6:34 That the sanctity, the…18:07 You either say that…20:38 Islam did not come to…
Character & conductFrom the masjid's own video, Sep 25, 2026.

Speak good or remain silent

ISG

“You either say that which is good or stay silent.”

The khateeb, at 18:07

Watch the khutbahFamily kit
In one sentence

Because a believer's dignity is sacred and every word is accountable before Allah, Muslims should speak good, avoid gossip and mockery, and turn their gatherings and media habits toward remembrance.

The khutbah in 6 steps

  1. Begins with the sanctity of the Ka'bah and the greater sanctity of a believer's dignity, wealth, blood, and reputation.
  2. Uses Aisha's remark about Safiyyah to show how even a brief insult can corrupt speech.
  3. Contrasts civil freedom of speech with Islamic accountability before Allah and the recording angels.
  4. Warns against gossip, backbiting, mockery, slander, offensive nicknames, cheating, and neglecting prayer.
  5. Presents prophetic guidance to speak good or remain silent and leave what does not concern you.
  6. Calls listeners to leave gossiping gatherings, reduce useless media, and replace them with gatherings of dhikr.
Try this week
Speak only what is good; otherwise remain silent.
Leave or gracefully pass through gatherings where people gossip.
Do not mock, defame, slander, use offensive nicknames, or engage in sarcasm.
Avoid involving yourself in matters that do not concern you.
Reduce useless social media, reels, TikTok, and Instagram.
Replace gossip-centered gatherings with gatherings of dhikr.
Sources the khateeb cited
Quran 49:11Forbids mockery, defamation, offensive nicknames, and treating believers as inferior.
Quran 50:18Supports the warning that every spoken word is observed and recorded.
Quran 23:1-3Connects success with humble prayer, avoiding idle talk, and passing useless speech with grace.
Quran 25:72Connects success with humble prayer, avoiding idle talk, and passing useless speech with grace.
Quotes

In the khateeb's words

“That the sanctity, the dignity, and the honor of a believer is more sacred to Allah than you.”
ISG · Germantown, MD
Play from 6:34
“You either say that which is good or stay silent.”
ISG · Germantown, MD
Play from 18:07
“Islam did not come to just have our tongues restrained. Islam came to control the thought that feeds the tongue into sinful speech.”
ISG · Germantown, MD
Play from 20:38
Talk about it at home

For the dinner table

Today’s khutbah reminded us how precious a believer’s dignity, reputation, and life are to Allah. The khateeb explained that even a small comment about someone can cause harm, and that we are accountable for our words. He encouraged us to say what is good or stay silent, and to leave alone things that do not concern us. When gossip starts, we can avoid contributing and move past it with grace. As a family, we can practice these teachings by speaking kindly and making our time together a time to remember Allah.

  1. What is something kind you could say to someone who has been teased?
  2. How could you change the conversation when friends start gossiping?
  3. What could help you pause before posting or sending an unkind message?
Where it was given

The masjid

Islamic Society of Germantown19825 Blunt Rd, Germantown, MD 20876Jumu'ah 1:30 PM at ISG · 12:45 PM at CaseyArchiveAll khutbahs at ISG16 khutbahs
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