True Islam means serving others
“Real Islam means you will be beneficial to everybody.”
True Islam is expressed through moral excellence, service, kindness, dignity-preserving charity, and gracious responses, not merely personal ritual worship.
The khutbah in 7 steps
- Continues tafsir of Dua Makarim al-Akhlaq by discussing purposeful use of one's days.
- Explains that worship includes serving people and seeking provision beneficial in this life and the hereafter.
- Warns against arrogance, self-admiration, delayed generosity, and reminding people about charity.
- Teaches that Islamic correction should begin by affirming good qualities, especially with children and community members.
- Illustrates kindness and friendship through the conduct of the Imams toward servants, enemies, family, and the poor.
- Uses Quranic teachings to emphasize soft speech, sincere charity, and protecting the dignity of recipients.
- Applies “repel with what is better” by urging listeners to pause, listen, and choose the best response during conflict.
In the khateeb's words
“So if we only focus on ourselves without helping other people, that cannot be considered real Islam. Real Islam means you will be beneficial to everybody.”
“Some people want to help other people, but they don't. They don't want to help them directly by themselves.”
“When you become friend, you don't see a lot of things, right? But when you go as a father, you see a lot of them.”
“Do not respond at that time. Wait. Wait a few minutes, five minutes, six minutes, seven minutes. Think about it.”
For the dinner table
The khutbah taught that worship is more than prayer and fasting; it also means serving people and bringing goodness into their lives. The khateeb encouraged us to notice people’s good qualities before correcting their faults, especially when guiding children and young people. He reminded us to help others directly, protect their dignity, and never spoil charity by reminding them of what we gave. Our families should be built on friendship, kindness, and trust so that children feel safe sharing their problems. When anger rises, we should pause, listen, and choose the most beautiful response, because good character can even turn an enemy into a close friend.
- What is one good quality you noticed in someone today?
- What kind act could we do now instead of putting it off?
- What helps you calm down before answering when you feel upset?
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