1:51 our words may seem to…6:48 Sometimes a single…12:31 If Allah gave you the…16:32 A lot of time, you…
Character & conductFrom the masjid's own video, Nov 7, 2025.

Choose words that heal, not harm

ICLI

“Sometimes a single word of kindness can change someone's life.”

The khateeb, at 6:48

Watch the khutbahFamily kit
In one sentence

Because words shape faith, character, relationships, and accountability before Allah, believers should speak thoughtfully, kindly, and beneficially or remain silent.

The khutbah in 6 steps

  1. Introduces the weight and accountability of spoken, written, and posted words.
  2. Explains that speech reflects iman and character, urging people to guard their tongues.
  3. Shows how gentle, kind speech can heal and transform others.
  4. Warns against careless speech, backbiting, slander, and harmful tone.
  5. Uses Quranic guidance and prophetic examples to emphasize tone, humility, and safety.
  6. Concludes with five practices: pause, uplift others, avoid backbiting, speak goodness, and remain silent when uncertain.
Try this week
Pause before speaking or replying, especially when angry or responding to a message.
Use words that uplift, strengthen, encourage, and inspire others.
Avoid backbiting and slander; stop such conversations or walk away when necessary.
Use speech for goodness, remembrance of Allah, and encouragement.
Remain silent when uncertain or when speaking would be harmful.
Sources the khateeb cited
Surah 31Used to teach that tone and manner of speech matter, not only content.
Sahih al-BukhariUsed to teach that believers should speak good or remain silent.
Jami` at-TirmidhiUsed to show that a person's limbs depend on the tongue's uprightness.
Sahih al-BukhariUsed to warn that an apparently insignificant word can lead to severe punishment.
Sunan Abi DawudUsed to emphasize that a true Muslim makes others feel safe from tongue and hands.
Quotes

In the khateeb's words

“our words may seem to be light upon our tongues, but they carry immense weight in the eyes of Allah subhanahu wa ta'ala.”
ICLI · Westbury, NY
Play from 1:51
“Sometimes a single word of kindness can change someone's life.”
ICLI · Westbury, NY
Play from 6:48
“If Allah gave you the ability to stop, stop them. If you cannot stop, walk away.”
ICLI · Westbury, NY
Play from 12:31
“A lot of time, you could say things without anger as well. You can convey your message.”
ICLI · Westbury, NY
Play from 16:32
Talk about it at home

For the dinner table

Today's khutbah reminded us that our words carry weight before Allah and can deeply affect the people around us. What we say, write, and post can bring comfort and encouragement, or cause hurt. The khateeb explained that how we speak matters too: a gentle voice can help someone hear a message that shouting might hide. He encouraged us to pause before replying, avoid backbiting, and use our words for goodness and remembering Allah. As a family, we can practice helping one another feel safe and valued through our speech, and choose silence when we are unsure what to say.

  1. What kind words have helped you when you were having a hard day?
  2. How could you remind yourself to pause before sending an angry message?
  3. What encouraging words could you say to someone in our family this week?
Where it was given

The masjid

Islamic Center of Long Island835 Brush Hollow Rd, Westbury, NY 11590ArchiveAll khutbahs at ICLI48 khutbahs
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