Why does God allow natural disasters? Dr. Hathout discusses the lessons we should learn from natural disasters and how we are all susceptible to the end of life.

If the Quran does not advocate vengeance, what has caused Muslims to behave differently? How do we teach moderation and avoid extremism? Dr. Hathout takes at the current Islamic education in the Muslim world and discusses how it can have a great impact on the culture of the people.

Dr. Hathout outlines the three levels of a successful community:

• Individual
• Family
• Community

Dr. Hathout discusses the reactions of the Flotilla incident and the blockade of Gaza. What are the steps we can take to prevent injustice?

It is important that we be aware of the changing times in order to be relevant. What makes us Muslim? What are the obstacles we face? Dr. Hathout discusses deity, the messengers, and scripture.

Dr. Hathout reviews some hostile issues the Muslim community is currently facing:

• The mosque at ground zero
• Eid on 9/11
• Burning the Quran

How do we communicate the truth about Islam? Dr. Hathout discusses how the majority of Americans who fear Islam are just victims of the hate mongers who are trying to make Muslims irrelevant and how it is our responsibility to communicate the truth.

Discussed are the many opportunities Muslims have to reach Non Muslims who are curious about Islam.

Dr. Hathout discusses the family unit, which he describes as the heart of every community.

Discussed are the three groups that make a professional and efficient institution:

• Members
• Leadership
• Receivers of services

Do we practice the Quran in our lives or just read it as a ritual? Dr. Hathout discusses how the Quran is accessible to all people without the need for a clergy.

What does the Quran tell us about tyranny and freedom? Dr. Hathout discusses the story of Prophet Moses (PBUH) and Pharaoh vs. the current Egyptian Revolution. What are the similarities and what can we learn from both events?

Dr. Hathout outlines the six requirements for a successful ummah. Also, what issues should our ummah be concerned about? Discussed are the current events in Palestine, Egypt, Tunis, Yemen, and Libya.

Dr. Hathout examines some factors in the current turmoil in the Middle East. What does the Quran say about the masses staying silent? What factors contributed to the uprising in the Middle Eastern countries and what role did the youth play?

The Congressional hearing on “The Problem with Radicalization in the United States” is discussed.

With the rise of hate mongers siting violence against Muslims and the burning of the Quran, Dr. Hathout discusses the importance of Muslims refraining from retaliation and anger.

The factors that contributed to the Osama Bin Laden phenomenon:

• Lack of mannerism and morality in Islamic education
• Admiration of perceived heroes in the Muslim world
• Imperial powers

Our Islamic responsibilities are to think, communicate, and be self -restrained. What are the consequences of not meeting those responsibilities?

Is economic budgeting an economic issue or is it a moral issue? What factors contribute to a stable economy? Dr. Hathout discusses the role of religious institutions and their push for economic justice.

Dr. Hathout discusses the ethics taught by the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ and how we should conduct ourselves during crowded events at our mosque.

One of the purposes of Ramadan is to teach us taqua (awareness of Allah). But how do we reach the highest point of belief?

Dr. Hathout discusses the challenges of bullying in our schools and where the bullying culture is developed.

The continuity of the Muslim ummah and the factors that contribute to its success:

• Prayer
• Ramadan
• Hajj

The main themes of the Quran to focus on during Ramadan:

• Uniqueness of Allah
• Merci, justice, and dignity
• No compulsion
• Togetherness
• Thinking and reason

How do we review our actions and practice accountability? Dr. Hathout discusses what we should have accomplished as Ramadan comes to a close.

How we should show concern for our fellow neighbors as well as the whole world during times of difficulty.

With the assassination of Benazir Bhutto, Dr. Hathout examines how Muslims are abandoning the Quran and turning to violence to settle differences. Why is this happening and how can we prevent the collapse of reasonable and civil thinking, which is what is commanded of us in the Quran?

Dr. Hathout reviews the importance of standing for justice. The situation in Gaza is not just a political issue but an issue of social justice and one that every Muslim should be concerned about. How do we speak up and what can we do? Dr. Hathout discusses how to speak out against injustice without fear or intimidation.

As the 2008 Presidential election approaches, Dr. Hathout discusses how an active Muslim community should look like and argues against those Muslims who refuse to participate in non Muslim societies. How did early Muslims engage in society despite being persecuted? Sura Ar-Room is studied as an example.

Dr. Hathout examines the reaction of the Denmark cartoon denigrating the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ. Are these attacks new? What does the Quran say about the attacks against the Prophet and how we should react?

Discussed are the reaction of the Muslim community to the documentary Fitnah, and the Pope’s public conversion of a Muslim man to Catholicism.

