6:51 We always remind…11:22 you and I should be…
Character & conductFrom the masjid's own video, Sep 3, 2025.

Correct others gently and accept advice

ICFV

“You and I should be very gentle, very kind with each other.”

The khateeb, at 11:22

Watch the khutbahFamily kit
In one sentence

The khutbah teaches that the mirror should prompt gratitude for Allah’s mercy and self-improvement, while believers should reflect truth to one another with gentleness, proportion, forgiveness, and restraint from backbiting.

The khutbah in 6 steps

  1. Introduces the mirror and the prayer for beautiful character to match physical appearance.
  2. Reframes scars and imperfections as reminders of Allah’s mercy through Uwais al-Qarni.
  3. Explains that believers should be mirrors for one another by telling the truth and accepting advice.
  4. Emphasizes gentle, proportionate correction that recognizes people’s good qualities.
  5. Urges listeners not to revisit corrected mistakes or store negative thoughts through backbiting.
  6. Closes with advice about emotional self-control, supplication, and Quranic recitation.
Try this week
Say the mirror supplication when looking at your appearance.
Respond to disliked scars or imperfections with gratitude for Allah’s mercy.
Give truthful advice gently and accept advice regardless of who offers it.
Acknowledge a person’s good qualities before addressing a mistake.
Do not keep bringing up mistakes that have already been corrected.
Avoid backbiting and refuse to give away your good deeds.
When someone provokes you unfairly, thank them, end the exchange, and walk away.
Sources the khateeb cited
Sahih MuslimThe story of Uwais al-Qarni presents bodily scars as reminders of Allah’s mercy.
Sahih al-BukhariThe instruction not to dislike a believing spouse for one trait supports recognizing the whole person.
Sahih MuslimThe prayer example supports praising a person’s correct action before correcting the mistake.
Quotes

In the khateeb's words

“We always remind ourselves, oh Allah, make my manners, my behaviors, as beautiful as my creation.”
ICFV · Fountain Valley, CA
Play from 6:51
“you and I should be very gentle, very kind with each other. Otherwise, that advice could result in a relationship being broken, the trust being broken.”
ICFV · Fountain Valley, CA
Play from 11:22
Talk about it at home

For the dinner table

The khutbah uses the mirror as a lesson for both gratitude and character. When we see ourselves, we should thank Allah and ask Him to make our manners as beautiful as our appearance. When we advise others, we should tell the truth gently, recognize their good qualities, and avoid exaggerating small mistakes. We should forgive corrected faults and avoid backbiting, because our good deeds are precious. If someone tries to provoke us, we can protect our hearts by ending the argument and walking away.

  1. What is one character quality you would like Allah to make more beautiful in you?
  2. How can you correct someone while also reminding them of what they do well?
  3. What helps you keep control of your emotions during an argument?
Where it was given

The masjid

Islamic Centre of Fountain Valley16551 Brookhurst St, Fountain Valley, CA 92708ArchiveAll khutbahs at ICFV60 khutbahs
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