13:07 Your knee-jerk…14:13 But by forwarding it,…23:05 Similarly, you cannot…23:41 If somebody asks you…
Seeking knowledgeFrom the masjid's own video, Jan 16, 2026.

Pause and verify before you speak

ICB Wayland · Saleem Khanani

“I don't think I'm in a position to give an opinion. I need more information.”

The khateeb, at 23:41

Watch the khutbahFamily kit
In one sentence

Because Allah will hold us accountable for how we hear, see, feel, think, and speak, Muslims must pause, verify information, distinguish knowledge from suspicion, and respond with truth and restraint.

The khutbah in 6 steps

  1. The khutbah explains the Quranic warning against speaking or acting without sufficient knowledge.
  2. It distinguishes empirical, rational, and revelatory knowledge, including Musa’s encounter with a servant given special knowledge.
  3. It explains fuad as involving both emotional response and intellectual processing, making human faculties morally accountable.
  4. It applies the warning to breaking news, false accusations, partisan bias, backbiting, and suspicion.
  5. It urges verification, critical reflection, intellectual humility, and restraint in speech, using Abu Bakr’s response to the Isra account as an example.
  6. It closes with prayers for deceased community members, Gaza, the new year, and the congregation.
Try this week
Pause before reacting to breaking news or emotionally charged claims.
Verify reports before forwarding them, even when they come from an opponent.
Process what you heard or saw instead of relying on a fragment or assumption.
Avoid backbiting, harmful speech, and prohibited content heard or seen.
Say that you need more information or Wallahu alam when you lack sufficient knowledge.
Speak what is good or remain silent.
Reflect critically instead of automatically defending a favored group or leader.
Sources the khateeb cited
Surah 17Warns against pursuing what one lacks knowledge of and makes hearing, sight, and fuad accountable.
Surah 18Describes Musa meeting a servant granted mercy and special knowledge from Allah.
Surah 49Commands believers to verify news from a fasiq before harming people through ignorance.
Surah 49Warns believers to avoid excessive suspicion because some suspicion is sinful.
Surah 17Reminds human beings that the knowledge they have been given is limited.
Quotes

In the khateeb's words

“Your knee-jerk reaction is not always right. You have to pause. You have to analyze.”
ICB Wayland · Wayland, MA
Play from 13:07
“But by forwarding it, what kind of harm can you do? And we will be held responsible.”
ICB Wayland · Wayland, MA
Play from 14:13
“Similarly, you cannot see the truth in a state of anger.”
ICB Wayland · Wayland, MA
Play from 23:05
“If somebody asks you for your opinion, you say, I don't think I'm in a position to give an opinion. I need more information.”
ICB Wayland · Wayland, MA
Play from 23:41
Talk about it at home

For the dinner table

Today's khutbah reminded us that our hearing, sight, hearts, and minds are gifts from Allah, and we are responsible for how we use them. Before taking a side or passing along a story, we should pause, check what we know, and consider the harm our words might cause. Even a true story about someone's faults can be wrong to spread. The khateeb compared anger to boiling water: we need to let it settle before we can see clearly. He encouraged us to be fair even toward people we dislike, admit when we need more information, and ask Allah to help us recognize and follow the truth.

  1. What could you say when a friend asks you to share a rumor about someone?
  2. What helps you calm down before answering when you feel angry?
  3. How could you find out more when you have heard only one side of a story?
Where it was given

The masjid

Islamic Center of Boston, Wayland126 Boston Post Road, Wayland, MA 01778Jumu'ah Khutbah 1:00 PM · Iqamah 1:30 PMKhateebSaleem KhananiMore khutbahsArchiveAll khutbahs at ICB Wayland45 khutbahs
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