Guard your tongue to protect your faith
“Whoever believes in Allah and in the last day, let him or her speak well or remain silent.”
Guarding the tongue by speaking beneficial, truthful, and kind words, or remaining silent, is a core expression of faith and protection from sin.
The khutbah in 7 steps
- Calls believers to taqwa, obedience, and dying in submission.
- Establishes speaking well or remaining silent as a sign of faith.
- Explains that every word is recorded and distinguishes backbiting, slander, and tale-bearing.
- Warns of worldly and Day of Judgment consequences, including lost good deeds.
- Urges private, sincere correction that preserves people's honor.
- Presents the tongue as a tool for healing, remembrance, encouragement, and reconciliation.
- Closes with guidance to purify speech and a supplication for united hearts.
In the khateeb's words
“Whoever believes in Allah and in the last day, let him or her speak well or remain silent.”
“Preserve the honor so that your honor can be also preserved. Preserve your tongue hoping that others' tongues are preserved from you.”
“We can engage in dhikr praying or keeping our tongue moist with the dhikr of Allah subhanahu wa ta'ala.”
For the dinner table
Today’s khutbah reminded us that caring for our words is part of caring for our faith. The khateeb urged us to speak well or remain silent, remembering that Allah knows what we say in public and in private. He warned against backbiting, making up harmful claims, and carrying stories that cause division. When someone needs correction, we should check our intentions and protect their dignity by speaking privately. Our tongues can also do wonderful good through remembering Allah, reading the Qur’an, reconciling people, and offering kind words that brighten someone’s day.
- What could you say when friends start talking unkindly about someone who is absent?
- What kind words have helped you feel better on a difficult day?
- How could we remember Allah more often through the things we say at home?
The masjid
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