14:22 The more the sahaba…20:49 it is not simply a…
Character & conductFrom the masjid's own video, Jun 12, 2026.

A greeting should shape how we live

FVAMC · Khizer Ali

“It is not simply a greeting; it is a du'a for the other person.”

The khateeb, at 20:49

Watch the khutbahFamily kit
In one sentence

The khutbah teaches that “as-salamu alaykum wa rahmatullahi wa barakatuh” is a dua, promise, and reminder whose meaning must shape believers into peaceful, merciful, generous people who act accordingly.

The khutbah in 6 steps

  1. Explains salam as a prayer for peace, mercy, blessings, and a clean heart.
  2. Presents Abu Bakr’s complete, humble giving as an example of sincere charity.
  3. Connects Surah al-Hashr’s teaching to removing jealousy and wanting good for believers.
  4. Challenges listeners to align greetings with actions by avoiding gossip, backbiting, and resentment.
  5. Uses hadith about handshakes and spreading salam to encourage love, forgiveness, and Paradise.
  6. Calls listeners to practice the full greeting intentionally and live by its meaning.
Try this week
Initiate the full greeting, “as-salamu alaykum wa rahmatullahi wa barakatuh,” especially after Jumu'ah.
Greet others with eye contact, a smile, and a handshake or appropriate warm greeting.
Stop backbiting and gossip, and remove jealousy by wanting good for fellow believers.
Give help or charity humbly, without expecting praise or repayment.
Sources the khateeb cited
Surah 59Praises the Ansar’s generosity and instructs later believers not to harbor resentment toward fellow believers.
Quotes

In the khateeb's words

“The more the sahaba gave, the more humble they became. Because they understood that they weren't doing the other person a favor.”
FVAMC · Avon, CT
Play from 14:22
“it is not simply a greeting it is a du'a for the other person and when you're making du'a for the other person then the actions have to align with your greeting”
FVAMC · Avon, CT
Play from 20:49
Talk about it at home

For the dinner table

Imam Khizer reminded us that salam is much more than a hello: it is a prayer for peace, mercy, and blessings, a promise, and a reminder to keep our hearts free of ill will. He described how the Ansar welcomed the Muslims who left Mecca, putting care for others into action. He also explained that the companions became more humble as they gave, seeing opportunities to help as gifts from Allah. Each greeting can remind us to let go of jealousy and want good things for someone else. This week, we can practice giving the full salam warmly and carrying its meaning into how we help people and speak about them afterward.

  1. Who could you greet warmly this week, and how could you show kindness after saying salam?
  2. When a friend gets something you wanted, what could help you feel happy for them?
  3. What could we say when a conversation turns into gossip about someone?
Where it was given

The masjid

Farmington Valley American Muslim Center35 Harris Road, Avon, CT 06001Jumu'ah 12:30 PM & 1:30 PMKhateebKhizer AliMore khutbahsArchiveAll khutbahs at FVAMC23 khutbahs
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