2018

One of the most important, powerful and relevant khutbahs that takes account of the truth and realities of the world facing Muslims today. Dr. Abou El Fadl begins by reminding us that there is a specific purpose and tradition, ie. a sunnah for jum'a, Friday congregational prayer, which is not intended to teach people their religion as is typical of jum'a's in our modern day, but rather intended to effectively be a "report card" or assessment of the priorities and challenges confronting Muslims in their world and communities, and how Muslims are living up to their obligations before God. He continues on to give the "report card" for Muslims today. Delivered at the Islamic Center of Southern California, Los Angeles, 2 November 2018.

In an emotionally and powerfully moving khutbah, Dr. Abou El Fadl speaks directly and forcefully about the prohibition of humans torturing other human beings--an abomination in Islam--and further, about Muslims supporting or downplaying of the use of torture by governments around the world. He also clearly defines sexual assault, sexual abuse and sexual violence as torture, and addresses the ignorant assertion that was recently made in public that victims of sexual assault must bring forth four witnesses. This is patently false according to Islamic law. Rape and sexual assault is a crime of hiraba (terror); not a crime of zina (fornication). He calls on those who have NOT been trained in Shariah and Islamic law to refrain from speaking from a place of ignorance. He reminds Muslims that God commands  upholding justice; that injustice leads to destruction; and that Muslims will each be held to account by a just God for their positions, statements, knowledge, ignorance, and actions. Delivered at the Islamic Center of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA on 12 October 2018.

In this powerful address, Dr. Khaled Abou El Fadl calls out the responsibility of the Muslim leaders in the world to come to the aid of Muslims around the world that are being slaughtered: Rohingyas, Uighurs, Syrians, Yemens, Palestinians. Why are Muslim leaders silent in the face of the profound effects of Islamophobia? Dr. Abou El Fadl reminds us of the Quranic injunctions for peace and justice, especially during the five months of the Hijri calendar. He reminds us of the immense sacrifices of the first Muslims in the time of the Prophet. Delivered at the Islamic Center of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, on 14 September 2018.

Dr. Abou El Fadl explains how the first ten days of the month of Dhu'l Hijjah, the 12th month of the Islamic calendar, are recognized by most scholars to be as significant, holy and blessed as the last ten days of the month of Ramadan in terms of potential for earning the reward and blessing of God, and for training oneself in the conduct to be exemplified throughout the year. Delivered at the Islamic Center of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, on 17 August 2018.

In this powerful khutbah, Dr. Abou El Fadl talks about the purpose of Hajj as a school of Islam and justice, and learning that before the eyes of God, all humans are equal. He also discusses how the first rebellion and sin in Islam was that of the racism of Iblis (Satan). This racism caused God to cast Satan out. Delivered at the Islamic Center of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA on Friday, July 20, 2018.

Dr. Khaled Abou El Fadl discusses the various meanings and significance of Laylat al Qadr, or the Night of Power, or the Night of Destiny. In this short talk, he explains why this evening holds special blessing and opportunity for mercy from God. Hosted by the Islamic Center of Southern California at the Pasadena Convention Center, Pasadena, CA on Sunday, June 10, 2018.

Dr. Khaled Abou El Fadl delves into the meaning and purpose of fasting, one of the five pillars of Islam. He discusses the greater intent of fasting, and those acts that invalidate can the fast. Delivered at the Islamic Center of Southern California on May 18, 2018.

This day, the 27th of Rajab on the Islamic calendar, marks the miraculous occasion of what is known as the Night's journey and ascension of the Prophet Muhammad, a significant turning point in Islamic history at several critical levels. Dr. Khaled Abou El Fadl commemorates the occasion by explaining the context, the significance and the lasting impact upon history that Israa wa al Miraj represents, as well as the importance and relationship of Jerusalem, Mecca and Medina to Islam. This is one of his most powerful and illuminating khutbahs, which captures and explains the purpose and necessary test upon Muslims that this event imposed at its time, and further, its implications on Muslims for our current age. Truly enlightening. Delivered at the Islamic Center of Southern California on April 13, 2018.

Dr. Abou El Fadl discusses the love of God and explores the beautiful implications of the hadith that asks God to bless one with the blessing of loving God and loving those who love God. Rich and inspiring! Delivered at the Islamic Center of Southern California on March 9, 2018.

Dr. Abou El Fadl reminds us that every human being carries the light of the divine; that the soul is of the divine. The soul of every human being is an extension of the divine and thus deserving of dignity, to be honored and elevated in oneself and others. If one does not honor and dignify this divine light, and instead dishonors the divinely given worth and purpose of each soul, then darkness can accumulate to the point that the human no longer feels or sees the light or divinity in oneself any longer. But if one honors and dignifies the light of oneself and others, God will respond. Delivered at the Islamic Center of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, on February 16, 2018.

Dr. Abou El Fadl reminds us of God's message in the Qur'an that God is with us wherever we go, and whenever the world deludes us into thinking we are alone, we are not. Everything is in God's knowledge, and God is an intimate part of every conversation, interaction, and engagement that takes place in this life in secret or in public. To internalize this message is revolutionary. God is fully present with you.   Nothing happens outside of the purview of God. Remembering that God is your constant companion should transform your behavior and instill in you a sense of modesty and refrain. With the understanding that God truly is your partner, it becomes impossible to be in a state of egoism. If you have such a powerful partner, everything becomes a deep look inside of yourself in light of this partnership to ask, Is God pleased with me? Delivered at the Islamic Center of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, on January 19, 2018.