
Wake before Fajr or during the last third of the night to call upon Allah.
Give charity secretly, especially by helping someone in need.
Fast sincerely for Allah, particularly during Ramadan.
Remember Allah privately and cultivate a softened, reflective heart.
Renew intentions, develop taqwa, and conceal some acts of worship.
Sources the khateeb cited
Sahih al-BukhariUsed to explain the last third of the night and the seven shaded by Allah, including those who worship or give secretly.
Surah 33Used to affirm that sincere worship by both men and women receives forgiveness and a great reward.
Surah 83Used to describe the honored, permanent record of the righteous.
Quotes

In the khateeb's words

“The worthiness of everything that you do is measured by one thing and one thing only. The acceptance of Allah Azza wa Jalla.”
ISG · Germantown, MD
Play from 5:15
“That servant of Allah that tore himself from the comfortable bedsheets while the whole world slept was not seen by anyone.”
ISG · Germantown, MD
Play from 6:49
“it's never too late to fix your intention it's never too late to have taqwa and it's never too late to conceal your act of worship”
ISG · Germantown, MD
Play from 19:45
Talk about it at home

For the dinner table

The khateeb taught that the real value of our deeds comes from Allah’s acceptance, not from being noticed by people. He reminded us that private prayer before Fajr, hidden charity, fasting, and quiet remembrance can all be precious to Allah even when no one else sees them. The story of Adam’s two sons showed that sincerity and taqwa matter more than outward action alone. This week, we can renew our intentions and choose one good deed to do quietly for Allah.

  1. What is one good thing you could do without telling anyone?
  2. Why might Allah care about our intention as well as our action?
  3. What does taqwa mean in your own words after hearing the sermon?