Character & conductFrom the masjid's own video, Dec 19, 2025.

Mercy should guide how we treat others

“Hate the deeds but not the person.”

The khateeb, at 11:29

In one sentence

Because Islam is rooted in divine mercy, Muslims should cultivate compassion, reject harmful deeds without demeaning people, and let mercy guide their treatment of all creation.

The khutbah in 7 steps

  1. Opens with an exhortation to taqwa and Quranic reminders.
  2. Explains Bismillah as a call to infuse every action with love and mercy.
  3. Urges compassion toward people of every race, religion, and background.
  4. Uses Allah’s mercy and human dignity to discourage hatred and despair.
  5. Connects violence and interpersonal harm to hearts emptied of compassion.
  6. Calls listeners to purify their hearts and practice love in daily conduct.
  7. Closes with prayers for Muslims, oppressed communities, justice, and guidance.
Try this week
Begin actions with Bismillahirrahmanirrahim and consciously infuse them with love.
Show mercy and compassion to people regardless of race, skin color, religion, or belief.
Reject harmful behavior without hating, insulting, or demeaning the person.
Work to cleanse the heart from hatred, not only perform outward ablution and recitation.
Re-internalize Quranic teachings by practicing love and compassion in daily interactions.
Sources the khateeb cited
Surah 39Used to teach that people who have wronged themselves must not despair of Allah’s mercy.
Quran 17:70Used to affirm human dignity and reject hatred, insult, and demeaning others.
Quran 16:90Used as the closing reminder to practice justice, excellence, and care for relatives.
Quotes

In the khateeb's words

“if there is behavior or conduct that we cannot agree with for example then hate the deeds but not the person”
IMAAM Center · Silver Spring, MD
Play from 11:29
“all have a single root cause the loss of compassion within the human heart let's reflect would a person who truly loves and show mercy willingly hurt or kill a brother whom he loves”
IMAAM Center · Silver Spring, MD
Play from 19:27
Talk about it at home

For the dinner table

Today’s khutbah reminded us that Islam begins every chapter and action with the name of Allah, the Most Merciful. The speaker taught that mercy should reach every person, whatever their race, religion, or background. We can oppose harmful behavior without hating or humiliating the person who made a mistake. He warned that outward worship is incomplete if the heart remains full of hatred. Our family can live this message by choosing compassionate words and bringing justice and kindness into daily life.

  1. What is one deed you could do this week with more love?
  2. How can we correct someone without making them feel hated?
  3. What helps your heart let go of resentment?