5:26 A believer does not…14:47 The way you treat your…
Character & conductFrom the masjid's own video, Aug 1, 2025.

Speak truthfully and judge fairly

Islamic Center of

“The way you treat your own daughter when she makes a mistake should be the same way you treat your daughter-in-law when she makes the same mistake.”

The khateeb, at 14:47

Watch the khutbahFamily kit
In one sentence

Believers must speak truthfully and objectively, refusing to exaggerate, belittle, or justify wrongdoing based on self-interest, friendship, or enmity.

The khutbah in 5 steps

  1. Surah al-Najm’s opening oath and verses 2, 4 establish the Prophet’s truthfulness and revelation.
  2. The speaker applies “does not speak from whims” to every believer’s speech.
  3. Self-interested exaggeration in buying, selling, praise, and blame violates truthful conduct.
  4. The Prophet’s acknowledgment of Abu al-As’s good qualities demonstrates fairness toward a foe.
  5. Listeners are urged to apply objectivity equally at work, home, in family disputes, and in religious self-assessment.
Try this week
Speak truthfully without exaggerating or belittling people for personal gain.
Apply the same standards to friends and foes, relatives and non-relatives, and family members.
Acknowledge others’ good qualities even when they are adversaries.
When your conduct conflicts with a religious ruling, admit your neglect instead of twisting the ruling.
Sources the khateeb cited
Surah 53Used to establish the Prophet’s truthfulness and teach believers not to speak from whims.
Quotes

In the khateeb's words

“A believer does not and should not speak out of his whims.”
Islamic Center of · West Chicago, IL
Play from 5:26
“The way you treat your own daughter when she makes a mistake should be the same way you treat your daughter-in-law when she makes the same mistake.”
Islamic Center of · West Chicago, IL
Play from 14:47
Talk about it at home

For the dinner table

The khateeb reminded us that Allah’s guidance brings clarity to our minds and reassurance to our hearts. He explained that believers should speak truthfully instead of letting their wishes or personal interests shape their words. That means avoiding exaggeration when we praise someone and being fair when we criticize. He shared examples of Umar rejecting exaggerated praise and the Prophet acknowledging good in an opponent. He also encouraged us to treat people fairly, whether they are close relatives or others, and to admit our own mistakes honestly. As a family, we can practice this by choosing accurate words and giving others the same understanding we hope to receive.

  1. How could you describe something you want to trade or sell without exaggerating?
  2. What is one good quality you can recognize in someone you sometimes disagree with?
  3. What would help you admit a mistake when you feel tempted to make an excuse?
Where it was given

The masjid

Islamic Center of Western Suburbs (ICWS)28W774 Army Trail Rd, West Chicago, IL 60185Jumu'ah “Khutbah 1 | 1:05 | pm; Jamaat 1 | 1:25 | pm; Khutbah 2 | 1:35 | pm; Jamaat 2 | 1:55 | pm” (Bartlett location). “Khutbah | 1:15 | pm; Jamaat | 1:35 | pm” (West Chicago location).ArchiveAll khutbahs at Islamic Center of48 khutbahs
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