5:49 I found 11 qualities…24:58 If they advise you,…32:47 Please, if there is…
Seeking knowledgeFrom the masjid's own video, Sep 26, 2026.

Trust leaders, but ask for evidence

Al Madinah Masjid

“If they advise you, you have to accept it.”

The khateeb, at 24:58

Watch the khutbahFamily kit
In one sentence

Religious leadership is a serious trust requiring Quran- and Sunnah-based qualities, while the wider Muslim community should study scripture, seek evidence, accept advice, and hold leaders accountable.

The khutbah in 6 steps

  1. Distinguishes respecting a religious office from blindly trusting its occupant.
  2. Introduces eleven qualifications for leadership, beginning with strength and trustworthiness.
  3. Uses examples from the Prophet, Abu Bakr, and earlier scholars to illustrate principled strength.
  4. Develops justice, truthfulness, testimony, humility, fear of Allah, and sound belief.
  5. Warns against corrupt or unqualified leaders and manipulation based on appearance or status.
  6. Urges everyone to study the Quran and Sunnah, consult scholars, and verify religious claims.
Try this week
Choose a Quran or Sunnah question, research it carefully, and discuss the results with an imam or qualified scholar.
When you become uncertain or stuck, pause and ask rather than guessing.
Ask leaders for evidence and accept truthful correction, even when it challenges your own view.
Practice equal treatment, truthful speech, truthful testimony, humility, and resistance to status-based favoritism.
Sources the khateeb cited
Sahih al-BukhariWarns that entrusting serious matters to unqualified people signals impending disorder.
Sahih al-BukhariShows how the Prophet's conduct transformed hostility into love and faith.
Sahih MuslimPresents sincere advice as central to the religion, including advice to imams and Muslims.
Quotes

In the khateeb's words

“I found 11 qualities that will qualify anybody to fit there. Without this 11, you should not advance to that position.”
Al Madinah Masjid · San Antonio, TX
Play from 5:49
“If they advise you, you have to accept it. If it is the truth, follow.”
Al Madinah Masjid · San Antonio, TX
Play from 24:58
“Please, if there is any message from me to you today, Quran is yours. Sunnah is yours. Don't be afraid. Don't be intimidated. If you feel you're gonna make mistakes or get wrong, stop and ask.”
Al Madinah Masjid · San Antonio, TX
Play from 32:47
Talk about it at home

For the dinner table

Today’s khutbah taught that religious leadership is a serious trust, and a title or appearance alone does not qualify someone to lead. The speaker highlighted strength, trustworthiness, justice, truthfulness, humility, courage before Allah, and sound belief as qualities leaders need. He also reminded us that ordinary Muslims should study the Quran and Sunnah, ask qualified scholars when confused, accept truthful correction, and avoid being manipulated by personalities. At home and in public, we should treat people fairly, speak truthfully, and never hide truthful testimony. The goal is a community that respects sacred responsibilities while remaining grounded in evidence and sincere advice.

  1. When is it brave to tell the truth even when it is uncomfortable?
  2. How can we ask a trusted teacher good questions about the Quran?
  3. What does treating rich and poor people equally look like at school or home?
Where it was given

The masjid

Al Madinah Masjid (MCECC)5281 Casa Bella St, San Antonio, TX 78249ArchiveAll khutbahs at Al Madinah Masjid28 khutbahs
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