The Swine Flu
Few thoughts about the Swine Flu ... download
The Golden Rule
What does Islam say about the Golden Rule, "Do unto others what you would have them do unto you" ... download
Speaking about Allah without Knowledge
Speaking about God or His Religion without knowledge is a great sin. Find out more about the dangers of speaking about Islam with ignorance ... download
the Evil of Pride and Arrogance
Kibr is a deadly sin that we all should try to eliminate from ourselves. Find out more ... download
Envy and its relationship to the current economic crisis
A discussion of the various types of envy, what's good and wha't bad envy, stories from the Quran related to envy ... download
Some Proposed Solutions from the Quran for the Bad Economy
Five proposed solutions taken from Quran and Sunnah to solve the economic crisis ... download
Good Deeds: Your Gateway to the Good Life
This khutbah describes four immediate benefits of good deeds
Good actions - What is the outcome of good actions? Outcome of good actions is not only in the Hereafter - they benefit us in this life and Hereafter. You have to do good deeds while having good faith and belief in Allah, the Creator worthy of worship. You have to believe in Monotheism. Good actions will have good outcomes. These days we need many incentives because of many distractions. The realization that the outcomes happen right away will help us in this regard. What is good life? Material wealth, bigger and better possessions? No. Many people have all these and are still not happy.People dont do good actions because they are distracted. Is good life trouble-free life? No. We cannot eliminate hardship or trouble in this life - your good deeds can make your life peaceful and tranquil. When a man is given everything by Allah, he goes away from generosity to being stingy, ungrateful. Except the believer who does good deeds. For the believer there is peace and tranquility, even in hardship. Rememberance of Allah helps achieve peace and tranquility within our hearts. This is one outcome. Second, Allah will love you, and make people love you. Allah's love is pure. Good deeds also manifest itself in peaceful familial relationships. Thirdly, you will enjoy the good deeds. You taste the sweetness of your action - prayer, fasting, charity, etc. This is because Allah appreciates good action. He's grateful to you, although He doesnt need it. And He will reward you with the sweetness of the action in this life. Lastly, you'll have wealth inside of you. Not the kind of wealth that we chase everyday. It's the wealth where you're not in need of anything, except Allah. It's true wealth when your inside is wealthy. ... download
Good actions - What is the outcome of good actions? Outcome of good actions is not only in the Hereafter - they benefit us in this life and Hereafter. You have to do good deeds while having good faith and belief in Allah, the Creator worthy of worship. You have to believe in Monotheism. Good actions will have good outcomes. These days we need many incentives because of many distractions. The realization that the outcomes happen right away will help us in this regard. What is good life? Material wealth, bigger and better possessions? No. Many people have all these and are still not happy.People dont do good actions because they are distracted. Is good life trouble-free life? No. We cannot eliminate hardship or trouble in this life - your good deeds can make your life peaceful and tranquil. When a man is given everything by Allah, he goes away from generosity to being stingy, ungrateful. Except the believer who does good deeds. For the believer there is peace and tranquility, even in hardship. Rememberance of Allah helps achieve peace and tranquility within our hearts. This is one outcome. Second, Allah will love you, and make people love you. Allah's love is pure. Good deeds also manifest itself in peaceful familial relationships. Thirdly, you will enjoy the good deeds. You taste the sweetness of your action - prayer, fasting, charity, etc. This is because Allah appreciates good action. He's grateful to you, although He doesnt need it. And He will reward you with the sweetness of the action in this life. Lastly, you'll have wealth inside of you. Not the kind of wealth that we chase everyday. It's the wealth where you're not in need of anything, except Allah. It's true wealth when your inside is wealthy. ... download
The Role of the Masjid in our Lives
Why and how the Masjid can play a central role in our lives here in the U.S.
