Character & conductFrom the masjid's own video, Oct 30, 2025.
Apologize when you have done wrong
“When you and I do wrong, we need to be able to say, I'm sorry.”
In one sentence
Because relationships inevitably involve mistakes, Muslims should humbly admit wrong, seek forgiveness, and make amends with Allah and other people.
The khutbah in 6 steps
- Allah created people in communities so they can develop character through relationships.
- The khutbah distinguishes istighfar as apologizing to Allah from tawbah as committing not to repeat the wrong.
- Apologizing to people requires admitting fault, seeking forgiveness, and making amends.
- Stories of Musa, Nuh, and the Prophet illustrate humility and immediate rectification.
- Arrogance, avoidance, and shame prevent apologies and allow damaged relationships to worsen.
- The khutbah concludes by urging humility and the removal of arrogance from the heart.
Try this week
Admit clearly when you have done wrong.
Seek forgiveness from Allah through istighfar and tawbah.
Apologize directly to people you have harmed.
Make amends and strengthen the damaged relationship.
Initiate salam rather than maintaining a grudge beyond three days.
Remove arrogance and accept truth when it is presented.
Sources the khateeb cited
Surah 18Musa's apology to Khidr for forgetting their agreement is presented as an example of admitting wrong.
Sahih MuslimUsed to prohibit prolonged grudges and praise the person who initiates salam.
Quotes
In the khateeb's words
“Irrespective of who you are, irrespective of what the relationship is, when you and I do wrong, we need to be able to say, I'm sorry.”
“If we cannot find within ourselves the capability of recognizing when I'm wrong, it's easy to say I'm wrong to someone who's your authority.”
“Kibar and takabur and arrogance is when truth is presented to you, you refuse to accept it.”
Talk about it at home
For the dinner table
Allah created us to live among people so we can grow in patience, generosity, and good character. Since people make mistakes, Islam teaches us to admit when we are wrong, ask Allah for forgiveness, and apologize to those we hurt. A real apology should be followed by a sincere effort to change and repair the relationship. Humility means accepting the truth even when apologizing feels embarrassing or lowers our pride.
- What does a real “I'm sorry” include besides the words?
- When might saying salam be a brave first step?
- How can we make amends after hurting someone?
Keep listening
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