Character & conductFrom the masjid's own video, Jun 5, 2026.
Guard your tongue from harming others
“If it is true, it may still be ghiba.”
In one sentence
Because every word is recorded and can destroy another person's honor, believers must guard their tongues, reject gossip and backbiting, defend others, and repair harm they cause.
The khutbah in 6 steps
- Introduces sins of the tongue as easily overlooked but spiritually dangerous.
- Uses the hadith of Mu'adh ibn Jabal to connect restraint of the tongue with salvation.
- Explains backbiting through Quranic imagery and the Prophet's definition of ghibah and slander.
- Distinguishes malicious gossip from backbiting and applies the warning to social media.
- Describes the bankrupt person's loss of good deeds through violating people's rights.
- Concludes with practical steps: interrupt gossip, defend absent Muslims, repent, reconcile, and repair damage.
Try this week
Stop gossip immediately and change the subject.
Remind others of Allah when gossip begins.
Defend the honor of absent Muslim brothers and sisters.
Leave a gathering if harmful speech continues.
If you backbite, stop, feel remorse, reconcile where appropriate, and repair the damage.
Correct anything harmful you spread, speak well of the person, make dua for them, and seek Allah's forgiveness.
Before speaking, ask whether you would say it if the person were present and whether you would accept it written against you.
Speak good or remain silent.
Sources the khateeb cited
Surah 49Prohibits sinful suspicion, spying, and backbiting, comparing it to eating a dead brother's flesh.
Sahih MuslimEncourages stopping gossip and protecting absent Muslims from harm.
Quotes
In the khateeb's words
“every word is a seed every conversation is planting something every statement about another Muslim is planting something”
“if it is true it may still be ghiba and if it is false then it is buhtan it is even greater”
“when people begin speaking stop it cut off that conversation because Allah subhanahu wa ta'ala will hold you accountable even if you are just listening”
Talk about it at home
For the dinner table
Our words matter because Allah records every word we say. The khutbah warned that backbiting is mentioning something true about another person that they would dislike, while false claims become slander. Malicious gossip can carry conflict from one heart to another, especially through messages and social media. We should stop harmful conversations, defend people who are absent, and repair the damage if we have hurt someone's honor. The safest habit is to speak good or remain silent.
- What is one kind way to change the subject when friends start gossiping?
- How can we defend someone who is being discussed unfairly?
- What should we do if something harmful about another person has already been shared?
Keep listening
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