Repentance & taqwaFrom the masjid's own video, Aug 7, 2026.

Correct yourself before judging others

“Our first responsibility is to fix our own selves.”

The khateeb, at 5:02

In one sentence

Muslims should correct and hold themselves accountable before judging, advising, or becoming occupied with the faults of others.

The khutbah in 5 steps

  1. Introduces self-correction before criticizing others as a common social problem.
  2. Uses Quranic guidance to emphasize personal responsibility and accountability.
  3. Warns that advising others without practicing the same teachings can become hypocrisy.
  4. Cites prophetic guidance and early Muslims on repentance, self-accountability, and avoiding irrelevant concerns.
  5. Concludes by urging listeners to examine their own sins and prepare for the Hereafter.
Try this week
Examine your own sins, mistakes, prayers, and habits before judging others.
Begin correcting personal shortcomings, including neglect of prayer.
Repent consistently and take yourself to account.
Advise others sincerely and with wisdom, without trying to force them.
Leave matters that do not concern you.
Quotes

In the khateeb's words

“Correcting ourselves before becoming judgmental or occupied with the faults of others”
Masjid At-Tawheed · Cheektowaga, NY
Play from 3:00
“Our first responsibility is not fixing everyone else Our first responsibility is to fix our own selves”
Masjid At-Tawheed · Cheektowaga, NY
Play from 5:02
“The part of excellence of a person's Islam Is living that what does not concern him”
Masjid At-Tawheed · Cheektowaga, NY
Play from 7:50
“I have my own bigger issues So we should understand the Quran and Hadith And we should work on ourselves first”
Masjid At-Tawheed · Cheektowaga, NY
Play from 8:42
Talk about it at home

For the dinner table

The khutbah reminded us to notice and correct our own faults before becoming occupied with the faults of others. Every person makes mistakes, so we should repent, seek Allah’s mercy, and honestly work on ourselves. We may advise others sincerely and with wisdom, but we cannot force them or carry their responsibilities. Each of us will answer to Allah for our own choices, which is why taking ourselves to account now is so important. A healthy inner voice helps us recognize when we have gone wrong, stop, and choose a better path.

  1. What is one habit you would like to improve in yourself before criticizing it in someone else?
  2. How can you give a friend advice without making them feel judged?
  3. What is one question you could ask yourself at the end of each day?