It is important to establish a relationship between us and the masjid. Masjid is derived from the Arabic word sajada which is to prostrate. Prostration is one of the best acts of worship. The closest you are to Allah is when you're making prostration because you're in full state of submission, putting your most honorable parts of your body on the floor. It is the place which is dedicated for the worship of Allah, and no one else. To Allah, the most beloved places on earth are the masjids.Each of the masjids is built by the permission of Allah. A masjid should be built on a good foundation. And the best foundation is piety, or taqwa. If you build a house for the sake of Allah alone (and not recognition, fame, etc.), then Allah will build you a house in Jannah. Any effort made towards the upkeep of the masjid is rewarded. This is shown by the respect of the Prophet for a woman who cleaned the masjid. For those trying to prevent a masjid from being built, or destroy masjids,they are the most unjust and unfair people. As soon as there is a call to prayer, especially on Friday, the real men come to the masjid instead of continuing their business. They are those whose priorities are right. Even when you cannot make it to the masjid, your heart should be connected to the masjid.. They are those who will enjoy the shade on the Day of Judgement. The prayer in the masjid is worth 25 to 27 times that prayed at home. This is because of the extra effort that goes in preparing to go to the masjid, clothing yourself better than what you would at home, walking/driving etc. And when you go to the masjid, there are various acts of worship that supplement your prayer. It is important to come to the masjid, and is also important to bring our children because it is one of the few places in this country that reminds us of Islam. ... download
It is important to establish a relationship between us and the masjid. Masjid is derived from the Arabic word sajada which is to prostrate. Prostration is one of the best acts of worship. The closest you are to Allah is when you're making prostration because you're in full state of submission, putting your most honorable parts of your body on the floor. It is the place which is dedicated for the worship of Allah, and no one else. To Allah, the most beloved places on earth are the masjids.Each of the masjids is built by the permission of Allah. A masjid should be built on a good foundation. And the best foundation is piety, or taqwa. If you build a house for the sake of Allah alone (and not recognition, fame, etc.), then Allah will build you a house in Jannah. Any effort made towards the upkeep of the masjid is rewarded. This is shown by the respect of the Prophet for a woman who cleaned the masjid. For those trying to prevent a masjid from being built, or destroy masjids,they are the most unjust and unfair people. As soon as there is a call to prayer, especially on Friday, the real men come to the masjid instead of continuing their business. They are those whose priorities are right. Even when you cannot make it to the masjid, your heart should be connected to the masjid.. They are those who will enjoy the shade on the Day of Judgement. The prayer in the masjid is worth 25 to 27 times that prayed at home. This is because of the extra effort that goes in preparing to go to the masjid, clothing yourself better than what you would at home, walking/driving etc. And when you go to the masjid, there are various acts of worship that supplement your prayer. It is important to come to the masjid, and is also important to bring our children because it is one of the few places in this country that reminds us of Islam. ... download
Virtues and Etiquettes of Friday
Why Friday is a special day for Muslims, the obligations of Friday, Manners related to Friday Khutba and prayer
BLURB:The importance of Friday and the things we should do are discussed in this speech. There are many things we can do that will help us make the best of the most virtuous day of the week. This is because this was the day on which Adam was created, when Adam was allowed to enter Jannah, when he was asked to leave Jannah (a time for repentance), the day when the Day of Judgement will occur. This is day we're guided to celebrate by worshipping Him in congregation - as a mandatory act for the believers. On this day, when the call for prayer comes, cease all business and rush to the rememberance of Allah. The reason the Friday prayer is shortened to two rakats is because the sermon is treated as the other two rakats. Friday is a day to remember and mention Allah throughout the day. On Friday there is a period of time when the supplications are likely to be accepted, the most likely being right before sunset. To those who do not come to Friday prayer, it is a great sin. The Prophet told us that Allah will put a seal on their hearts, and make them heedless of the rememerance of Allah. The important etiquette is personal hygiene. A shower and clean demeanor is required, including clean clothes, perfume, brushed teeth so that you're not offending anyone. It is important to come on time - the earlier the better. The angels are waiting at the door and keep account of whoever comes early - up until the Imam sits on the pulpit, and then no more.. It is important to keep absolutely quiet during the entire sermon as even uttering a word is considered disturbing the congregation. There are exception that are addressed in this sermon ... download
