Prayer & worshipFrom the masjid's own video, Sep 19, 2026.

Sincere deeds matter more than worldly praise

“They do it because they love Allah alone.”

The khateeb, at 126:02

In one sentence

True faith requires ikhlas, sincere devotion to Allah expressed through correct, halal actions, and believers should cultivate private deeds free from show.

The khutbah in 6 steps

  1. Defines ikhlas and tawhid through Surah al-Ikhlas and Quranic commands.
  2. Explains that sincere intention must be joined with halal and Sunnah-guided action.
  3. Warns against riya and illustrates sincerity through a worshipper’s encounter with Shaytan.
  4. Uses a contemporary Gaza example to show how costly sincerity can amplify truth.
  5. Encourages secret good deeds, sincere prayers, and love of Allah above worldly approval.
  6. Concludes with supplications, memorial prayers, and the congregational salah.
Try this week
Renew your intention before every important deed and make it for Allah.
Check that your actions are halal and follow the Prophet's Sunnah.
Keep some good deeds private between yourself and Allah.
Ask yourself, "Oh Allah what's in this for you."
Make dua for sincerity, steadfast faith, and guidance.
Sources the khateeb cited
Surah 112Used to explain tawhid and the centrality of pure devotion to Allah.
Surah 39Used to command worship with the religion made sincere for Allah.
Surah 18Used to connect righteous action with avoiding shirk when seeking Allah.
Quotes

In the khateeb's words

“Make your deen mukhlis, sincere. Even little action will be enough for you.”
ISOC · Garden Grove, CA
Play from 25:18
“Because knowledge is a seed. Action is like planting that seed. But ikhlas is the water. If you want to see something grow.”
ISOC · Garden Grove, CA
Play from 125:05
“Not only do they not do it for the dunya. But they don't even do it for Jannah and Jahannam. They don't even want reward. They do it because they love Allah alone.”
ISOC · Garden Grove, CA
Play from 126:02
Talk about it at home

For the dinner table

Today's khutbahs taught that ikhlas means doing what we do sincerely for Allah, not for applause, money, or status. A good intention matters, but our actions must also be halal and in keeping with the Prophet's guidance. The speakers encouraged us to keep some good deeds private and to ask what Allah is receiving from each action. They reminded us that sincere prayers and deeds from people who seem weak can help an entire community. We can grow in sincerity by choosing one quiet good deed and renewing our intention this week.

  1. What is one good deed you could do quietly this week?
  2. How can we tell whether a good intention is guiding a good action?
  3. Why might a private prayer or deed help other people too?