3:25 We as American Muslims…5:51 Indeed, this knowledge…45:41 We're proper, and…78:43 We're not making a…
Seeking knowledgeFrom the masjid's own video, May 9, 2026.

Verify religious claims before judging others

ICA East Orange

“We're proper, and respectful as we're inviting people to the truth.”

The khateeb, at 45:41

Watch the khutbahFamily kit
In one sentence

Muslims should ground belief in authentic Qur'an and Sunnah and qualified scholarship, while practicing respectful da'wah and avoiding hasty judgments about other Muslims.

The khutbah in 6 steps

  1. Opens with Qur'anic reminders and a warning against religious innovations.
  2. Explains verifying hadith through trustworthy narrators and qualified scholarship.
  3. Defines zuhd as prioritizing the Hereafter and distinguishes it from Sufism.
  4. Uses prophetic letters to teach Bismillah, respectful titles, and clear invitation.
  5. Warns against hastily declaring Muslims unbelievers, using Usama and Hatib as examples.
  6. Closes by emphasizing reliable translations and previewing a discussion of the Qur'an's status.
Try this week
Verify a hadith before saying, “The Prophet said”; otherwise describe it more cautiously.
Begin letters and written religious material with Bismillah ar-Rahman ar-Rahim.
Use respectful titles and courteous language when inviting others to Islam.
Ask about a person's circumstances before judging their words or actions.
Do not rush to declare a Muslim a kafir; defer such judgments to qualified scholars.
Sources the khateeb cited
Quran 5:3Used to argue that Islam is complete and does not need fabricated additions.
Sahih al-BukhariWarning against intentionally attributing false statements to the Prophet.
Surah 27Solomon's letter begins with Bismillah, supporting that writing etiquette.
Sahih al-BukhariModels respectful address alongside a clear invitation to Islam.
Sahih al-BukhariUsed in discussing greetings to the People of the Book and following authentic evidence.
Surah 57Used to explain the double reward promised to those who believe.
Surah 33Used in the discussion of Zayd ibn Harithah's lineage.
Sahih al-BukhariShows that professing Islam cannot be dismissed by judging someone's heart.
Sahih al-BukhariShows the importance of asking about circumstances before judging a Muslim.
Quotes

In the khateeb's words

“We as American Muslims oftentimes we say the Prophet said, the Prophet said, we're not quoting any of the hadith of the Messenger”
ICA East Orange · East Orange, NJ
Play from 3:25
“Indeed, this knowledge is your religion. So look at who you take your deed from.”
ICA East Orange · East Orange, NJ
Play from 5:51
“We're proper, and respectful as we're inviting people to the truth.”
ICA East Orange · East Orange, NJ
Play from 45:41
“We're not making a verdict on the person himself, we're making a verdict on the act. or the statement.”
ICA East Orange · East Orange, NJ
Play from 78:43
Talk about it at home

For the dinner table

Today's khutbah reminded us to be careful about what we share as the Prophet's teachings and to learn from trustworthy sources. The khateeb described zuhud as giving the hereafter greater importance than this world and working to purify our hearts and improve our character. He also encouraged beginning our writings with Bismillah ar-Rahman ar-Rahim, remembering Allah's mercy. When we explain Islam or disagree with someone, he stressed that we should remain respectful and considerate. In the discussion afterward, he urged listeners to ask questions before judging others and to recognize that declaring someone outside Islam is a serious matter beyond our own knowledge.

  1. What could you say when you hear a religious quote but aren't sure where it comes from?
  2. What is one choice this week that could help you give more attention to the hereafter?
  3. How could you ask someone why they did something without making them feel attacked?
Where it was given

The masjid

Islamic Center of America215 N Oraton Pkwy, East Orange, NJ 07017ArchiveAll khutbahs at ICA East Orange54 khutbahs
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