Dr. Hathout defines Islamic issues using Palestine as an example of fighting for social justice, mercy, dignity, and freedom.

What influence can the power of speech have on a society? Dr. Hathout explores how the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ asked for God’s help in communicating the message effectively and what we can learn from him.

Who are the believers in Islam? Dr. Hathout reviews how the Quran defines them; what they are and what they aren’t.

The impact of Isra and Mirage on the Prophet and the Muslim community. Also, the role of our mosques in Muslim communities. What are the ethics and mannerism we must follow?

As Ramadan comes to a close, Dr. Hathout reviews three factors to focus on:

• Self-restraint
• Identifying with the Quran
• Giving

What is our duty toward the society we live in? Dr. Hathout examines Quranic values we must adhere to as Islam continues to be attacked.

An analysis of the election of President Barak Obama.

Examining and honoring the life of prophet Ibrahim.

With the tragic events in Gaza continuing, Dr. Hathout stresses three important words in the Quran: Mercy, compassion, and justice. How can we implement those characteristics and what can we do? Also, Dr. Hathout sets the record straight regarding several fallacies given by the state of Israel.

With the world constantly changing, Dr. Hathout discusses how the Muslim community must embrace changes or become irrelevant.

We cannot continue to focus on Islamic history and the successes of the past if we want to be a progressive community. Dr. Hathout points out the three type of people:

• Those who are locked in the past
• Those who focus on the future and ignore the past
• Those who use the past to plan out the future

Dr. Hathout discusses some positive trends that the Muslim community should take advantage of and the correct approach we must have. Also, how to reach the non Muslim community.

Dr. Hathout discusses President Obama’s speech regarding to Muslims and the Middle East. How should we react? What actions should we take and what should we avoid?

Dr. Hathout discusses Thakir (reminding and remembering). Why does the Quran repeat it often?

Dr. Hathout reminds us that completing Ramadan must be done with a stronger effort than we began it.

Developing etiquette in the mosque as well as out of the mosque.

Dr. Hathout discusses the importance of education in society and what the Quran says about seeking knowledge.

The event of the Fort Hood shooting and how the Muslim community is responding to it. Are Muslims trustworthy and can we continue to ignore growing fear in our society?

A continuation from last week. Are we being tested with the rise of hate toward Muslims?

Dr. Hathout discusses akhlaq (mannerism) and how it should be a part of us at all times.

Is the Muslim community united or divided? Dr. Hathout defines what it means to be united and discusses the difference between disagreeing and fighting.

If Islam gave women rights, why do we continue to oppress them? Dr. Hathout discusses gender relations, honor killing, and the status of women.

What strategies are used to keep Muslims out of the political process? What are our concerns? Dr. Hathout shows how these tactics are not new. Examples of these attacks from the life of the Propher Muhammad are discussed.

The three factors we must not lose to survive as a Muslim community: faith, direction, and drive. Also discussed, the difference between good and bad organizations.

Human nature demands immediate results and when results are not received, we are vulnerable to despair. Discussed is the importance of patience during difficult times.

How do we analyze the impact of 9/11 and the tactics used by those who want to destroy Islam? Focusing on the three main strategies used by Islamophobes: spreading lies, Muslims as suspects, and attacking the foundations of Islam.

The three major issues affecting Muslims after 9/11. What is our response?

• The increasing number of detainees and deported Muslims
• The violation of laws in Palestine
• The call for war in Iraq

Loss of faith after 9/11 and the impact of the “axis of evil”: Jerry Falwell, Frank Graham, and Pat Robertson. Aslo, the importance of knowing who and what our U.S. representatives serve.

How to stay perserverant and not feel defeated with world events.

How do we handle natural and man-made disasters? What does it mean to be tested by God? Dr. Hathout discusses how blaming God is the wrong reaction and our responsibility as viceregents on earth.

Dr. Hathout reviews the many forms of discrimination against Muslims in America and the similarities between the current form of government and a dictatorship.

Discussed are two major concerns of our community: our position in the US as established citizens and attacks on Islam by those who know very little about it.

Respecting our rights and the rights of others. Dr. Hathout reviews Sura 11, Verses 113-115.

What are the factors that stand between us and God? A close look at:

• Fear other than fear of God.
• Despair: Losing trust in God.
• Hardening of the heart: Loss of compassion

The dangers facing American Muslims: confusion over Middle East politics and losing our identity as American Muslims.

Defining our stand against the Iraq war and clarifying our roles as American citizens.

Taking a close look at the silver lining of every difficulty.

