16:45 The generosity of the…19:48 there is no other…20:56 Sometimes just act as…
Character & conductFrom the masjid's own video, Sep 11, 2026.

Let character answer hatred with patience

ICSD, East County · Taha Hassane

“Sometimes just act as a Muslim, show people what Islam is through your akhlaq.”

The khateeb, at 20:56

Watch the khutbahFamily kit
In one sentence

Because hostility and Islamophobia are enduring tests of faith, Muslims should answer hatred with patience, compassion, generosity, and exemplary character so their actions represent Islam and can transform hearts.

The khutbah in 6 steps

  1. Faith inevitably includes tests, as shown in Surah al-Ankabut and the hadith about those tested most.
  2. The Quran instructs believers to answer evil with what is best and depart courteously.
  3. Stories of Safwan ibn Umayyah and Thumama ibn Uthal show prophetic character changing hostility.
  4. Muslims should confront Islamophobia through compassion, sabr, and personal relationships.
  5. Everyday akhlaq can communicate Islam more powerfully than speeches.
  6. The khutbah closes with a reminder to serve society and support the masjid.
Try this week
Respond to hostility with compassion and sabr rather than retaliation.
Leave harmful conversations or situations courteously without causing harm.
Show Islam through daily behavior and akhlaq, even without speaking.
Build respectful relationships with neighbors and the wider society.
Support the masjid through sadaqa and donations.
Sources the khateeb cited
Surah 29Used to establish that believers should expect tests distinguishing truthful faith from false claims.
Surah 41Used to teach responding to evil with what is best so hostility may become friendship.
Surah 73Used to teach patience and courteous departure from harmful situations.
Quotes

In the khateeb's words

“The generosity of the Prophet sallallahu alayhi wa sallam. Rasulullah sallallahu alayhi wa sallam knew how to bring Safwan closer.”
ICSD, East County · El Cajon, CA
Play from 16:45
“there is no other option for us to keep working in this society, demonstrating our Islam through our actions.”
ICSD, East County · El Cajon, CA
Play from 19:48
“Sometimes just act as a Muslim, show people what Islam is through your akhlaq. Wallahi, it will be better and more powerful than a thousand speeches that you might think about.”
ICSD, East County · El Cajon, CA
Play from 20:56
Talk about it at home

For the dinner table

Sheikh Taha reminded us that having faith does not mean life will be free of tests; even the prophets faced hardship. He encouraged us to respond to hatred with compassion, patience, and good character. Sometimes that means stepping away courteously from a difficult conversation without hurting anyone. Through stories about the Prophet, he showed how generosity and good treatment can help change people’s hearts. As members of our wider society, we can help people understand Islam through the way we treat them every day.

  1. What is one kind action that could show someone what our faith means to us?
  2. When someone says something hurtful, how could you respond patiently or step away politely?
  3. What could we do this week to help a neighbor feel welcome?
Where it was given

The masjid

Islamic Center of San Diego, East County833 Broadway, El Cajon, CA 92021Jumu'ah 11:30 AM Arabic · 12:15 PM English · 1:00 PM Arabic · 1:45 PM EnglishKhateebTaha HassaneMore khutbahsArchiveAll khutbahs at ICSD, East County45 khutbahs
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