20:36 you don't always need…
Character & conductFrom the masjid's own video, Dec 27, 2025.

Meet ignorance with knowledge and humility

ICNEV

“You don't always need to forgive.”

The khateeb, at 20:36

Watch the khutbahFamily kit
In one sentence

Believers should confront ignorance by removing their own contempt through knowledge and humility, then choosing disengagement, accountability, forgiveness, or wise speech according to the situation.

The khutbah in 6 steps

  1. Introduces ignorance as a common problem involving lack of knowledge or understanding.
  2. Explains humility as a defining quality of the servants of the Most Merciful.
  3. Distinguishes ordinary unfamiliarity from persistent, willful ignorance and its roots in stereotypes.
  4. Presents responses to ignorance: disengagement, lawful accountability, forgiveness, and responding in the best manner.
  5. Uses prophetic examples and Musa’s supplication to emphasize patience, clear speech, and purposeful responses.
  6. Concludes by urging listeners to remove ignorance from themselves and others.
Try this week
Examine the heart for contempt, superiority, and assumptions about other people.
Seek knowledge and fuller understanding before forming judgments about cultures, religions, or communities.
Disengage respectfully when someone is provoking ignorance or futile argument.
When wronged, choose proportionate lawful accountability, pardon, or reconciliation.
Before a difficult conversation, make Musa’s supplication and prepare clear, purposeful speech.
Sources the khateeb cited
Quran 25:63Describes the servants of the Most Merciful as humble and restrained when addressed by ignorant people.
Sahih MuslimDefines arrogance as rejecting truth and despising people.
Quran 7:138-139Uses the Israelites’ request for idols to illustrate persistent ignorance despite knowledge.
Quran 28:55Shows believers responding to futile speech by distancing themselves from ignorant people.
Quran 42:40Explains lawful accountability while presenting pardon and reconciliation as virtuous alternatives.
Sahih al-BukhariUses the Prophet’s response to the Bedouin in the mosque to illustrate patience and making matters easier.
Sahih MuslimUses the Abu Mas'ud incident to show that forgiveness does not eliminate accountability.
Quran 41:34Teaches responding to wrongdoing with what is best.
Quran 20:25-29Uses Musa’s supplication for openness, ease, clear speech, and support before a difficult conversation.
Quotes

In the khateeb's words

“you don't always need to forgive you can go to the judge even if it's a Muslim this is your right where someone's taken your right you can take it in this world”
ICNEV · Scottsdale, AZ
Play from 20:36
Talk about it at home

For the dinner table

Today’s khutbah reminded us that humility comes first: we should look at our own hearts and avoid treating anyone as beneath us. Ignorance can come from missing knowledge or from having information without really understanding it. The khateeb explained that we can sometimes walk away from hurtful talk, seek accountability when someone takes our rights, or choose to forgive. He described the Prophet’s forgiveness as serving a greater purpose and also reminded us that the Prophet held people accountable. As a family, we can ask Allah to help us learn, understand others fairly, and choose words and actions that fit each situation.

  1. What could you ask someone to understand their background better instead of making a guess?
  2. When someone says something hurtful, what could help you pause and choose your response?
  3. What is one thing you would like to understand better this week?
Where it was given

The masjid

Islamic Center of North East Valley12125 E Via Linda, Scottsdale, AZ 85259Jumu'ah 12:30 PM · 1:30 PM · 3:00 PMArchiveAll khutbahs at ICNEV40 khutbahs
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