8:13 Silence is a kind of…17:05 When the talk is…23:59 Because if you say a…
Character & conductFrom the masjid's own video, Sep 20, 2025.

Guard your tongue from harmful speech

ICNM

“Silence is a kind of art that we need to use.”

The khateeb, at 8:13

Watch the khutbahFamily kit
In one sentence

Because every word is recorded and speech reflects faith, Muslims should guard their tongues by speaking beneficial truth and remaining silent when speech may cause harm.

The khutbah in 6 steps

  1. Silence is presented as wisdom because every word is recorded.
  2. The Prophet links faith with speaking good or remaining silent.
  3. A sound heart should produce a disciplined tongue, and guarding speech protects one’s path to Paradise.
  4. Listeners are urged to speak when words bring benefit, truth, knowledge, or support for the oppressed.
  5. They should remain silent when angry, uninformed, unasked, or tempted to follow online gossip and trends.
  6. The khutbah closes by warning against harmful speech and oversharing, followed by prayer and Quran recitation.
Try this week
Speak only when your words are truthful, useful, and beneficial.
Remain silent when angry, uninformed, unasked, or unable to add value.
Verify online claims before repeating them or criticizing someone.
Avoid sharing every detail of your personal and family life.
Consider the consequences of your words before speaking.
Seek forgiveness from anyone harmed by backbiting or harmful speech.
Sources the khateeb cited
Surah 50Used to emphasize that every spoken word is recorded.
Sahih al-BukhariUsed to connect faith with speaking good or remaining silent.
Quran 18:49Used to explain that the record includes every small and great deed.
Quran 17:53Used to advise believers to speak what is best and avoid discord.
Surah 2Used to connect good speech with religious practice and spiritual reform.
Quotes

In the khateeb's words

“Silence is a kind of art that we need to use, not sometimes, but all the times, because words as something very powerful.”
ICNM · Albuquerque, NM
Play from 8:13
“When the talk is useful, when the words are going to be beneficial, if they are not, then you should not.”
ICNM · Albuquerque, NM
Play from 17:05
“Because if you say a word, it's like a woman, you can never get it back. The same thing, if you say something bad, it will never go back again besides the destruction or the harm that you did.”
ICNM · Albuquerque, NM
Play from 23:59
Talk about it at home

For the dinner table

Today's khutbah reminded us that our words are powerful and that Allah records what we say. The khateeb connected careful speech with faith and explained that our words reflect what is in our hearts. He encouraged us to speak when we can share knowledge, benefit others, or support people facing injustice. He also urged us to pause when angry and avoid joining online criticism without knowing the truth. As a family, we can practice gentle speech, protect the private details of our lives, and think about how our words will affect others.

  1. What is something kind someone said that stayed with you?
  2. What could help you pause before saying something hurtful when you are angry?
  3. How could you use your words to support someone who is being treated unfairly?
Where it was given

The masjid

Islamic Center of New Mexico1100 Yale Blvd SE, Albuquerque, NM 87106Jumu'ah 1:15 PMArchiveAll khutbahs at ICNM8 khutbahs
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