Verify news and listen before deciding
“Before you judge people, make sure that what you heard is right.”
The khutbah teaches believers to verify reports before judging, practice consultation and wise leadership, and nurture their families through the mosque.
The khutbah in 6 steps
- Introduces Sulayman’s hoopoe report about the Queen of Sheba and her sun worship.
- Teaches verification of news before believing or judging people, citing Surah Al-Hujurat.
- Highlights the Queen of Sheba’s wisdom, voice, and consultation with advisors.
- Applies shura to rulers, community leaders, parents, and families.
- Warns that powerful kings can destroy nations and praises cautious decision-making.
- Invites families to mosque discussion, then closes with prayers for Palestine, Gaza, and guidance.
In the khateeb's words
“before you judge people make sure that what you heard is right”
“when you are a leader you have to listen to people when you are a leader even at your home as a father or as a mother listen to your kids to your children”
“the kings the mighty kings when they invade a country they destroy this country with bombs with everything and they try to make its people noble people in a bad situation”
For the dinner table
The khateeb retold how Prophet Sulayman received a report from the hoopoe about the Queen of Sheba and did not accept it blindly. He taught us to check what we hear before judging people or passing news along. The queen modeled wise leadership by listening to her advisors and recognizing that war can destroy a nation. We were encouraged to practice consultation at home and in our communities, and to bring our children to the mosque for learning and discussion. The khutbah ended with prayers for forgiveness, guidance, and relief for Palestine and Gaza.
- What could you do the next time you hear surprising news about someone?
- Where in our family could we listen to each other more carefully before making decisions?
- What is one way our family can learn or worship together at the mosque this week?
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