8:04 First came his family,…10:54 There is no goodness…27:46 you may be saying the…
Character & conductFrom the masjid's own video, Sep 12, 2025.

The Prophet's character should shape our choices

ICPC Clifton

“You're saying the truth in a way that is so destructive that instead of it guiding a person to truth it pushes them away from truth.”

The khateeb, at 27:46

Watch the khutbahFamily kit
In one sentence

Following the Prophet's footsteps means cultivating his justice, loyalty, empathy, mercy, and disciplined firmness so that our character improves our relationships and communities.

The khutbah in 5 steps

  1. Human life is a journey toward salvation or ruin, so believers should learn from the Prophet's character.
  2. The Prophet's household and companions saw a character that was generous, gentle, respected, and lovable up close.
  3. His example rejects double standards and defends the weak through stories of the creditor and the Makhzum woman.
  4. His teaching methods show empathy: adapt speech to the listener, avoid destructive reactions, and make difficult matters understandable.
  5. Mercy includes justice and corrective firmness, and the khutbah closes by urging Muslims to study the Quran and the Prophet's life.
Try this week
Study the Quran and the Prophet's life regularly, seeking changes in character rather than information alone.
Check personal and communal decisions for double standards, especially when the weaker person is seeking a right.
Remember people's past goodness when responding to their mistakes, while still addressing serious wrongdoing.
Practice loyalty in family and friendships and avoid reactionary responses that create greater harm.
Adapt how you speak to people's understanding and emotional state, while honoring elders and showing mercy to children.
Combine compassion with fair correction when serious wrongdoing requires firmness.
Quotes

In the khateeb's words

“First came his family, then came everyone else after that. This is guidance for us.”
ICPC Clifton · Clifton, NJ
Play from 8:04
“There is no goodness in an ummah. Where the person who is weak cannot get unfettered access to his rights.”
ICPC Clifton · Clifton, NJ
Play from 10:54
“you may be saying the haq and you may be saying the truth but you're saying the truth in a way that is so destructive that instead of it guiding a person to truth it pushes them away from truth”
ICPC Clifton · Clifton, NJ
Play from 27:46
Talk about it at home

For the dinner table

The khutbah invites us to follow Prophet Muhammad by making his character visible in our everyday relationships. It highlights fairness to the weak, loyalty even when people disappoint us, empathy in how we speak, and respect for both elders and children. The Prophet's mercy was not passivity: he also upheld justice and corrected serious wrongdoing. We are encouraged to study the Quran and the Prophet's life so these lessons change how we respond at home, at work, and in conflict. The goal is to become better people whose closeness brings others love and safety.

  1. What is one way our family can give someone a fair hearing this week?
  2. When might changing how we say something help another person understand it?
  3. How can we show respect to an elder and mercy to a younger child?
Where it was given

The masjid

Islamic Center of Passaic County, Clifton259 Pershing Rd, Clifton, NJ 07013ArchiveAll khutbahs at ICPC Clifton76 khutbahs
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