12:44 I forgive every…22:35 forgiving and…
Character & conductFrom the masjid's own video, Feb 4, 2026.

Seek Allah’s mercy through forgiveness

OBKIC · Abdullahi Jaranow

“It simply means I have let the past go and I would like to move forward with a clean heart.”

The khateeb, at 22:35

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In one sentence

The khutbah argues that seeking Allah’s mercy in Sha'ban requires sincere devotion and clearing the heart of grudges through forgiveness and reconciliation, while still protecting oneself from injustice.

The khutbah in 6 steps

  1. Explains the significance of Sha'ban and the 15th night, noting scholarly disagreement over its reports.
  2. Connects Allah’s mercy with ending animosity, maintaining family ties, and reconciling with others.
  3. Recounts the story of an unnamed Ansari whose nightly forgiveness earned an exceptional spiritual status.
  4. Presents sincerity, renewed intention, tawhid, dhikr, and Surah al-Ikhlas as the first practical steps.
  5. Urges forgiveness, humility, reconciliation, and mediation, while clarifying that forgiveness does not require enduring oppression.
  6. Closes with prayers for purified hearts, family and community reconciliation, and relief for Muslims in Sudan and Gaza.
Try this week
Renew intentions and repeat La ilaha illallah.
Recite Surah al-Ikhlas, especially during the nights of Sha'ban and the 15th night.
Forgive and release grudges, envy, and hatred before sleeping.
Reconcile with spouses, parents, children, siblings, and close companions; seek mediation when needed.
Protect personal wellbeing and safety rather than using forgiveness to enable oppression.
Sources the khateeb cited
Quran 33:21
Quran 59:18Urges believers to practice taqwa and examine what they prepare for the future.
Sahih MuslimEncourages greeting one another and ending estrangement.
Quran 24:22Calls believers to forgive and turn the page while hoping for Allah’s forgiveness.
Quran 49:10Grounds the command to reconcile relationships in believers being brothers.
Quotes

In the khateeb's words

“I forgive every believer. I forgive everyone! I have no envy of anyone. I have no grudge with anyone.”
OBKIC · Skyway, South Seattle, WA
Play from 12:44
“forgiving and reconciling doesn't mean enabling injustice. It doesn't mean enduring oppression. But it simply means I have let the past go and I would like to move forward with a clean heart.”
OBKIC · Skyway, South Seattle, WA
Play from 22:35
Talk about it at home

For the dinner table

The imam taught that Sha'ban is a good time to renew our relationship with Allah and prepare our hearts. He emphasized that Allah’s mercy is connected to letting go of grudges, forgiving others, and repairing family relationships. He encouraged sincerity, remembrance of Allah, and reciting Surah al-Ikhlas. Reconciliation should begin at home and may require humility or help from others. Forgiveness does not mean accepting abuse or ignoring safety; it means releasing hatred while moving forward wisely.

  1. What helps you let go of a grudge before going to sleep?
  2. What would a humble first step toward reconciliation look like?
  3. How can we forgive someone while still staying safe?
Where it was given

The masjid

Omar Bin Al-Khattab Islamic Center12622 Renton Ave S, Seattle, WA 98178KhateebAbdullahi JaranowMore khutbahsArchiveAll khutbahs at OBKIC106 khutbahs
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