BLURB:The importance of Friday and the things we should do are discussed in this speech. There are many things we can do that will help us make the best of the most virtuous day of the week. This is because this was the day on which Adam was created, when Adam was allowed to enter Jannah, when he was asked to leave Jannah (a time for repentance), the day when the Day of Judgement will occur. This is day we're guided to celebrate by worshipping Him in congregation - as a mandatory act for the believers. On this day, when the call for prayer comes, cease all business and rush to the rememberance of Allah. The reason the Friday prayer is shortened to two rakats is because the sermon is treated as the other two rakats. Friday is a day to remember and mention Allah throughout the day. On Friday there is a period of time when the supplications are likely to be accepted, the most likely being right before sunset. To those who do not come to Friday prayer, it is a great sin. The Prophet told us that Allah will put a seal on their hearts, and make them heedless of the rememerance of Allah. The important etiquette is personal hygiene. A shower and clean demeanor is required, including clean clothes, perfume, brushed teeth so that you're not offending anyone. It is important to come on time - the earlier the better. The angels are waiting at the door and keep account of whoever comes early - up until the Imam sits on the pulpit, and then no more.. It is important to keep absolutely quiet during the entire sermon as even uttering a word is considered disturbing the congregation. There are exception that are addressed in this sermon ... download
Reflections on events of last few Weeks
Lessons learnt from Gaza and the inauguration of Obama
BLURB:The sermon touches upon the Gaza massacre and the inauguration of Barack Obama to the Presidency of the United States. A Muslim should not be indifferent to the events around them. The Muslims should be proactive. We should realize that the problems of Gaza are not over. The suffering, the blockade, and the sad plight is not over. Every Muslim should be concerned about what happened in Gaza. The Muslim ummah is like one body, or should be. The Prophet said that the sanctity of the blood of a Muslim exceeds the sanctity of the Kaaba itself. This is not a Palestinian problem, nor is it a land problem. It is a Muslim problem. But we should realize that this land belongs to Allah and we will receive it when we deserve it. The more righteous we are, the greater the possibility of us reclaiming the land. How do we help? We are overwhelmed by the events. There are two things we can do. We have to show the sincerity to Allah and He will open doors we don't know existed. Second, do what we can however small. We should not quit. And the world does not belong to the stubborn and the oppressor. On the inauguration of Obama: After 8 years of Islam-bashing it is by the decree of Allah that a person by the name of Barack Hussein Obama is in the highest office. A lesson from this event is that we should be proud of our heritage and names.. Racism never existed in Islam. As also recognized by Arnold Toynbee who said "The extinction of race consciousness between Muslims is one of the outstanding achievements of Islam, and in the contemporary world there is, as it happens, a crying need for the propagation of this Islamic virtue.." To boast of your ancestry or attacking others based on theirs come from ignorance and darkness, but we sadly still see that today. We have much work to do to come together to derive benefits of unity that will end up benefiting the people of Gaza. download
BLURB:The sermon touches upon the Gaza massacre and the inauguration of Barack Obama to the Presidency of the United States. A Muslim should not be indifferent to the events around them. The Muslims should be proactive. We should realize that the problems of Gaza are not over. The suffering, the blockade, and the sad plight is not over. Every Muslim should be concerned about what happened in Gaza. The Muslim ummah is like one body, or should be. The Prophet said that the sanctity of the blood of a Muslim exceeds the sanctity of the Kaaba itself. This is not a Palestinian problem, nor is it a land problem. It is a Muslim problem. But we should realize that this land belongs to Allah and we will receive it when we deserve it. The more righteous we are, the greater the possibility of us reclaiming the land. How do we help? We are overwhelmed by the events. There are two things we can do. We have to show the sincerity to Allah and He will open doors we don't know existed. Second, do what we can however small. We should not quit. And the world does not belong to the stubborn and the oppressor. On the inauguration of Obama: After 8 years of Islam-bashing it is by the decree of Allah that a person by the name of Barack Hussein Obama is in the highest office. A lesson from this event is that we should be proud of our heritage and names.. Racism never existed in Islam. As also recognized by Arnold Toynbee who said "The extinction of race consciousness between Muslims is one of the outstanding achievements of Islam, and in the contemporary world there is, as it happens, a crying need for the propagation of this Islamic virtue.." To boast of your ancestry or attacking others based on theirs come from ignorance and darkness, but we sadly still see that today. We have much work to do to come together to derive benefits of unity that will end up benefiting the people of Gaza. download
No Racism in Islam
Some Reflections on Obama's Inauguration and how Islam Defeated Racism 1400 years ago
