The Prophet’s sunnah calls for compassionate presence
“Most people are simply looking for a smile from us.”
Following the Prophet Muhammad's sunnah means cultivating compassionate, present relationships through sincere greetings, smiles, mercy, and emotional attention rather than hiding behind busyness or formality.
The khutbah in 5 steps
- Critiques transactional greetings and busyness that weaken empathy in families and communities.
- Presents the Prophet’s smile, salam, and attentive presence as core elements of good character.
- Retells the stories of Zayd ibn Arqam and Ka'b ibn Malik to show how prophetic compassion lifted deep distress.
- Applies the lesson to parents, employers, elders, and community members through smiles, hugs, mercy, and presence.
- Closes by urging prophetic character throughout the year and praying for oppressed Muslims.
In the khateeb's words
“Good character is when I can cultivate a relationship that benefits the other party. That's who sallallahu alayhi wa sallam was.”
“Not everyone is looking for a solution from us. Most people are simply looking for a smile from us.”
“Smiling is not something which is only there for scientific benefits. Smiling is there for the simple purpose that the Prophet will smile back at me.”
“don't allow networking, to take over the name of character. Don't allow professionalism and formalities to become a justification from knowing how to treat people.”
For the dinner table
The khutbah teaches that following the Prophet Muhammad means bringing mercy and real presence into everyday relationships. A greeting, smile, hug, or attentive look can lift someone’s burden, especially when we are busy or someone feels overlooked. Through the stories of Zayd ibn Arqam and Ka'b ibn Malik, the speaker shows that the Prophet protected people’s dignity and never humiliated them. This week, we can greet people we know and do not know, smile at our families, and focus on helping hearts rather than building status or solving every problem.
- What is one way a smile or kind greeting has changed your day?
- Who could use more attention or encouragement from us this week?
- How can we correct someone without embarrassing them?
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