Dr. Hathout examines how we should take a role in society by the following actions:

• Studying and understanding events using rational thinking
• Forming a stand
• Speaking out

How do we understand the nature of the period we live in? We either have a pessimistic attitude or we have the attitude of a true believer. How do we react to being tested by God?

Dr. Hathout discusses how to respond to hostility using the example of the Prophet and his companions.

How to interact with the following types of people: people who are eager to learn about Islam, people who are full of hate, and the kind-hearted who are afraid of Islam. Also, dealing with the many different kinds of Muslims such as those who are hiding out of fear and Muslims who have left Islam.

Dr. Hathout discusses the three factors we as a community must overcome to avoid being marginalized: fear, a hardened heart, and despair.

It is important to assess the strength of our faith before the month of Ramadan, as well as after. What are the criteria given to us in the Quran? Who are the true believers? Dr. Hathout reviews God consciousness, mending relations, and obeying the teaching of God and His prophets.

From obscurity to Eid in the White House, the history of Ramadan in the United States is explored. What is the significance and where do we go from here?

What is the difference between behavior, character, and attitude? Also, the concept of thankfulness in Islam is discussed.

Dr. Hathout reviews the forms of speech that can have a positive or negative effect.

Dr. Hathout explores the Islamic concept of freedom and discusses how it is not originally a western philosophy.

Remembering Islamic taste. How does wrong behavior become normal in our society? What is our standard? Also discussed, the concept of leadership in Islam.

The goals of Islam’s enemies are to mislead the public, trample the constitution, and isolate Muslims. Our goal is to attempt to deal with those who are being manipulated by the media and fear Islam, and not to deal with those who are trying to destroy it.

The torture of Muslim prisoners by the American military is an attempt to dehumanize them. Where does the hate come from? The effects of racism and how we should react are discussed.

How do we handle ourselves in regard to world events? Our main goal is to protect our community and our country. The three reactions that are not acceptable: apathy, blind anger, and fear.

Any reaction to injustice must be within Islamic guidelines and not with anger and violence. Are we guided by Islamic prinicples or are we using Islam to justify our actions and agendas? What is the difference between prisoners of war and hostages? Dr. Hathout discusses our reactions to world events.

What factors bring civilization down? Dr. Hathout analyzes the effects of normalizing bad behavior and the strategy used to do it.

Dr. Hathout explores the dangers of depression. When all hope is gone, we must rely on our faith by using the Quran, the model of our Prophet, and past experiences.

The main factor that distinguishes us from other creatures is self-restraint. Our spiritual connection with God directs our conduct and self-restraint throughout life.

Dr. Hathout reminds us that we have an important mission and explains how to accomplish it regardless of world circumstances.

We are well informed on the sentiments of the American public regarding world affairs. But how well do we know the sentiments of Muslims around the world? Dr. Hathout reflects on a recent trip to Egypt and shares the opinions and frustrations of Muslims in the Middle East.

Dr. Hathout reviews the many aspects of Hajj including the concept of togetherness, monotheism, diversity, equality, and mannerism.

Dr. Hathout discusses the Hijra and what we should learn from it.

The status of our Ummah needs to change through a return to the Quran. We can no longer respond to blood being spilled by numbness, denial, or conspiracy theories. Dr. Hathout reviews Quranic ruling on violence against others.

Are we responsible for the deteriorating condition of Muslims around the world? How, and what do we about it? Dr. Hathout examines our responsibility at the individual and community levels by debunking common excuses given for our lack of action: conspiracy theories, victim mentality, blame game, and relegating responsibility to others.

Dr. Hathout discusses Sura 61 Verse 2 and avoiding rhetoric. The importance of doing what you say you will do.

What does it mean to have a cohesive community? Dr. Hathout analyzes the many factors that contribute to an effective community and how to continue to make it grow.

How do we respond to those who want to burn or destroy the Quran? In response to recent events regarding those who want to desecrate the Quran, Dr. Hathout reminds us that God will protect the Quran and that it is not just paper.

In order to follow the straight path of Islam, we cannot react with anger or despair to current events. Dr. Hathout discusses how understanding the issues rationally and thoroughly will lead to the correct solutions.

Continued from the previous week. Many Muslims have lost their way to the straight path by succumbing to hate and anger. The importance of Muslim public opinion is discussed.

After a bombing incident in the streets of London, Dr. Hathout emphasizes the need to protect Muslim youth from being exploited by extremists.

What is the purpose of giving a fatwa against terrorism? And, what do we do after giving the fatwa?

Dr. Hathout explains why Muslims are required to help those in need.

What is our duty in times of natural and man made catastrophes?

Dr. Hathout suggests that we resolve to follow the guidelines in the Quran.

