Faith over despair means taking responsibility
“One of the worst diseases, my brothers and sisters, is despair.”
Despair is a whispering of shaitan that paralyzes the believer, and the cure is purifying the heart and embracing sacrifice and responsibility (Mas'uliyah), which for Michigan Muslims right now concretely means turning out to vote in Tuesday's primary to relieve the oppression in Gaza and protect the community.
The khutbah in 8 steps
- Opening khutbah formula and Quranic command to speak words of justice
- Despair as one of the worst diseases of the ummah and a tool of shaitan
- The people of Gaza as living proof of faith without despair, they returned to Gaza to protect al-Aqsa
- Modern addictions (video games, news, dopamine) numb the frontal lobe and feed despair
- American Muslims are leaving the deen; parents must limit screens and raise believers
- Mas'uliyah: we will be questioned about our time in this country; complicity through tax dollars
- Get-out-the-vote appeal: Michigan Muslims' power, public voter data, vote before Tuesday
- Closing dua for Palestine, Sudan, Yemen, Kashmir and the oppressed
In the khateeb's words
“Whoever Allah subhanahu wa ta'ala guides to the straight path, no force in the universe can misguide.”
“O you who believe, fear Allah, and speak words of appropriate justice,”
“But one of the worst diseases, my brothers and sisters, is despair.”
“Because many people say this, that our votes don't matter.”
For the dinner table
Ustadh Basem Elkarra warned that despair is one of the worst diseases a believer can face; it makes us think nothing we do matters and slowly pulls us away from prayer, charity, and action. He reminded us that Islam spread from purified hearts before it spread across lands, so the real work begins inside our own hearts and homes. He challenged young people especially to trade distractions and endless screen time for education, service, and sacrifice, pointing to the people of Gaza as an example of faith that does not despair. He urged Michigan Muslims to recognize their political power, vote, and stand for justice, because removing oppression from a brother or sister is a responsibility. And he reminded us that charity is important, but the greater goal is to change the conditions that create the suffering in the first place.
- What is one small good thing you can do this week when it feels like your effort doesn't matter?
- How much time do you think is healthy to spend on games or shows, and what else could you do with some of that time?
- Why do you think the people of Gaza went back home even when they could have left?
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