Character & conductFrom the masjid's own video, Sep 19, 2026.
Make people feel valued every day
“We want to revive the sunnah of how to make people feel.”
In one sentence
The khutbah argues that embodying prophetic character means smiling, greeting, listening, and making others feel valued even when we carry personal burdens.
The khutbah in 6 steps
- Frames the Prophet’s constant smile as a prophetic response to pressure and grief.
- Contrasts formal greetings and transactional relationships with a duty to benefit others.
- Uses hadith and the stories of Abu Darda and Zayd ibn Arqam to show how smiles restore dignity.
- Emphasizes the Prophet’s full attention, mercy, and principled conduct despite suffering.
- Recounts Ka'b ibn Malik’s boycott to show how the Prophet’s smile conveyed enduring love.
- Calls the community to revive the sunnah of making people feel valued through everyday relationships.
Try this week
Smile and say salam to people whether or not they can benefit you.
Become a benefactor by looking for ways to make others feel valued.
Give people your full attention when they speak, including children and overlooked community members.
Do not let stress or personal hardship become an excuse for withholding warmth.
Quotes
In the khateeb's words
“The prophetic conduct of relationships was built upon how the other person can benefit from us.”
“His smile was not an indicator to his happiness. It was an indicator of how happy he wanted you to be.”
“Mature people like the Prophet taught us that our responses are not built upon emotions. They're built upon principles.”
“We don't want to revive the sunnah of the words. We want to revive the sunnah of how to make people feel.”
Talk about it at home
For the dinner table
The khutbah teaches that the Prophet’s smile was not simply a sign that he felt happy. It was a way of helping other people feel safe, valued, and hopeful, even while he carried deep grief. We are encouraged to greet people warmly, listen with full attention, and help others whether or not they can benefit us. Prophetic character is measured by how we make people feel, especially when we ourselves are tired or struggling. Small acts of warmth can change someone’s entire day.
- Who might need a smile or warm greeting from you this week?
- When is it hardest for you to treat others with warmth?
- What is one way our family can make someone feel especially valued?
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