27:56 Good character is to…31:12 So we treat others…
Character & conductFrom the masjid's own video, Aug 11, 2025.

Good character begins with mercy at home

Masjid Uthman · Nafis

“We treat others good not because they deserve it, not because we are being charitable to them, but because you and I need it.”

The khateeb, at 31:12

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In one sentence

The khutbah argues that good character (akhlaq), modeled by the Prophet Muhammad’s forgiveness, self-control, mercy, and kindness, is central to faith and should begin with those closest to us.

The khutbah in 5 steps

  1. The Prophet forgives a rude Bedouin while distributing war spoils.
  2. Quranic guidance defines akhlaq through forgiveness, encouraging good, and ignoring ignorance.
  3. Hadiths connect good character to faith, judgment scales, spiritual cleansing, happiness, and contentment.
  4. Stories involving Anas, a man urinating in the mosque, and a worshipper speaking during salah show compassionate teaching.
  5. Listeners are urged to practice mercy first with family, then extend it outward.
Try this week
Read the Prophet’s biography and compare personal behavior with his example.
Forgive people who wrong you and let go of unnecessary arguments.
Encourage good without yelling, forcing, or berating others.
Ignore ignorant or harmful behavior when appropriate.
Practice kindness and mercy first with spouses, children, parents, siblings, and regular mosque companions.
Cultivate contentment by focusing on what you have rather than what you lack.
Sources the khateeb cited
Surah 7Used to teach forgiveness, encouraging good, and turning away from ignorance.
Sahih MuslimUsed in the story of a man who spoke during salah to illustrate gentle teaching.
Quotes

In the khateeb's words

“Good character is to adopt good traits and remove negative traits from your life.”
Masjid Uthman · Dunwoody, GA
Play from 27:56
“So we treat others good not because they deserve it, not because we are being charitable to them, but because you and I need it.”
Masjid Uthman · Dunwoody, GA
Play from 31:12
Talk about it at home

For the dinner table

Mufti Nafis reminded us that good character is a central part of our faith and that the Prophet Muhammad, peace be upon him, shows us how to practice it. He shared stories of the Prophet responding to rough treatment and mistakes with patience, smiles, and gentle teaching. We can follow that example by practicing kindness and forgiveness while working on anger, arrogance, and other harmful habits. He also encouraged us to appreciate what Allah has given us instead of always thinking about what we do not have. Our best manners should begin with our parents, spouses, children, and siblings, and then spread to the people around us.

  1. What could you say gently when someone makes a mistake, like the Prophet did in the stories?
  2. What is something you already have that you feel thankful for today?
  3. How could you show extra kindness to someone in our family this week?
Where it was given

The masjid

Masjid Uthman11 Dunwoody Park South, Suite #165, Atlanta, GA 30338ArchiveAll khutbahs at Masjid Uthman36 khutbahs
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