Character & conductFrom the masjid's own video, Apr 3, 2026.
Reject rumors and forgive those who wrong you
“Forgive him because you want Allah to forgive you.”
In one sentence
Believers should refuse to spread unverified slander, think well of others, forgive those who wrong them, and seek Allah’s forgiveness through showing mercy.
The khutbah in 6 steps
- Introduces the Quranic passage from Surah An-Nur concerning the slander against Sayyida Aisha.
- Recounts how Aisha was separated from the caravan and returned with Safwan.
- Explains how rumors spread, including through people who lacked malicious intent.
- Teaches believers to reject unverified claims and avoid gossip.
- Uses Abu Bakr’s response to show that forgiveness can be pursued for Allah’s forgiveness.
- Concludes by warning that backbiting can destroy one’s Hereafter and urging mercy and repentance.
Try this week
Do not believe or repeat rumors without proof.
Refuse to participate in gossip or backbiting.
Think well of fellow believers when hearing accusations.
Forgive people who wrong you and remove grudges from your heart.
Show mercy to others and protect your tongue.
Repent and seek forgiveness after participating in gossip or slander.
Sources the khateeb cited
Surah 24The passage about the slander against Aisha teaches believers to reject rumors, avoid discussing unverified claims, and forgive others.
Sahih al-BukhariThe hadith of Aisha provides the historical account of the slander and its consequences.
Quotes
In the khateeb's words
“I'm not going to believe this lie or I'm not going to believe this unless I have proof”
“forgive him because you want Allah to forgive you don't you want Allah to forgive you when you're deserving and you're not deserving and Allah is the most merciful”
“keeping those grudges in your heart have no benefit but forgiving them and removing those grudges from your heart have an immense amount of benefit”
“you could be participating in something that destroys your akhira and you have no idea about it until you arrive before Allah subhanahu wa ta'ala”
Talk about it at home
For the dinner table
The khutbah teaches us to be very careful with rumors and accusations. We should not repeat something just because we heard it from someone else; we should think well of people and seek proof. The story of Abu Bakr shows that forgiveness can be an act of faith, especially when we hope Allah will forgive us. Holding grudges harms our hearts, while mercy and forgiveness bring great benefit. We should protect our tongues, repent when we spread harm, and ask Allah to help us forgive and be forgiven.
- What should we do when someone tells us a rumor about another person?
- Why might forgiving someone help our own hearts?
- How can our words affect someone even when we did not mean to cause harm?
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