A look at Ramadan over the past 30 years and how it has changed in America. Also, the importance of supporting our Islamic institutions.

As Ramadan comes to a close, Dr. Hathout reflects on its purpose and also discusses the many different ways God tests us.

Dr. Hathout talks about the attempt to make Islam irrelevant and the feeling of despair as two of the main challenges facing Muslims today. We must study and understand these challenges in order to deal with them effectively.

Are Muslim organizations doing enough? Dr. Hathout discusses the importance of assessing our individual contributions and the purity of our hearts.

Discussed today is the growing sectarian violence in Iraq and the failure of Muslims to leave the past behind.

What and who are the enemies of Islam? What is their tactic and how are we falling into their traps? Dr. Hathout discusses how to deal with the enemies of Islam and the six types of enemies Muslims must be aware of.

Commemorating the birth of the Prophet Muhammad. How the completion of Islam happened in 3 ways: through the Quran, the messenger, and implementation of Islamic law.

Dr. Hathout reviews 3 verses in the Quran that emphasize our responsibility to change our behavior and offers ways to implement the guidelines when coming to the mosque.

Dr. Hathout discusses different tactics used by hate groups to isolate other groups, particularly Muslims, and stresses 4 factors we must focus on: the Quran, Prophet Muhammad, our community, and the enemies. Also discussed is the attempt to isolate the Prophet and his followers.

Dr. Hathout emphasizes the importance of Muslims being concerned and involved with issues pertaining to justice and human rights for all people and not just other Muslims.

With disheartening news fulfilling the airwaves, Dr. Hathout reviews Sura 42, Verses 40-43 to explain how Muslims are ordered to defend themselves against tyranny and oppression, rather than feeling helpless and filled with despair.

Dr. Hathout uses Sura 12, Verse 108 to show how we must define who we are and our mission, just as the Prophet Muhammad was ordered to do, to complete the mission with clarity.

What do we gain from coming to the mosque? Dr. Hathout discusses the importance of giving back.

What does the Quran say about how we relate to non-Muslims? What should our relations be with our fellow American citizens? Dr. Hathout discusses the issues of misunderstanding and suspicion between Muslims and non-Muslims and how we solve the problem.

Dr. Hathout discusses how the documentary “Obsession” is being used to promote fear and how we should counter the attack.

Human beings can make plans, but the future is out of our control. The importance of remembering that nothing will happen without God’s will.

The West, the East, and South Africa.

Continued from last week. The deliberate effort to prevent the winds of change in Muslim dominated countries: Azerbaijan, Afghanistan, Bulgaria, and Palestine.

Holding oneself accountable before the Day of Judgment.

How the Quran changed the lives of the Ummah after the revelation and how to change the Ummah today.

The uniqueness of the Muslim experience, messenger, and scripture.

The four dangerous reactions of the Muslim community during difficult times.

The Islamic concept of motherhood.

Getting through the darkness of Islam’s days to come.

Why our young Muslims are looking outside of Islam for guidance and the early signs to look for.

Jahiliyya is not just a lack of knowledge but also represented a culture contrary to the teaching of Islam. Liberating the human mind.

Remembering God in difficult times and not forgetting Him during good times.

Dr. Hathout discusses the tragic situation in Kosovo.

The three areas to focus on during Ramadan: remembrance, reflection, and behavior modification.

Passing the course of Ramadan and having a meaningful purpose in life.

Reviewing the previous weeks to close Ramadan.

Islam’s Uniqueness: The concept of deity, the Holy Quran, the Messenger

Continuing ‘Uniqueness of Islam” from the previous week’s sermon and the responsibility of Muslims.

The significance of the Hijra in Islam.

Reflection of a trip to Hajj and the implications on the Ummah.

Why we need to be revived and reminded about God.

The viability of Muslim organizations depends on keeping the balance between the past, present, and the future. The five actions to be taken to make Islam relevant.

Muslims living in homogenous non-Muslim societies compared to Muslims living in a pluralistic American society. Why is it unique?

How acquiring materialistic needs, rather than wisdom and spiritual needs, leads to misery. A series of questions to ask ourselves to test our commitment.

A continuation of the previous week’s Khutba. How we should change the status quo.

Dr. Hathout emphasizes the importance of reading the Quran on a continuous basis and not just during Ramadan.

The concept of accountability in the Quran: How is it unique to Islam? Dr. Hathout compares the theology of the Day of Judgment in religions.

Points to ponder for the preparation of the Hajj.

• Prophet Ibrahim
• Hajjar
• Generations after Prophet Ibrahim

After a recent earthquake, Dr. Hathout reminds people how life is not permanent and discusses Islam’s emergency kit for the hereafter.