Stop excusing wrongdoing and change yourself
“You have to put yourself into account on this dunya before Allah puts you into account.”
Believers must stop rationalizing wrongdoing, honestly examine themselves, seek sound religious knowledge, and take purposeful action to improve their families, communities, and support the oppressed.
The khutbah in 7 steps
- Calls listeners to taqwa and recalls the Prophet Muhammad as a mercy and guide from darkness to light.
- Uses Iblis’s refusal to prostrate as an example of self-justifying excuses.
- Shows how mistaken rationalizations harm faith, relationships, inheritance rights, and mosque inclusion.
- Explains that doubtful matters should lead people to trusted scholars with knowledge, sincerity, evidence, and Arabic competence.
- Connects Judgment Day with self-accountability, repentance, repairing wrongs, and improving relationships now.
- Applies the call to action to Palestine, communal responsibility, high aspirations, and support for oppressed people.
- Concludes with self-development, reliance on Allah, supplication, and a brief masjid announcement.
In the khateeb's words
“These little stories that we rationalize to ourselves. So Iblis here, la'natullah alayhi, is disobeying a direct command from Allah subhanahu wa ta'ala.”
“You need to give them their rights. You see, in their head, they think they're doing good.”
“You have to put yourself into account on this dunya before Allah puts you into account.”
“So really what it comes down to is just reprogramming the way we think for the better.”
For the dinner table
The khateeb reminded us that people often create excuses that make wrong actions feel right. We should take responsibility, examine ourselves, and seek trustworthy religious guidance when something is unclear. We should give others their rights, treat people with mercy, and welcome converts and newcomers instead of shaming them. We also have a responsibility to use our blessings to support people suffering, including in Palestine. Real change begins by improving our own thinking and actions for Allah’s sake.
- What excuse do you think people commonly tell themselves when they know they should do better?
- How can we show mercy and welcome someone who feels out of place?
- What is one helpful action our family could take for people facing hardship?
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