Character & conductFrom the masjid's own video, Sep 5, 2026.
Control your tongue and choose good words
“What we say is a choice.”
In one sentence
Because speech shapes our deeds and character, believers must control their tongues and use words that are truthful, kind, and beneficial.
The khutbah in 5 steps
- Speech is a divine gift that can be used for good or misused to spread lies and cruelty.
- Mindful, kind, truthful speech beautifies a person and helps make their deeds virtuous.
- Stories and prophetic teachings show that careless words can lead toward Paradise or Hell.
- The Gaza example illustrates how false, hurtful words can minimize suffering and anger Allah.
- Listeners are told to control the tongue, avoid vain or indecent talk, and use speech only for good.
Try this week
Control your tongue and pay attention to the consequences of what you say.
Use speech only for good, including kind, just, and truthful words.
Avoid vain, rude, cruel, indecent, and obscene speech.
Do not use words that minimize other people's suffering or spread lies.
Quotes
In the khateeb's words
“These are wicked words. These are unjust words. They are not factual words. They are hurtful words.”
“That is what we say is a choice. What people say is up to them. But what we say is a choice.”
“Control your tongue. Number two. Use it only for good purpose. Use it only for good.”
Talk about it at home
For the dinner table
Today’s khutbah reminded us that speech is a precious gift from Allah. Our words can bring kindness and beauty into someone’s day, or they can hurt people and spread lies. The khateeb explained that paying attention to what we say can also help us pay attention to what we do. With practice, speaking well can become a habit that feels natural. As a family, we can help one another choose words that are kind, truthful, and useful, even when we are upset.
- What did someone say recently that helped you feel encouraged or cared for?
- When you feel angry, what could help you pause and choose your words?
- What kind and truthful thing could you say to someone tomorrow?
Keep listening
More on Character & conduct
The strong is the one who controls himself while in anger.10:16Masjid Al-Noor · Waterloo, IA · Oct 31, 2026Control anger before it causes harm
Peer pressure is an issue that is just as applicable to adults as it is to children.5:08The Rayyan Center · Plymouth, MI · Oct 31, 2026Adults must choose their influences
Lowering your gaze is cleaner to your heart and fulfilling the amanah that Allah gave you.1:03:23Rahma Center · Lake Forest, CA · Oct 30, 2026Every trust from Allah must be honored