friday khutbahs (2015)


Muslims gather for congregational prayers on Fridays. At the beginning of each service, according to Islamic tradition, the most learned of the community should address the community regarding topics that are pressing and pertinent to the community and the obligations of the faithful.  Unfortunately, many khutbahs today do not engage or enliven the spirit of Muslims seeking inspiration, honest and direct confrontation with important issues, or spiritual comfort.  Dr. Abou El Fadl does not disappoint when it comes to tackling difficult issues, challenging the intellect and heart, and underscoring ethics, morality and virtue in the Islamic message through his khutbahs.  


2015

"Taghut, Transgression and Truth"

Dr. Khaled Abou El Fadl discusses the concept of Taghut, or transgression, the opposite of Godliness, and the necessity of coming to God's truth without compulsion. Delivered at the Islamic Center of Southern California on November 6, 2015.



"On Faith and Justice"

Dr. Khaled Abou El Fadl delivers the Friday khutbah (sermon) at the Islamic Center of Southern California, October 16, 2015.



"Islam and the Ethics of Goodness"

Dr. Khaled Abou El Fadl delivers the Friday khutbah at the Islamic Center of Southern California on September 18, 2015. He discusses the notions of goodness and justice and what it means to say that Muslims are the ambassadors of Islam.



Eid al-Fitr Khutbah on the Meaning of Ramadan

On the occasion of Eid al-Fitr, Dr. Abou El Fadl gives the Friday Khutbah at the Islamic Center of Southern California.

 

Dr. Abou El Fadl discusses the meaning and purpose of Ramadan, Eid and God's Love. Delivered on July 17, 2015.



"Istiquaama, Dhikr and The State of Grace"

A rich and meaningful discussion on the blessings and power of the remembrance of God, what it means to live a life in an honest and transparent way in loving God, and staying on the right path. Also, in contrast, how much of the lack of blessings are a direct result of our own actions. Delivered at the Islamic Center of Southern California on June 15, 2015.



"On Returning the Favors of God"

On keeping promises to God and remembering to return the favors granted as promised.

 

Delivered at the Islamic Center of Southern California on May 15, 2015.



"The Handprints of God in Word and Action"

Islam is the religion of the word but unless the word, or revelation, is affirmed by action, it loses its meaning. The word or the revelation in the Quran is never mentioned without being accompanied by the necessity of action. Iman and Islam as described by the Prophet is in what a person becomes. Who is a true believer? He in whose actions show the handprints of God. Dr. Khaled Abou El Fadl delivers the Friday Khutbah at the Islamic Center of Southern California on April 3, 2015.



"On the Legacy of Dr. Maher Hathout"

Khaled Abou El Fadl talks about the legacy of Dr. Maher Hathout, the founder of the Islamic Center of Southern California and the ethic of establishing the American Muslim movement. A touching and insightful reflection on lessons learned and the wisdom to remember in moving forward. He talks about how to move past the superficial and get to the heart of how to become true ambassadors of Islam, inviting others to the path of God from a native effort. Delivered at the Islamic Center of Southern California, January 30, 2015.



"On Godliness, the Compass of Truth, and Islam"

Dr. Abou El Fadl reminds us that Allah is the light of the heavens and the earth and our purpose, the passion of all passions, is to be among those to be a manifestation of the light of your Lord. Light is a state opposite of darkness. If you see darkness, you do not see God.

The word of your Lord is but Truth and Justice. And truth and justice cannot be light. Wherever there is suffering misery, injustice, oppression , inequity, arrogance, backbiting and hate, a lack of gratitude from child to parent, shirk or kufr or state of ingratitude or confusion as to where you are, who you are, where you are going, you do not find God but the opposite. Godliness is not there; there is the absence of the touch of God. The touch of God brings light and enlightenment.

 

We begin with ourselves and ask for God to make us part of the light of the divine. If your ear seeks to hear what is ugly, backbiting, stories about people; if you like to talk about people or put down people; if your eyes enjoy or seek to look at things you know you should not be looking at, against what God and God’s beauty is; if your heart is not sure what is just or unjust; if your being is not attracted like gravity to what is just and beauty, you are missing Godliness, and you are missing Islam.

 

You cannot see suffering and misery, oppression and degradation, illness and poverty, and attribute it to a state of Godliness. And the words of your Lord are there to support what is haqq. The very purpose of the words of your Lord are to support and raise and elevate what is just and right and truthful.D elivered at the Islamic Center of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, January 1, 2015.