18:14 But actually sometimes…37:57 When you do that, it…
Character & conductFrom the masjid's own video, Aug 22, 2026.

Attentive listening is an act of worship

Al Falah · Kaiser Aslam

“Sometimes worship is in the way that you listen.”

The khateeb, at 18:14

Watch the khutbahFamily kit
In one sentence

The khutbah argues that attentive, charitable listening, modeled by the Prophet Muhammad and praised in the Quran, is an act of worship that opens understanding, mercy, and healthier relationships.

The khutbah in 5 steps

  1. Jumu'ah gathers believers to praise Allah and remember the Prophet's example, focusing on listening rather than debate over Mawlid.
  2. Surah At-Tawbah's description of the Prophet as an “ear” is reframed as a merciful strength, not a weakness.
  3. Surah az-Zumar's praise of those who listen and follow the best of what they hear becomes a standard for attention and charitable interpretation.
  4. Examples from Utbah, Aisha's slander, and Husayn show the Prophet listening through opposition, pain, and a child's stutter.
  5. Congregants are urged to practice attentive listening to create openings where walls and animosity once stood.
Try this week
Give speakers complete attention by facing them and putting aside distractions.
Listen for the best meaning in what someone says instead of focusing on one flaw or misspoken phrase.
Pause before reacting to emotionally charged terms or disagreements.
Let people express pain or emotion before correcting them.
Practice attentive listening with family members, children, friends, and community members.
Sources the khateeb cited
Surah 9Used to explain the accusation that the Prophet was merely an “ear” and Allah's defense of his attentive, merciful listening.
Surah 39Used to identify listening to speech and following its best as qualities of the people of Paradise and understanding.
Sahih al-BukhariUsed for the narration of Aisha's response during the slander incident and the Prophet's patient listening.
Quotes

In the khateeb's words

“But actually sometimes worship is in the way that you listen.”
Al Falah · Bridgewater, NJ
Play from 18:14
“When you do that, it opens the doors of Rahmah for your own heart, but also in the hearts of the people around you.”
Al Falah · Bridgewater, NJ
Play from 37:57
Talk about it at home

For the dinner table

Today's khutbah taught us that listening carefully can be an act of worship. The Prophet Muhammad listened patiently to critics, people in pain, and children, helping others feel respected and understood. The Quran praises people who listen and follow the best of what they hear. We can follow this example by putting away distractions, facing the person speaking, and looking for the best meaning in their words. Patient listening can bring mercy and open doors between people who feel distant or hurt.

  1. When is it hardest for you to listen patiently?
  2. How can listening help someone who is upset?
  3. What could you do this week to give someone your full attention?
Where it was given

The masjid

Al Falah Center881 Route 206, Bridgewater, NJ 08807Jumu'ah 1:00 PMKhateebKaiser AslamMore khutbahsArchiveAll khutbahs at Al Falah42 khutbahs
Keep listening

More on Character & conduct

All on this topic
The strong is the one who controls himself while in anger.10:16Masjid Al-Noor · Waterloo, IA · Oct 31, 2026Control anger before it causes harmPeer pressure is an issue that is just as applicable to adults as it is to children.5:08The Rayyan Center · Plymouth, MI · Oct 31, 2026Adults must choose their influencesLowering your gaze is cleaner to your heart and fulfilling the amanah that Allah gave you.1:03:23Rahma Center · Lake Forest, CA · Oct 30, 2026Every trust from Allah must be honored