Answer harm with mercy and good
“Our best course of action is not to do evil in our turn, but to do what will best repel evil.”
The khutbah teaches that believers should answer harm with mercy, forgiveness, good deeds, and truthful constructive action rather than retaliation or grudges.
The khutbah in 5 steps
- Frames doing good to those who hurt us as a sign of noble character and strength.
- Explains that goodness, love, and mercy can transform enmity into friendship.
- Illustrates the burden of resentment through the story of rotten potatoes.
- Urges listeners to follow wrongdoing with good deeds, patience, mercy, and forgiveness.
- Applies the principle to Gaza by honoring killed journalists and urging truthful civic witness to representatives.
In the khateeb's words
“One of the highest signs of noble character that a person can attain is to be able to do good to someone who has been mean to you.”
“It is not for us to punish. Our best course of action is not to do evil in our turn, but to do what will best repel evil.”
“Do not carry a grudge. Leave them to Allah Subh'anaHu Wa Ta-A'la. Repel evil with goodness.”
“I entrust you with Palestine. The jewel of the crown of the Muslim world. The heartbeat of every free person in the world.”
For the dinner table
Today's khutbah reminded us that answering hurt with goodness takes strength, patience, and mercy. The khateeb shared how Abu Bakr returned to helping a relative who had hurt his family, reminding us to forgive as we hope Allah will forgive us. A story about children carrying rotten potatoes showed how holding grudges can burden our hearts. He also reminded us to follow our own mistakes with good deeds and to treat people with dignity. Speaking about suffering in Gaza, he encouraged listeners to raise their concerns with elected representatives, putting their concern into action while asking Allah for guidance.
- What could answering an unkind comment with goodness look like at school or at home?
- What would you find hardest about carrying the teacher's bag of potatoes, and how is that like carrying a grudge?
- What good action could you take after realizing you hurt someone's feelings?
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