Character & conductFrom the masjid's own video, Apr 17, 2026.
Verify before spreading harmful rumors
In one sentence
Rumors damage faith, trust, families, and honor, so Muslims must guard their speech, assume the best, verify information, and refuse to spread harmful claims.
The khutbah in 6 steps
- Defines rumors as unverified information that can damage trust, families, and communities.
- Explains rumors that spread fear, hatred, division, and attacks on honor.
- Uses prophetic examples and the slander against Aisha to illustrate the consequences.
- Teaches concealing others’ faults, speaking good or remaining silent, and assuming the best.
- Commands verification before forwarding, reposting, or sharing information online.
- Concludes by urging listeners to stop rumors, protect believers’ honor, and guard their speech and phones.
Try this week
Do not repeat, forward, repost, or share unverified information.
Assume the best about believers until claims are verified.
Advise people who spread harmful or false reports.
Conceal others’ faults rather than exposing or circulating them.
Pause before speaking or pressing send and consider whether the message will produce good or harm.
Sources the khateeb cited
Quran 33:70-71Grounded the call to fear Allah and speak truthful, upright words.
Quran 3:173Showed how frightening reports can be answered with increased faith.
Quran 24:19Warned those who love spreading indecency among believers.
Sahih MuslimTaught that Allah conceals the person who conceals another Muslim’s faults.
Quran 49:6Commanded verification of news to prevent harming people through ignorance.
Quran 24:15-16Emphasized that repeating unverified speech may seem small but is enormous with Allah.
Quotes
In the khateeb's words
“when you go and tell that person what was told to you you picked up the arrow and stabbed him with it”
“before you assume the worst assume the best and defend that brother don't just assume defend him until it is verified that it is true”
“the spreader of a rumor is not a reformer he is a corrupter”
Talk about it at home
For the dinner table
Today’s khutbah reminds us that a rumor is not harmless just because it is passed along casually. Words can damage trust, families, and people’s honor, and Allah holds us accountable for what we repeat. When we hear something about someone, we should assume the best, verify before sharing, and refuse to carry harmful talk. We should cover people’s faults, advise those who spread rumors, and let bad information stop with us. Before we speak or press send, we can ask whether our words will bring good or harm.
- What can we do when a friend sends us a message we cannot verify?
- How can our family help rumors stop with us?
- What does it mean to assume the best about someone?
Keep listening
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