Practice goodness before preaching Islam
“Give the good news before the bad news.”
Muslims should embody the Prophet Muhammad’s example through personal practice, kindness, encouragement, and merciful guidance so their families and communities can receive Islam.
The khutbah in 7 steps
- Expresses gratitude for Rabia al-Awwal and renews commitment to the Prophet’s teachings and character.
- Explains that da'wah requires knowledge, understanding, righteous action, and steadfastness.
- Teaches that Muslims must become good examples before preaching, especially for their children.
- Emphasizes kindness and service before explanation, using Thumama ibn Uthal’s conversion as an example.
- Urges speakers to share good news and rewards before warnings and punishments.
- Calls Muslims to educate rather than humiliate, conceal faults, forgive mistakes, and consider intentions through the story of Hatib.
- Closes with prayers for guidance, unity, justice, and relief for Palestine and Gaza.
In the khateeb's words
“you need to practice what you preach because you are preaching sudq and truthfulness and trust and iman and faith and good manners and good characters and forgiveness”
“be truthful to your children be kind to your children be merciful to your children keep your word keep your promise spend time with them”
“give the good news before the bad news people like good news before the bad news”
For the dinner table
The khutbah reminded us to renew our commitment to the Prophet Muhammad’s teachings, character, and way of life. The khateeb explained that inviting people toward goodness begins with practicing what we teach and becoming a good example at home and in the community. He encouraged us to open people’s hearts through kindness, service, forgiveness, and trust before trying to persuade them with words. He also taught that good news and the beauty of worship should be shared before warnings and consequences. When someone makes a mistake, our goal should be to advise privately, protect their dignity, find room for mercy, and help them return to what is right.
- What is one good habit you would like others to learn by watching you?
- When has someone’s kindness made you more willing to listen to them?
- How could you help a person who made a mistake without embarrassing them?
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