11:29 A society that is…18:45 Even in the state of…22:54 When they surrender to…
Character & conductFrom the masjid's own video, Aug 1, 2026.

Protect truth and life in times of war

IECOC · Moustafa Al-Qazwini

“When they surrender to you, you don't harm them.”

The khateeb, at 22:54

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In one sentence

Islam requires believers to protect truth, dignity, peace, and human life even amid conflict and war.

The khutbah in 7 steps

  1. Uses Surah al-Furqan to warn against false testimony, gossip, and futile talk.
  2. Applies truthful speech to marriage inquiries and protecting reputations.
  3. Urges believers to preserve the moral health and trust of their communities.
  4. Explains manners of Jumu'ah, including listening, facing the qibla, and straightening prayer rows.
  5. Presents Islamic ethics of war: self-defense, no indiscriminate harm, and protection of civilians.
  6. Describes humane treatment of captives through prophetic examples and contrasts it with Karbala.
  7. Invites the congregation to attend the Arbaeen majlis and offers condolences.
Try this week
Speak truthfully and only share what you actually know when asked about someone's character, especially for marriage.
Decline to comment when you do not know enough to testify responsibly.
Avoid gatherings centered on gossip, backbiting, rumors, accusations, and defamation.
Keep visits brief when conversations are likely to drift into harmful talk.
During Jumu'ah, sit and listen once the sermon begins, face the qibla, and help straighten rows and close gaps.
Attend the Arbaeen majlis on Sunday, August 2, after Maghrib and Isha prayers.
Sources the khateeb cited
Surah 25Used to teach avoiding false testimony, futile talk, gossip, and dishonorable gatherings.
Surah 47Used to argue that captives should be freed or ransomed rather than killed.
Quotes

In the khateeb's words

“A society that is saturated With gossiping With ghiba Backbiting With defamation With accusation With falsehood With lies This society becomes very weak Very fragile Very sick”
IECOC · Costa Mesa, CA
Play from 11:29
“Even in the state of war, during times of war, don't forget. Don't forget who you are. Where you come from.”
IECOC · Costa Mesa, CA
Play from 18:45
“When they surrender to you. You don't harm them. You treat them with respect.”
IECOC · Costa Mesa, CA
Play from 22:54
Talk about it at home

For the dinner table

Today’s khutbah reminded us that our words can protect someone’s dignity or cause lasting harm. The khateeb asked us to speak only about what we truly know and to stay away from gossip and false accusations. His story about feathers scattering in the wind showed how hard it can be to undo a rumor once it spreads. He also taught that even during war, people must hold on to their faith and moral values, protecting civilians and treating captives with compassion. As a family, we can practice these lessons by speaking fairly, refusing to spread rumors, and treating others with dignity even when we are upset.

  1. How could you gently change the conversation when friends start gossiping?
  2. What could help you pause before sharing something you have not checked?
  3. What would kindness look like toward someone you are upset with?
Where it was given

The masjid

Islamic Educational Center of Orange County3194-B Airport Loop Dr, Costa Mesa, CA 92626KhateebMoustafa Al-QazwiniMore khutbahsArchiveAll khutbahs at IECOC44 khutbahs
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