Character & conductFrom the masjid's own video, Sep 12, 2025.
Correct others gently and in private
“Anyone who gives advice to his fellow brother or sister in private has certainly adorned him and truly advised him.”
In one sentence
Muslims should embody the Prophet Muhammad’s gentleness and sincere counsel by correcting others privately, humbly, wisely, and with prayer.
The khutbah in 5 steps
- The Prophet’s gentleness is illustrated through reports about Anas, Amr ibn al-As, and Ali’s description of his character.
- Quranic and prophetic examples show the value of soft correction, patience, and mercy in difficult interactions.
- Naseehah is defined as sincere advice seeking another person’s good without self-interest, humiliation, or public shaming.
- Listeners are given practical guidelines: check intentions, choose the right time and place, speak gently, remain humble, avoid forcing opinions, and make dua.
- The khutbah closes with prayers for faith, healing, forgiveness, and communal unity, followed by janazah and conference announcements.
Try this week
Check your intention before correcting someone.
Choose the right time and place, and sometimes wait before speaking.
Use gentle, soft, and humble language.
Give advice privately rather than publicly shaming someone.
Do not force your opinion; offer sincere counsel and leave the choice to them.
Make dua for the person you advise.
Sources the khateeb cited
Quran 20:44Used to show that even Pharaoh should be addressed with gentle speech.
Quran 33:21Presented the Prophet as the example Muslims should follow.
Quotes
In the khateeb's words
“what is good for you, that's what I'm going to do you ask me for advice I'll give you the most sincere advice that which has benefit for you”
“anyone who gives advice to his fellow brother or sister in private has certainly adorned him and truly advised him”
“the wounds that are caused by the tongue they never heal sometimes people will forgive you for the physical harm that you may have done”
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