Family & marriageFrom the masjid's own video, Jun 3, 2026.
Listen before you judge your family
“The people that we are willing to turn to and open up are people that we don't fear their judgment.”
In one sentence
Strong family relationships require attentive, nonjudgmental listening that seeks to understand loved ones’ inner worlds before correcting their behavior.
The khutbah in 5 steps
- Parents may know their children’s routines and appearance without knowing their fears, dreams, and concerns.
- Trust grows when loved ones receive full attention and freedom from judgment.
- Parents should ask with curiosity and listen before correcting.
- Understanding motives prevents inaccurate assumptions and ineffective advice.
- The khutbah closes by urging deeper study of the Prophet’s example and praying for families.
Try this week
Put phones away and give family members undivided attention during conversations.
Face the speaker and listen without rushing them back to other activities.
Notice changes in loved ones’ words, expressions, mood, and behavior.
When something seems wrong, ask with curiosity before offering correction or advice.
Make space to listen when children or spouses choose to open up, even at inconvenient times.
Sources the khateeb cited
Sahih al-BukhariUsed through the report about Aisha to illustrate noticing subtle changes in a spouse’s wording and feelings.
Quotes
In the khateeb's words
“the people that we are willing to turn to and open up are people that we don't fear their judgment”
“we must honor that trust by giving weight and importance to their words”
Talk about it at home
For the dinner table
The khutbah reminds us that living with someone is not the same as truly knowing them. People open up when they feel safe from ridicule and judgment. Giving full attention, listening patiently, and noticing emotions can help family members feel seen. Before correcting someone, we should first ask what they are experiencing and why they acted as they did. Understanding comes before advice, and it can transform conflict into compassion.
- What makes it easier or harder for you to open up at home?
- When does a phone distract you from someone who is speaking?
- How can we ask questions before correcting each other?
Keep listening
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