Character & conductFrom the masjid's own video, Jul 18, 2026.
Good character shapes how we experience life
“Allah sees the text messages that are on the phones.”
In one sentence
Good character is the believer's top priority and the true determinant of life experience, and it is built in ourselves and our children through reflection on our struggles and mistakes, humility toward elders and mercy toward the young, gentleness in delivery, and a sincere sense of responsibility.
The khutbah in 8 steps
- Opening du'a asking Allah to better our character and nurture it in our children
- Character shapes how we experience life more than the events themselves, proven by the Prophet's life of hardship
- The hadith that the most beloved and nearest to the Prophet on Judgment Day are the best in character
- Obstacles to character: arrogance and unwillingness to listen; the hadith on mercy to the young and honoring elders
- Gentle ease (rifq) beautifies everything; harsh delivery of even truth pushes people away from Islam
- Reflection on struggles and mistakes builds character, illustrated by Abu Bakr and Umar raising their voices
- The arrogance of the man who refused to eat with his right hand and was paralyzed by the Prophet's du'a
- Closing call: responsibility over one's tongue, eyes, and ears, with the real example of kids learning curse words at the masjid
Try this week
Reflect as a family with your children during the summer months on their relationship with Allah, the Prophet, and others
Reflect honestly on how many conflicts with parents could have been averted by a better attitude and a pleasant word
Honor, listen to, and learn from elders and people of knowledge instead of adopting an arrogant 'I know as much as you' mindset
Show mercy and good etiquette toward those younger than you
Use gentle, non-abrasive delivery when speaking about deen so you never become a reason someone avoids the masjid or Quran
Regularly review how your anger and temper have worsened situations, and learn from the consequences
Guard your tongue, eyes, and ears, watch what you say in messages, what you look at, and what you listen to, and choose your company carefully
Take the first step on the path of ease rather than choosing the painful path of wretchedness
Sources the khateeb cited
Surah 49Used to show mistakes build character: Umar afterward addressed the Prophet only in a whisper
Sahih MuslimUsed to warn that arrogant responses close doors of goodness, the man was paralyzed in his right hand
Surah 92Used to argue that some reject the easy path of goodness right in front of them for a painful path
Quotes
In the khateeb's words
“The Prophet Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam's character as the example of the best of character.”
“You know, if my void is filled with nonsense, I'll be a person of nonsense.”
“A true sense of responsibility, realizing that there's a balance to this entire existence.”
“Allah sees the text messages that are on the phones.”
Keep listening
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