Seek truth without losing unity
“Forcing people to think like you is the source of disunity.”
The khutbah argues that Muslims should pursue truth with humility, accept legitimate differences, and preserve unity through respectful disagreement and constructive communal action.
The khutbah in 6 steps
- Uses a classical scholarly debate over animal hides to show how evidence can change a position.
- Shows that major scholars valued truth over winning and acknowledged possible error.
- Explains that legitimate differences in scholarship and religious practice do not necessarily mean disunity.
- Applies the etiquette of disagreement to mosque life, madhhab differences, and community relationships.
- Addresses election-related tensions, urging calm discussion, avoiding religious guilt, and voting as a civic decision.
- Calls Muslims to avoid internal quarrels, build constructively, and remember suffering in Gaza.
In the khateeb's words
“Because the pursuit of knowledge and the pursuit of wisdom is not about winning. True winning is arriving at the truth. and acceptance from Allah .”
“If you have two intelligent people coming to different conclusions, that means the issue is not obvious.”
“Build something new! Not because we're competing with somebody else, not because we're trying to get one up somebody else, but because we have a vision for the future.”
“Forcing people to think like you is the source of disunity. So stop trying to have uniformity in the name of establishing unity.”
For the dinner table
The khutbah teaches that seeking truth matters more than winning arguments. It explains that respected scholars sometimes changed their views when stronger evidence appeared, and that sincere Muslims can reach different conclusions. Unity does not require everyone to think or practice in exactly the same way; it requires respectful disagreement, humility, and avoiding insults or religious guilt. Regarding the election, the speaker urged eligible Muslims to vote, but said political choices should not be turned into tests of someone’s faith. He also called the community to use Islamic values, protect relationships, build something beneficial for the future, and remember people suffering in Gaza.
- When has changing your mind helped you learn something important?
- How can we disagree respectfully at home or with friends?
- What is one good thing our family could build or improve together?
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