Faith is shown through good character
“You show them forgiveness, you show them the best of your akhlaq, and you show them your ihsan.”
A Muslim's faith is perfected not only through ritual worship but through good character, controlled speech, forgiveness, honoring people's rights, and peaceful responses.
The khutbah in 6 steps
- Good manners and periods of silence protect people from tongue-based sins.
- Good character can elevate an ordinary Muslim toward the rank of those devoted to extra fasting and prayer.
- Faith requires honoring both Allah's rights and people's rights in business, family, and daily interactions.
- The best manners reflect the perfection of one's iman and show that religion is expressed through dealings.
- When hurt or angered, Muslims should respond with forgiveness, ihsan, and excellent character.
- The Quranic example of the servants of Ar-Rahman emphasizes humility and peaceful replies to ignorant speech.
In the khateeb's words
“Those are the moments in which our akhlaq is the worst. And those are the moments in which we are prone to making mistakes.”
“We must also keep the rights of the people, as best as we can.”
“When somebody makes you angry, or somebody hurts your feelings, somebody does some sort of injustice to you, you show them forgiveness, you show them the best of your akhlaq, and you show them your ihsan.”
For the dinner table
Today's khutbah reminded us that good manners are an important part of our faith. The khateeb encouraged us to let go of grudges and forgive others, remembering that we want Allah to forgive us. He explained that watching our words and staying silent when we have nothing good to say can protect us from hurtful speech. He also taught that good character can raise a Muslim to a high rank alongside those who do extra fasting and night prayers. Our worship should show in how honestly we deal with people, how gently we treat our families, and how peacefully we respond when we are upset.
- When could taking a quiet pause help you choose kinder words?
- What could a peaceful response sound like if someone tried to annoy you?
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