Move beyond sympathy to support Indigenous people
“Get out of that comfort zone.”
Muslims should recognize parallels between Indigenous and Muslim experiences of identity-based discrimination and move beyond symbolic solidarity by using their gifts, kindness, dua, and support for those in need.
The khutbah in 6 steps
- Introduces Phyllis Webstad's orange-shirt story and Orange Shirt Day.
- Connects Indigenous identity-based discrimination with Muslim experiences, including hijab and visible faith.
- Argues that remembrance alone is insufficient and that everyone has gifts to serve others.
- Uses the experiences of Musa, Yusuf, Ibrahim, and the Prophet Muhammad to discuss childhood hardship, patience, and kindness.
- Encourages dua, salawat, and active support for Indigenous people and others in need.
- Concludes from Surah al-Furqan that believers must leave their comfort zones and respond to rejection with principled kindness.
In the khateeb's words
“the grandmother had a surprise she was saving pennies and dimes and nickels she was saving money to surprise phyllis and she bought the shirt for her so she could wear on her first day of school”
“it honestly felt like I was just talking to Muslims and we were talking about our struggles they were discriminated against because of what they believe in how they look and where they find pride and joy”
“the onus and responsibility is on us adults we are the ones that take care of kids when they don't have any adults to take care of them to support them this is their haq and their right”
“get out of that comfort zone literally Allah is saying if that's your Islamic experience it's as if you've taken your own desire and that became an idol of worship”
For the dinner table
The khateeb told the story of Phyllis Webstad, whose excitement about her orange shirt turned to hurt when it was taken away at school. He connected the discrimination experienced by Indigenous people with struggles Muslims can face when expressing their identity. He reminded us that caring for people beyond our own community is part of iman, and that each of us has gifts we can use to help others. He also stressed our responsibility to protect children and take their pain seriously. Through the stories of the prophets and his closing reminder, he encouraged kindness, dua, and stepping outside our comfort zones to support people who need us.
- What could you do to help someone feel welcome when others make fun of their clothes or background?
- What is something you enjoy doing that could also help another person?
- What could our family learn about our Indigenous neighbours so we can better understand their experiences?
More on Civic engagement
If you don't utilize your vote, you have no power.13:23MIC · Malden, MA · Oct 24, 2026Voting is an amanah for justice
CLIC · Clear Lake, TX · Oct 31, 2026Vote patiently for justice and less harm
The only way to change policies is through elections, through voting.24:31Medical Center Islamic · Houston, TX · Oct 30, 2026Voting helps protect religious freedom