Weathering the Media Storm: Community Advice (Jumu’ah Summary 03/10/25)
On this very day, 838 years ago – Friday, October 1187 – the great city of Al-Quds (Jerusalem) was liberated by the legendary Muslim leader, Salahuddin al-Ayyubi. It was no ordinary day: for the first time in 88 years, the call to Jumu‘ah prayer echoed in Masjid al-Aqsa.
The mosque was cleansed, washed, and perfumed as they rushed to prepare it for Jumuah. The pulpit of Nuruddin Zengi – a symbol of generations of aspiration – was finally placed in its rightful spot. Ibn al-Zaki, the Qadi of Aleppo, delivered the khutbah, praising Allah and praying for Salahuddin due to his service to the cause of the Prophet ﷺ. The congregation was in tears, realising that this victory was not the result of one man alone. It was the fruit of generations of Muslims who had prayed, struggled, sacrificed, and persevered for this blessed moment.
This memory reminds us of a timeless truth: success requires sacrifice, patience, and effort.
Our Present Challenges
Here in the UK, Muslims face turbulent times. We witness a rise in far-right hostility, growing Islamophobia, and media narratives that unfairly associate Islam with violence. When a tragedy is committed by someone labelled “Muslim”, entire communities are vilified and our faith maligned. Yet when others commit crimes, their religion is not mentioned – they are dismissed as “lone wolves” or explained away as cases of “mental health”.
This double standard is painful and unjust. But more importantly, it is a reminder for us to strengthen ourselves and respond in the best way.
How Should We Respond?
1. Remember that believers are always tested
We are not the first Muslim community to face trials. The People of the Trench (Ashab al-Ukhdud) were persecuted and burnt in a ditch due to their belief in Allah. The Prophets of Allah were opposed and abused. The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ was stoned, verbally abused, and physically abused along with his noble Companions. Being tested is part of being a believer:
Allah says:
أَحَسِبَ النَّاسُ أَنْ يُتْرَكُوا أَنْ يَقُولُوا آمَنَّا وَهُمْ لَا يُفْتَنُونَ
“Do the people think they will be left to say, ‘We believe,’ and they will not be tested?” (Al-‘Ankabut 29:2)
Every generation of believers has endured hardship. Tests refine our faith and reveal our resilience.
2. Hold firm to your Muslim identity
In times of backlash, it may be tempting to hide aspects of our identity. But this is exactly when istiqamah (steadfastness) is most important. Allah reminds us:
فَمَا وَهَنُوا لِمَا أَصَابَهُمْ فِي سَبِيلِ اللَّهِ وَمَا ضَعُفُوا وَمَا اسْتَكَانُوا ۗ وَاللَّهُ يُحِبُّ الصَّابِرِينَ
“They did not weaken for what struck them in the path of Allah, nor did they despair. And Allah loves the steadfast.” (Āl-‘Imrān 3:146)
Your hijab, your sunnah beard, your prayers at work – these are signs of faith and devotion. Don’t let society’s pressure strip you of your dignity and cause you to abandon your worship and public association with Islam.
3. Respond with dawah and excellence
Much of the hostility stems from ignorance. Our duty is to clarify and give dawah, as Allah states:
وَمَنْ أَحْسَنُ قَوْلًۭا مِّمَّن دَعَآ إِلَى ٱللَّهِ وَعَمِلَ صَـٰلِحًۭا وَقَالَ إِنَّنِى مِنَ ٱلْمُسْلِمِينَ
“And whose words are better than someone who calls others to Allah, does good, and says, “I am truly one of those who submit”?
This dawah cannot be only with words, but also with our conduct. The Prophet ﷺ was described as:
وَمَا أَرْسَلْنَاكَ إِلَّا رَحْمَةً لِلْعَالَمِينَ
“We have not sent you, except as a mercy to the worlds.” (Al-Anbiya’ 21:107)
His character softened hearts more than speeches ever could.
We must ask ourselves honestly: are we contributing to the problem in even small ways?
– Are our neighbourhoods clean and welcoming?
– Do we park respectfully, drive responsibly, and pay our dues on time?
– Do we honour our contracts, meet deadlines, and treat employees fairly?
– Do we show integrity in business, and sophistication in how we carry ourselves?
Every action either strengthens or weakens the perception of Islam in society. If we want to change the narrative, it must start with us.
A Call to Action
The liberation of Al-Quds was not achieved overnight – it was the product of generations of effort, unity, and sacrifice. Likewise, the challenges Muslims face in the UK today will not disappear without patience, steadfastness, and proactive engagement.
Let us take inspiration from Salahuddin and the Muslims of his time. They persevered in hardship, upheld their faith with dignity, and worked together for the sake of Allah. By holding fast to our identity, perfecting our character, and reaching out with compassion and wisdom, we can ensure that our presence in this society becomes a source of light, not misunderstanding.
May Allah strengthen us, protect our communities, and allow us to embody the true beauty of Islam.
Watch on YouTube:
Click HERE to watch the khutbah on YouTube
