12:05 That which you embody…
Character & conductFrom the masjid's own video, Aug 7, 2026.

Discipline your tongue before you speak

ISF

“A believer is not only careful about what he meant.”

The khateeb, at 12:05

Watch the khutbahFamily kit
In one sentence

Because speech governs the value of our worship and relationships, believers must discipline the tongue by speaking clearly, truthfully, respectfully, and beneficially, or remaining silent for Allah’s sake.

The khutbah in 6 steps

  1. Establishes that the first Quranic call to believers concerns speech rather than ritual acts.
  2. Explains the ra'ina/unzurna command as a lesson in clear, respectful, unambiguous wording.
  3. Uses hadiths about speaking good or remaining silent, the tongue governing the limbs, and restraining the tongue.
  4. Warns that words are recorded, can wound relationships, and can cause good deeds to be forfeited.
  5. Presents the tongue as a trust that can serve worship, comfort, reconciliation, or harm.
  6. Applies the lesson by urging listeners to test their words for Allah’s pleasure and build truthful, uplifting community speech.
Try this week
Before speaking, ask whether the words will earn Allah’s pleasure.
Speak clearly, respectfully, truthfully, and beneficially.
Remain silent when you do not know the answer or have nothing good to say.
Repair misunderstandings by apologizing and clarifying what you meant.
Use speech to comfort the grieving, reconcile people, remember Allah, and uplift others.
Sources the khateeb cited
Surah 18Used to describe the complete record of deeds awaiting people on Judgment Day.
Quotes

In the khateeb's words

“That which you embody To the day of judgment And this principle Is that a believer Is not only careful About what he meant He's also careful About what he says”
ISF · Frederick, MD
Play from 12:05
Talk about it at home

For the dinner table

Today's khutbah reminded us that our words are a blessing and a trust from Allah. The khateeb explained that good intentions should be matched by words that are clear, respectful, and helpful. He compared speech to seeds we plant: we can plant kindness, remembrance of Allah, and reconciliation, or we can plant hurt through lies and backbiting. He warned that harming others with our speech can cost us the good deeds we work hard to earn. As a family, we can practice pausing before we speak, asking whether our words please Allah, and choosing silence when we have nothing good to say.

  1. What could you say to help someone feel included at school or at the masjid?
  2. When has choosing your words carefully helped someone understand what you meant?
  3. What could help you pause before saying something when you feel angry?
Where it was given

The masjid

Islamic Society of Frederick1250 Key Pkwy, Frederick, MD 21702ArchiveAll khutbahs at ISF78 khutbahs
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