Hear both sides to protect unity
“We sometimes get into arguments, or pick sides, without hearing both sides of the story.”
Ramadan's blessings and the Ummah's strength depend on replacing quarrels, public judgment, and division with unity, patience, reconciliation, worship, and community support.
The khutbah in 6 steps
- Uses the Laylat al-Qadr quarrel to warn against losing Ramadan's blessings through bickering.
- Explains that differing interpretations can coexist without destroying brotherhood.
- Urges private conversations, humility, and hearing both sides before judging.
- Uses the fitnah surrounding Uthman to show how incomplete or false claims cause division.
- Calls listeners to reconcile, seek Laylat al-Qadr throughout the last ten nights, and support the masjid.
- Closes with reminders about mortality, communal unity, and prayers for protection and guidance.
In the khateeb's words
“Instead, have one-to-one conversations. We forgot the art of one-to-one conversations.”
“We sometimes get into arguments, or pick sides, without hearing both sides of the story.”
“The lesson dear brothers and sisters, we have to help stop fitna. Not start it. Because if not, guess what's going to happen? You're going to destroy the Ummah.”
For the dinner table
Imam David Hawa reminded us that arguments and hurtful words can weaken our community and distract us from Ramadan. He explained that we can disagree while still treating one another as brothers and sisters. He encouraged private conversations, listening to both sides, and accepting advice with humility. As the last ten days approach, he asked us to let go of grudges, spend less time on our phones, and seek Laylatul Qadr throughout those nights. He also encouraged us to make du'a for others and support the masjid as a place where our community grows together.
- How can you show kindness to someone whose opinion is different from yours?
- What could you do when a friend tells you something upsetting about another person?
- What could our family do together instead of spending time on our phones during Ramadan?
The masjids
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