24:38 We cannot be on the…24:43 We are watching the…26:41 You have to build…
Civic engagementFrom the masjid's own video, Sep 3, 2025.

Learn the Nakba to pursue justice

Pillars · John Ederer

“We are watching the murder and destruction and completion of a full-on ethnic cleansing genocide campaign with our taxes here.”

The khateeb, at 24:43

Watch the khutbahFamily kit
In one sentence

The khutbah argues that Muslims must learn and communicate the history of the Nakba, pursue truth and justice, and build strategic bridges to oppose ongoing Palestinian oppression.

The khutbah in 7 steps

  1. Frames remembrance of the Nakba as part of Muslims’ duty to God, truth, and justice.
  2. Defines the 1948 Nakba and recounts displacement, village destruction, massacres, and the refugee crisis.
  3. Traces the speaker’s account of Zionism, British policy, armed groups, 1948, and 1967 expansion.
  4. Argues that the ideology continued through later state policy and the current Gaza genocide.
  5. Connects the history to the UN right of return, U.S. politics, taxes, and free-speech debates.
  6. Calls listeners to study sources, reject emotional slogans, educate others, build bridges, and organize through youth leadership.
  7. Closes by framing commitment to justice as faithfulness and praying for unity, strength, forgiveness, and liberation.
Try this week
Study the historical sources and archival references named in the sermon.
Educate people outside the mosque about the Nakba and ongoing injustice.
Build relationships with non-Muslims and engage in uncomfortable but respectful conversations.
Join or support the community youth leadership project to communicate and build bridges.
Use calm, factual, strategic advocacy instead of relying only on slogans or emotional reactions.
Quotes

In the khateeb's words

“We cannot be on the sideline and we cannot be emotional reactionary. We have to be strategic, factual, truth and justice on the front lines.”
Pillars · University City, NC
Play from 24:38
“We are watching the murder and destruction and completion of a full-on ethnic cleansing genocide campaign with our taxes here.”
Pillars · University City, NC
Play from 24:43
“You have to build bridges. You have to get uncomfortable. What is jihad? By fundamental nature, jihad means to embrace the discomfort of establishing truth and justice.”
Pillars · University City, NC
Play from 26:41
Talk about it at home

For the dinner table

This khutbah asks Muslims to remember the Nakba and learn the history behind Palestinian displacement and suffering. The imam says faith requires truth, justice, patience, and refusing to stay passive when people are oppressed. He encourages us to study sources, speak calmly and accurately, educate others, and build relationships beyond the mosque. He also reminds the community to stay united, forgive one another, and support one another while working for a just future. The sermon ends with a prayer for stronger hearts, clearer understanding, freedom from harmful conditioning, and Allah’s mercy.

  1. What does it mean to stand for truth without only reacting emotionally?
  2. How could our family build a bridge with someone who sees this issue differently?
  3. Why might learning history be part of serving justice?
Where it was given

The masjid

Pillars Mosque3116 Johnston Oehler Rd, Charlotte, NC 28269Jumu'ah 12:00 PM, 1:00 PM, and 2:10 PMKhateebJohn EdererMore khutbahsArchiveAll khutbahs at Pillars156 khutbahs
Keep listening

More on Civic engagement

All on this topic
If you don't utilize your vote, you have no power.13:23MIC · Malden, MA · Oct 24, 2026Voting is an amanah for justiceCLIC · Clear Lake, TX · Oct 31, 2026Vote patiently for justice and less harmThe only way to change policies is through elections, through voting.24:31Medical Center Islamic · Houston, TX · Oct 30, 2026Voting helps protect religious freedom