Character & conductFrom the masjid's own video, Sep 12, 2025.
Use truthful words to build bridges
“Rather than burning bridges, we should be building bridges.”
The khutbah in 5 steps
- Opens with taqwa, praise of Allah, blessings on the Prophet, and prayers for victims of war and oppression.
- Connects post-9/11 Islamophobia, Gaza, and current hate-filled discourse to responsibility for one's words.
- Contrasts speech that builds bridges with harmful speech, using the Qur'anic parable of good and evil trees.
- Calls listeners to guard the tongue and heart, think before speaking, and use truthful, beneficial words.
- Closes with three self-examination prompts: what are you doing, what are you working on, and whom do you imitate.
Try this week
Watch social media consumption and participation in public discourse.
Think before speaking and hold back harmful or demeaning words.
Use truthful, kind words that build bridges and encourage others.
Check the heart when listening and speaking.
Respond to wrongdoing through appropriate action, speech, or inward rejection.
Ask what you are doing, what you are working on, and whom you are imitating.
Make space for worshippers and keep the prayer lines straight.
Sources the khateeb cited
Quran 3:102Used to call believers to mindfulness of Allah and full submission.
Quran 14:24-27Used to contrast rooted, fruitful good words with empty and harmful speech.
Quran 33:56Used in the opening call to invoke blessings upon the Prophet.
Quotes
In the khateeb's words
“Rather than burning bridges, we should be building bridges. We should be uplifting and encouraging.”
“His speech was concise yet comprehensive. His words were distinguished neither too much nor too few.”
“Nothing would quiet his anger until he had sought justice for it.”
“So imbue these words of truth with each other. When we speak, think before you speak.”
Keep listening
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