20:59 We are the biggest…22:07 But we have to…22:37 Islam is the fastest…
Civic engagementFrom the masjid's own video, Jan 3, 2026.

Answer hatred with faith and character

JSMC · Zakareeya Baksh

“We are the biggest ambassadors towards Islam.”

The khateeb, at 20:59

Watch the khutbahFamily kit
In one sentence

Muslims should answer rising anti-Islam hostility by deepening their faith, embodying excellent character, contributing positively to society, and trusting Allah's promise that Islam will continue to spread.

The khutbah in 5 steps

  1. Muslim visibility, excellence, and contributions are increasing in America and worldwide.
  2. Growing Muslim prominence is provoking intensified hostility, but Meccan persecution ultimately aided Islam's spread.
  3. Muslims have been part of American history since its founding and are not foreign to the country.
  4. The proper response to hatred is deeper worship, patience, good character, charity, and productive civic participation.
  5. The speaker closes with confidence in Islam's future growth, supplication, Quran recitation, and community announcements.
Try this week
Practice Islam more deeply and increase private prayer when facing hostility.
Model peacefulness, kindness, honesty, and avoidance of gossip at home, work, and in the neighborhood.
Give charity and remain a productive, positive member of society.
Do not respond to harassment by cursing, screaming, or acting physically; answer with excellent character.
Serve as an ambassador for Islam through daily conduct.
Sources the khateeb cited
Surah 88Recited in prayer, emphasizing judgment, accountability, and the Hereafter.
Quotes

In the khateeb's words

“We are the biggest ambassadors towards Islam And never underestimate the impact that that has”
JSMC · Tampa, FL
Play from 20:59
“But we have to understand We have to be smart We have to understand that this is chess You gotta be 2-3 moves ahead”
JSMC · Tampa, FL
Play from 22:07
“Islam is the fastest growing religion in America And not only is it the fastest growing religion in America But it's the fastest growing religion in the world”
JSMC · Tampa, FL
Play from 22:37
Talk about it at home

For the dinner table

This khutbah says Muslims in America are increasingly visible, successful, and able to contribute in every part of society. It acknowledges that greater visibility can bring more anti-Islam hostility, but reminds us that persecution did not stop Islam in the Prophet’s time and sometimes made people investigate the truth. The speaker asks Muslims to answer hate by practicing Islam more deeply, showing patience and honor, avoiding provocation, giving charity, and being kind and productive neighbors. He also argues that Muslims have been part of America’s story from its founding and encourages trust in Allah while doing our part.

  1. Where could our family show peaceful, excellent character this week?
  2. How can we respond wisely when someone tries to provoke or insult us?
  3. What does it mean to be a good ambassador for Islam at school, work, or in our neighborhood?
Where it was given

The masjid

Jesus Son of Mary Center3457 W Kenyon Ave, Tampa, FL 33614Jumu'ah Khutbah 1:30 PMKhateebZakareeya BakshMore khutbahsArchiveAll khutbahs at JSMC80 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