BLURB:This khutba speaks about the historic events of the past week when Barack Hussein Obama became the President of the US. After 8 years of anti-Islamic rhetoric, it is an ironic twist, by the command of Allah, that we have such a person in the White House . Allah is the best of planners. We should remain positive despite all the challenges but not get over-excited if things appear to be going well because there is a lot of good work remaining to be done. Muslims, in all this, aren't asking for favors, only justice. Islam conquered racism upon its birth 1400 years ago. Allah says that He created people of different color and tribes so we may recognize each other and celebrate diversity. We are, after all, the children of Adam and we should be equal from that perspective. Race, color, wealth, etc. is not a factor in Islam because the most precious in the eyes of Allah is one who has piety. The Prophet (PBUH) mentioned 4 behaviors that will persist with the ummah until the Day of Judgement. 1. To brag about belonging to the upper class of society 2. Attack someone else's lineage 3. To believe stars can bring rain 4. Wailing on the deceased. Of these, the first two relate to racism and just as he (pbuh) said, is present to this day, unfortunately. We should also guard against ascribing geographical labels to our masjids as that is a manifestation of some lingering racism and is segregationist in nature ... download
BLURB:This khutba speaks about the historic events of the past week when Barack Hussein Obama became the President of the US. After 8 years of anti-Islamic rhetoric, it is an ironic twist, by the command of Allah, that we have such a person in the White House . Allah is the best of planners. We should remain positive despite all the challenges but not get over-excited if things appear to be going well because there is a lot of good work remaining to be done. Muslims, in all this, aren't asking for favors, only justice. Islam conquered racism upon its birth 1400 years ago. Allah says that He created people of different color and tribes so we may recognize each other and celebrate diversity. We are, after all, the children of Adam and we should be equal from that perspective. Race, color, wealth, etc. is not a factor in Islam because the most precious in the eyes of Allah is one who has piety. The Prophet (PBUH) mentioned 4 behaviors that will persist with the ummah until the Day of Judgement. 1. To brag about belonging to the upper class of society 2. Attack someone else's lineage 3. To believe stars can bring rain 4. Wailing on the deceased. Of these, the first two relate to racism and just as he (pbuh) said, is present to this day, unfortunately. We should also guard against ascribing geographical labels to our masjids as that is a manifestation of some lingering racism and is segregationist in nature ... download
Gaza 3
Sanctity of Human Life and Lessons from Gaza
BLURB: What does Quran say about killing of innocents? What are the consequences? Relating the story of Cane & Abel, Allah made it an obligation upon every human to preserve life. If you've killed an innocent person, it's like you've killed all of humanity. Similarly, giving life to one person is like giving life to all humanity. How do you bring life to people? If you deem it illegal to kill, and if thereby the population feels safe from you, that is one way of "giving life". Islam is based not on emotions only. It also is based on reason. It tells us not to be careless and irresponsible. The Prophet was always careful about human life, regardless of the political situation. There was an economic blockade on Muslims in Mecca for three long years - the Muslims were persecuted because of their faith and they were banned from transacting in any form. The Prophet was patient, and did not urge anyone to lash out as they were massively outmatched. The siege was broken due to clamoring of the local population against the injustices to an innocent people. Even Jesus (AS) would be commanded to take cover because of a mismatch on his forces to the enemy of the time, Gog and Magog. There are small mercies and victories from the Gaza incident. More of the world knows about their plight, probably for the first time in 60 years, and will possibly take more interest in their well-being. It also allows us more fortunate ones to count our blessings and thank Allah for all that He's given us. This life, and all its trials and tribulations, is but a test for the victims and aggressors alike ... download
BLURB: What does Quran say about killing of innocents? What are the consequences? Relating the story of Cane & Abel, Allah made it an obligation upon every human to preserve life. If you've killed an innocent person, it's like you've killed all of humanity. Similarly, giving life to one person is like giving life to all humanity. How do you bring life to people? If you deem it illegal to kill, and if thereby the population feels safe from you, that is one way of "giving life". Islam is based not on emotions only. It also is based on reason. It tells us not to be careless and irresponsible. The Prophet was always careful about human life, regardless of the political situation. There was an economic blockade on Muslims in Mecca for three long years - the Muslims were persecuted because of their faith and they were banned from transacting in any form. The Prophet was patient, and did not urge anyone to lash out as they were massively outmatched. The siege was broken due to clamoring of the local population against the injustices to an innocent people. Even Jesus (AS) would be commanded to take cover because of a mismatch on his forces to the enemy of the time, Gog and Magog. There are small mercies and victories from the Gaza incident. More of the world knows about their plight, probably for the first time in 60 years, and will possibly take more interest in their well-being. It also allows us more fortunate ones to count our blessings and thank Allah for all that He's given us. This life, and all its trials and tribulations, is but a test for the victims and aggressors alike ... download
Gaza, a genocide in the making!!!
The saga continues while the world watches ... A special prayer for the innocent victims of Gaza ... download
Is there anything we can do for Gaza?
