4:29 We don't have an issue…13:51 And the more that you…30:13 To believe and firmly…
Community & unityFrom the masjid's own video, Sep 3, 2025.

Moon disputes should not divide us

ICCP

“We don't have an issue with the moon, we have an issue with each other.”

The khateeb, at 4:29

Watch the khutbahFamily kit
In one sentence

Legitimate differences should be handled through collective decision-making, humility, knowledge, and respectful disagreement so that minor fiqh differences do not fracture the Muslim community.

The khutbah in 7 steps

  1. Legitimate scholarly disagreement arises when no decisive text settles an issue.
  2. Eid timing is a collective communal decision, not a contest of individual opinions.
  3. Respecting differing fiqh positions requires avoiding condemnation, emotional weaponization, and public humiliation.
  4. Islamic history and scripture present the ummah as unified despite intellectual and legal differences.
  5. Adab al-ikhtilaf requires maturity, tolerance, intellectual humility, and restraint from sectarian labeling.
  6. Moon-sighting disputes should avoid name-calling and remain united in spirit.
  7. The khutbah closes with examples of valid Quranic recitation differences and community announcements.
Try this week
Respect the community's collective Eid decision even when following a different scholarly opinion.
Avoid name-calling, ad hominem attacks, and public condemnation during moon-sighting debates.
Learn and practice adab al-ikhtilaf by disagreeing without denigrating others.
Attend the community picnic and return to the weekly halaqas after the pause.
Continue religious practice after Ramadan, including the six days of Shawwal fasting.
Sources the khateeb cited
Surah 9Used to warn against disputation that causes loss of moral strength.
Quotes

In the khateeb's words

“We don't have an issue with the moon, we have an issue with each other.”
ICCP · Potomac, MD
Play from 4:29
“And the more that you learn, the more tolerant you become.”
ICCP · Potomac, MD
Play from 13:51
“To believe and firmly believe that my opinion is correct. But I could definitely be wrong.”
ICCP · Potomac, MD
Play from 30:13
Talk about it at home

For the dinner table

Today’s khutbah reminded us that disagreements about Eid can reveal how we treat one another. The khateeb explained that scholars can reach different conclusions through sincere efforts to understand religious evidence where there is no decisive text. We can respect those legitimate differences without having to agree with every opinion. He encouraged communities to hear people’s questions, make a collective decision, and wish other communities well. At home and online, we can practice disagreeing kindly, avoid name-calling, and remember that we might be mistaken. The unity he encouraged means being together in heart and spirit, even when some views differ.

  1. What could you say to show someone you respect them when you disagree?
  2. How would you help someone feel included if the group chose something different from what they wanted?
  3. When has listening to someone helped you understand a different point of view?
Where it was given

The masjid

Islamic Community Center of Potomac10601 River Rd, Potomac, MD 20854Jumu'ah Adhan 1:15 PMArchiveAll khutbahs at ICCP96 khutbahs
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