Reviving the Relevance of the Pulpit: Bridging the Gap Between the Minbar and the Modern Mind

Salim Mohamed Badat 

In countless masjids across the world, particularly in urban and youth-populated centers, a troubling pattern has emerged: the growing disconnection between the congregation, especially the youth, and the khutbah (sermon) or lecture delivered from the minbar (pulpit).

Many young Muslims leave the masjid uninspired, unstimulated, and unchallenged intellectually or spiritually.

The core issue is not the presence of the pulpit, but the content delivered from it, often failing to address contemporary issues, social struggles, and real-life questions.

At the heart of this crisis lies a content problem: many talks are confined to historical narrations without drawing clear, living connections between those struggles and the pressing challenges Muslims face today. As a result, what should be a source of dynamic, transformative guidance becomes a passive historical retelling.

The Quran as a Living Book.

The Quran never treats history as something static or distant. Instead, it presents stories of the Prophets and past nations with a powerful refrain:

“Indeed in their stories is a lesson for those of understanding” (Surah Yusuf 12:111).

The Arabic word used here is ibrah, a lesson that demands reflection, movement, and change. It is meant to build a bridge between the past and the present.

For example, when we speak of the courage of Bilal ibn Rabah (RA) in standing up to oppression, how often do we link his struggle to issues of systemic racism in our community and identity crises faced by Muslims today?

Speak of Umar ibn al-Khattab (RA) not just as a just ruler, but as a model for leadership, governance, and social justice today.

When we mention the patience of Ayyub (AS), do we connect it to mental health struggles, anxiety, depression, trauma, and chronic illness, that so many quietly endure?

Speak of the lesson imam Hussain (RA) stand against Yazid was not merely a political rebellion; it was a principled refusal to legitimize oppression.

Does his stand not speak directly to modern tyrannies, whether political, economic, social, or ideological?

Does it not challenge young Muslims to resist moral compromise, speak truth to power, and uphold justice even when it costs popularity, comfort, or safety? 

Imam Ali (RA) ruled with uncompromising justice, holding himself to the same standard as the poorest in society. He famously said:

“A society can survive with disbelief, but it cannot survive with injustice.”

From his letter to Malik al-Ashtar, arguably one of the greatest documents on ethical governance, we learn about accountability, compassion, equality before the law, and the responsibility of leaders to serve, not dominate.

Why are these teachings not used on the pulpit to address modern questions of governance, corruption, abuse of power, police brutality, economic injustice, and leadership ethics?

The Seerah as a Manual for Modernity.

The life of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) is filled with episodes that mirror modern realities. Yet too often, lectures fail to unpack the Seerah in a way that speaks to today’s lived challenges.

When the Prophet (PBUH) grieved the death of Khadijah (RA) and Abu Talib, known as the Year of Sorrow, do our platforms use this moment to speak about grief, loss, and emotional vulnerability?

When the Prophet (PBUH) negotiated treaties, managed finances, resolved conflicts, and lived among diverse communities, are these moments used to discuss political engagement, economic ethics, pluralism, or interfaith relations today?

Youth today are asking real questions:

What does Islam say about AI, social media addiction, or mental health?

How do I survive university spaces that challenge my faith and identity?

What is the Islamic stance on power, injustice, cancel culture, or climate responsibility?

Yet from the pulpit, they too often hear answers to questions no one is asking.

The Intellectual Appeal: Stimulating the Mind and Spirit. 

The Quran repeatedly calls people to think, reflect, and reason:

“Will you not use your reason?” (Afala taqiloon)

“Do they not reflect upon the Quran?” (Surah Muhammad 47:24)

Islam invited conscious conviction. To engage a generation exposed to diverse ideologies, philosophies, and ethical dilemmas, the pulpit must rise intellectually. 

A Call to Action for the Pulpit. 

Address Current Struggles.

Use the Prophet’s example to speak about youth identity, mental health, addiction, peer pressure, injustice, and purpose.

Be Relevant and Real.

Use contemporary examples, community stories, and real dilemmas so Islam feels alive, not archived.

Elevate the Discourse.

Introduce youth to Islamic philosophy, ethics, spirituality, and critical thinking, not only rules and rituals.

Conclusion.

The pulpit is meant to be a lighthouse, not a museum. If we wish to guide ships through the stormy seas of modern life, the light must be strong, relevant, and courageous.

Let the Quran and Seerah speak to the present, not remain trapped in the past.

“Call to the way of your Lord with wisdom and good advice, and reason with them in the best manner.”

(Surah An-Nahl 16:125)

It is time for the pulpit to rise to this divine calling, with intellect, insight, and inspiration.

Salim Mohamed Badat

Writer exploring the intersection of faith, politics and justice.