Character & conductFrom the masjid's own video, Aug 22, 2026.

Worship should shape how we treat others

“Akhlaq is the character that comes out of you when you are being tested.”

The khateeb, at 1:06

In one sentence

Akhlaq is not merely politeness but the lived character Islam demands under pressure, so worship should produce mercy, justice, honesty, humility, and self-control in every interaction.

The khutbah in 6 steps

  1. Defines akhlaq as character revealed under testing, not merely manners.
  2. Uses the Prophet's character and hadith to connect akhlaq with faith and worship.
  3. Shows how controlling anger, speech, resentment, arrogance, and dishonesty protects relationships.
  4. Argues that Muslims' everyday conduct shapes how others experience Islam.
  5. Addresses hostility toward Muslims, urging principled responses without accepting injustice.
  6. Closes with self-examination and concrete commitments to improve character.
Try this week
Speak more gently at home.
Forgive someone who has wronged you.
Apologize to someone you have wronged.
Keep a promise you made.
Control your tongue, especially when angry.
Respond to disagreement with dignity and self-control.
Treat people with mercy, honesty, humility, and justice.
Quotes

In the khateeb's words

“Akhlaq is the character that comes out of you when you are being tested. It is how you speak when you are angry. It is how you behave when nobody is watching.”
Al-Huda · Dearborn, MI
Play from 1:06
“You can reject hatred without being hateful. You can stand firmly for your principles without abandoning your manners.”
Al-Huda · Dearborn, MI
Play from 14:04
“Our greatest proof is not what we claim about Islam. It is what Islam has made of us.”
Al-Huda · Dearborn, MI
Play from 21:39
Talk about it at home

For the dinner table

Akhlaq means more than being polite; it is the character we show when life is difficult. The Prophet Muhammad showed mercy, patience, forgiveness, humility, justice, and honesty in every circumstance. Our worship should change how we treat our families, neighbors, coworkers, and anyone who disagrees with us. We can stand against wrongdoing without becoming hateful or unjust. This week, we can speak gently, forgive, apologize, keep our promises, and control our anger.

  1. When is it hardest for you to show good character?
  2. What helps people feel safe telling you about their mistakes?
  3. Which act of kindness or self-control can you practice this week?