UIC | Today's khutbah was a good one. It was a simple reminder that Islam and the Qur'an are universal, they are not limited in scope by either time or space. Nor are they only for specific ethnic groups, they are indeed for all of mankind. |
The khateeb was a 30 something desi guy, he had good pronunciation of Arabic and nice Qira'at when reciting the Qur'an. Yes, positive comments about the khateeb as just as valid as the negative ones, it's really all about first impressions. Why is this important? Well, you can easily spot a trend, when you know that trend, you can almost always predict the content and the delivery of the khutbah. Perhaps I will elaborate more on the trends later.
Anyway, the khateeb made a nice point regarding giving dawah or sharing Islam with those interested. He said that if you "know a little, share a little." I fully agree with this point.
He went on to make clear that Islam was not just for the "Arabs, Indians, or Europeans," it's for everyone. It transcends ethnic boundaries, social settings, linear time, all of that and more, it is the final and last message for our salvation.
The khateeb mentioned how the things that worry us, that we grow concerned with, are inevitably the things that motivate us. I didn't think about this before, but after reflecting on this point I came to realize that he was indeed correct. For instance, what is my motivation for even having such a blog? For writing in the manner in which I am writing and critiquing in the manner in which I am critiquing? I have endured to many bad khutbahs in my life, unfortunately, more bad khutbahs than good. This is truly a strange thing. It should not be this way. But unfortunately it is. I endured too many bad khutbahs before I realized it was a serious epidemic that needed to be brought to light. This is not solely for my benefit, this is with the intention of benefiting everyone, because it seems there are those that are not even aware of this problem.
Continuing with the words of the khateeb, he described the 5 affects of good action (executed by good intention):
The khateeb then said we should ask ourselves if we are trying to better ourselves and others. It's a good question to ask, I hope we all ask it, especially of ourselves.
I enjoyed the words of the khateeb and the manner in which he delivered it, it wasn't at all belittling and was actually encouraging. Alhamdulillah.
Also, for those of you interested, please read about what some of my critics are saying and my response to them.
Anyway, the khateeb made a nice point regarding giving dawah or sharing Islam with those interested. He said that if you "know a little, share a little." I fully agree with this point.
He went on to make clear that Islam was not just for the "Arabs, Indians, or Europeans," it's for everyone. It transcends ethnic boundaries, social settings, linear time, all of that and more, it is the final and last message for our salvation.
The khateeb mentioned how the things that worry us, that we grow concerned with, are inevitably the things that motivate us. I didn't think about this before, but after reflecting on this point I came to realize that he was indeed correct. For instance, what is my motivation for even having such a blog? For writing in the manner in which I am writing and critiquing in the manner in which I am critiquing? I have endured to many bad khutbahs in my life, unfortunately, more bad khutbahs than good. This is truly a strange thing. It should not be this way. But unfortunately it is. I endured too many bad khutbahs before I realized it was a serious epidemic that needed to be brought to light. This is not solely for my benefit, this is with the intention of benefiting everyone, because it seems there are those that are not even aware of this problem.
Continuing with the words of the khateeb, he described the 5 affects of good action (executed by good intention):
- Puts light in the heart
- Puts light on the face and physical body
- Increases one's physical strength
- Increase's one's wealth
- Increases compassion for others
The khateeb then said we should ask ourselves if we are trying to better ourselves and others. It's a good question to ask, I hope we all ask it, especially of ourselves.
I enjoyed the words of the khateeb and the manner in which he delivered it, it wasn't at all belittling and was actually encouraging. Alhamdulillah.
Also, for those of you interested, please read about what some of my critics are saying and my response to them.