Khutbah Talking Points (KTP)
High-Priority Themes for the NYC Muslim Community
1
Civic Engagement & Social Justice
Priority 01
The Muslim Vote and Civic Duty
Theological foundations for participating in local elections and the importance of having a seat at the table in City Hall.
Housing Justice & Tenant Rights
Addressing the NYC housing crisis from an Islamic perspective—fairness in contracts, the prohibition of exploitation, and the right to shelter.
Combating Islamophobia & Hate Crimes
Spiritual resilience in the face of bigotry and the practical steps for community self-defense and reporting incidents.
Environmental Stewardship in the Urban Jungle
Islam’s mandate for "Khalifa" (stewardship) applied to city living—waste reduction, community gardens, and clean energy.
2
Family & Mental Health
Priority 02
Destigmatizing Mental Health
Breaking the silence on depression and anxiety; viewing professional counseling as a form of "Tazkiyah" (purification of the soul).
Domestic Harmony & Gender Rights
Defining the Prophetic model of mercy in the home and the communal obligation to protect women and children from harm.
The Digital Fast
Navigating the dangers of social media addiction, cyberbullying, and the preservation of "Haya" (modesty/privacy) in the internet age.
Elder Care in the West
The sacred duty of caring for parents as they age within a society that often pushes the elderly to the margins.
3
Economic Empowerment
Priority 03
Ethical Entrepreneurship
Promoting the "Halal Economy" in NYC; supporting Muslim-owned small businesses and the ethics of fair trade.
Financial Literacy & Riba-Free Living
Navigating the NYC financial landscape, student loans, and mortgages while adhering to Islamic financial principles.
Zakat as a Local Tool
Encouraging "Zakat-al-Balad" (local charity) to address the homelessness and food insecurity specifically within the five boroughs.
4
Youth & Identity
Priority 04
The "Third Culture" Identity
Helping the youth reconcile being fully Muslim and fully New Yorker without compromising faith.
Education as Worship
Encouraging academic excellence and vocational training as a means of serving the Ummah and the city.
Safe Spaces & Masjid Inclusion
Making the mosque welcoming for the youth, women, and those struggling with their faith.
5
Crisis & Current Events
Priority 05
Global Solidarity (The Ummah's Pain)
Connecting the local community to global struggles (Palestine, Sudan, Uyghurs) through prayer, advocacy, and relief.
Public Safety & Substance Abuse
Addressing the opioid crisis and street violence impacting NYC neighborhoods with a focus on prevention and spiritual healing.
Refugee & Migrant Support
Reminding the community of our history as "Muhajirun" and our duty to welcome and assist the new arrivals in NYC.