Character & conductFrom the masjid's own video, Apr 25, 2026.

Restrain your tongue during confusion

“You're going to be standing in front of Allah.”

The khateeb, at 7:38

In one sentence

Because every word is recorded and can either guide or harm, Muslims should restrain their tongues, especially during confusion and trials, speaking only what is good and choosing silence otherwise.

The khutbah in 6 steps

  1. Introduces the hadith of Mu'adh and its culminating command to restrain the tongue.
  2. Explains that angels record every utterance and that a single word can produce immense benefit or harm.
  3. Applies the warning to social media, rumors, halal and haram claims, divorce, insults, and false jokes.
  4. Encourages silence, good manners, beneficial speech, and avoiding uninformed commentary during confusing times.
  5. Describes the limbs testifying on Judgment Day and defines the best Muslim as one whose tongue and hands do not harm others.
  6. Concludes with supplications for protected tongues, remembrance of Allah, and guidance.
Try this week
Restrain the tongue and speak only when the words are good or beneficial.
Pause or remain silent when facts are unclear or one lacks knowledge.
Avoid rumors, insults, false jokes, careless halal or haram claims, and harmful criticism.
Replace idle conversation with Qur'an recitation, dhikr, or greetings of salam.
Consider closing social media for a month during Ramadan to focus on worship.
Maintain good manners and establish prayers at their assigned times.
Sources the khateeb cited
Jami` at-TirmidhiUsed to explain salvation through guarding the tongue and speaking only good.
Sahih al-BukhariUsed to show that one pleasing word can elevate a person while one displeasing word can lead to Hellfire.
Quotes

In the khateeb's words

“Amsik alayka hadha. He said, restrain this. If there is nothing else you could do, restrain this.”
ICD · Davis, CA
Play from 1:47
“It's not about speaking. It is not about the tongue. It is about the responsibility that leads to the accountability that you're going to be standing in front of Allah.”
ICD · Davis, CA
Play from 7:38
Talk about it at home

For the dinner table

Today’s khutbah reminded us that our words matter to Allah, especially when events are confusing or emotions are strong. The khateeb explained that this responsibility includes our messages, likes, and shares, as well as what we say aloud. He warned that jokes, rumors, and angry words can hurt people, and calling something a joke does not remove our responsibility. He also showed how words can bring goodness through remembering Allah, greeting people with peace, checking on our parents, and helping people reconcile. As a family, we can practice pausing before we speak and choosing words that bring kindness and benefit.

  1. What could you say to help someone feel welcome at school or at the masjid?
  2. When a group chat starts making fun of someone, how could you respond with good manners?
  3. What could help you pause before speaking when you feel angry?