15:48 One of the beautiful…21:06 So rumors often begin…22:15 To protect our tongues…22:55 From Allah we come For…
Qur'an & tafsirFrom the masjid's own video, Oct 3, 2025.

Verify before rumors become backbiting

ISF

“Rumors often begin with suspicion, and suspicion leads to spying on others' private matters, and spying leads to backbiting.”

The khateeb, at 21:06

Watch the khutbahFamily kit
In one sentence

Surah al-Hujurat teaches Muslims to verify information, avoid suspicion and backbiting, and live with taqwa and accountability before Allah.

The khutbah in 5 steps

  1. Introduces Surah al-Hujurat as a guide to manners and community life.
  2. Explains verifying sources and information before sharing it.
  3. Warns that rumors lead to suspicion, spying, backbiting, and damaged relationships.
  4. Urges listeners to protect their tongues, avoid gossip, and mind their business.
  5. Reminds listeners that life has a purpose before Allah and concludes with supplication.
Try this week
Verify information before accepting or spreading it.
Do not repeat everything you hear.
Avoid suspicion, spying, backbiting, and namima.
Protect your tongue and fingers from harmful messages and posts.
Mind your own business rather than exposing others’ faults.
Remember Allah’s accountability in public, private, secret, and open actions.
Sources the khateeb cited
Quran 49:6Used to command verification of news before acting or spreading it.
Quran 49:12Used to warn against suspicion, spying, and backbiting.
Quran 49:13Used to teach that taqwa, not status or ethnicity, determines honor before Allah.
Surah 24Used to show that seemingly minor gossip can be grave before Allah.
Surah 3Used to affirm that Allah's planning surpasses the plans of opponents.
Quotes

In the khateeb's words

“One of the beautiful short surahs in the Quran, a surah that is small in length but deep in meanings”
ISF · Frederick, MD
Play from 15:48
“So rumors often begin with suspicion And suspicion leads to spying on others' private matters And spying leads to backbiting”
ISF · Frederick, MD
Play from 21:06
“To protect our tongues from spreading unverified information And second Is to mind our business And by that I mean to not backbite each other”
ISF · Frederick, MD
Play from 22:15
“From Allah we come For Allah we live And to Allah we return”
ISF · Frederick, MD
Play from 22:55
Talk about it at home

For the dinner table

Today’s khutbah reminded us that the Quran guides not only our worship but also how we treat people. Surah al-Hujurat teaches us to check information before sharing it, because rumors can lead to suspicion, spying, and backbiting. We should protect our tongues and our phones from spreading harm, and avoid involving ourselves in other people’s faults. The speaker also reminded us that our life belongs to Allah and that we will answer for how we use it. May Allah help us speak carefully, act with taqwa, and protect our community’s relationships.

  1. What should we do before forwarding a message that might be untrue?
  2. How can we stop a rumor from hurting someone?
  3. What does living for Allah look like in everyday choices?
Where it was given

The masjid

Islamic Society of Frederick1250 Key Pkwy, Frederick, MD 21702ArchiveAll khutbahs at ISF78 khutbahs
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