The Tragedy of Gaza and the Levels of Responsibilities ... wma
Dhikr or Mention of Allah
Importance of Dhikr, different types of Dhikr, meaning of some Dhikr statements ... wma
Islamophobia version 2
Not a new phenomenon ... see how to deal with it through the story of Musa in the Quran and the Seerah of the Prophet (peace be upon him) ... wma
Islamophobia
Not a new phenomenon ... see how to deal with it through the story of Musa in the Quran and the Seerah of the Prophet (peace be upon him) ... wma
Comparison of this life to the Hereafter
Several examples from Quran and Sunnah about the value of this life compared to the Hereafter ... wma
Shortness of this life
How this Life will be perceived on the Day of Judgment. The Quran mentions 10 days, 1 day, part of a day, one hour, or a flip of an eye. Listen to learn more ... wma
Repentance
Repentance is obligatory on everybody, difference between Istighfar and Tawbah, conditions of Tawbah ... wma
Know your Lord
Worship is our goal in life. One of the foundations of worship is love. But can we love Allah without knowing Him? ... wma
The Religion of all Prophets was Islam
All Prophets were one nation, they all worshiped one God, and they were all Muslims ... wma
GREED
Definition of greed, different terms for greed, why it's bad, what greed can lead to, and some solutions ... wma
ENVY
Definition of envy, ruling, types, why it's bad, worst type of envy, what envy can lead to, and some solutions ... wma
Let's Be Grateful
Difference between Shaakir and Shakoor, Kaafir and Kafoor, levels of Shukr ... wma
Concept of Repentance
Is repentance mandatory or recommended, difference between seeking forgivness and repentance, steps of repentance, how Shaytan stands between you and repentance ... wma
Why the Prophet is so Unique?
What makes Prophet Muhammad so unique, why is he worthy of following more than anyone else ... wma
Be Optimistic
Many Muslims feel pesimistic these days and some try to justify it. This khutbah shows how the Prophet was optimistic, and some way of how to become optimistic ... wmv
The Concept of Struggle and Self-Exertion in Islam
The root word of Jihad is Jahada and its various meanings. Islam is a religion that puts emphasis on struggle, labor, doing our best in order to achieve higher goals in the Hereafter. Such struggle is necessary but not sufficient though as we also need the Mercy and the Help of Allah along with it ... wmv
The Knowledge of Allah
The Attribute of Knowledge is one of the most important attributes of Allah. Gain a little more insight on this Attribute and its implications in our lives ... wmv
The Concept of Mercy in Islam
The Concept of Mercy in Islam is very comprehensive. This Khutbah talks about the Mercy of Allah and the mercy of the Prophet ... wmv
How to Prepare for Ramadan
[second edition]
Few steps that can be taken to prepare for Ramadan ... wmv
How to Prepare for Ramadan
[first edition]
Few steps that can be taken to prepare for Ramadan ... wmv
Arrogance
Examples of Arrogance from the Quran: Iblees, the Pharoe, and Qaaroon ... different manifestation of arrogance ... mp3
Telling the Truth Vs. Lying
The importance of telling the truth ... The many faces of lying ... When it's ok to tell a lie ... the rewards of telling the truth ... and more ... mp3
Think .. Ponder .. Contemplate
Tafakkur (pondering) is an act of worship that many of us has forgotten about these days. This khutbah outlines few points that every Muslim should ponder upon and then suggests where pondering should lead us to ... mp3
In Defense of the Glorious Utterance, "Allah"
Some people might think that Allah is some idol that Muslims worship. This Khutbah clarifies the meaning of the word Allah and its origin. It shows how Islam did not invent a new god, but it rectified people's belief about God... mp3
Remember Allah
One of the big differences between a believer and a disbeliever is the rememberance of Allah. The believer has a heart that is awaken, alive, and busy with the rememberance of Allah. The disbeliever on the other hand has a dead heart that is heedless of Allah ... mp3
The Fitna of Doubts and the Fitna of Desires
This Khutba talks about two types of Fitna (trial) that many people may ignore, the Fitna of doubts and misconceptions, and the Fitna of desires and temptations. It then briefly discusses somes solutions in face of these two Fitnas ... mp3
Station of Shukr after Ramadan
This Khutba talks about the importance of Shukr [being thankful to Allah] esp. after the completion of Ramadan. It addresses the 3 levels of Shukr, apparant and hidden bounties, and some ways to develop our gratitude towards our creator ... mp3
Farewell to Ramadan 1427
This Khutba focuses on some actions that could be done with few days left in Ramadan. It goes over the importance of Zakat al-Maal and Zakaat al-Fitr, and some related Fiqh. It ends with a summary of few Eid Sunnahs ... mp3