Character & conductFrom the masjid's own video, Sep 3, 2025.
Faith should shape how we treat people
“The first teacher of our kids is the mother.”
In one sentence
True faith is shown by good character, especially in how we treat people and raise the next generation, so worship should produce humility, fairness, mercy, and service.
The khutbah in 6 steps
- Establishes akhlaq as the fruit of faith, worship, and Luqman's advice on humility and conduct.
- Explains that worship includes adab and that good character reveals the beauty of faith.
- Uses Imam Malik's mother and the mother's honored status to emphasize parental formation.
- Warns against confusing culture with deen and urges equal treatment of sons and daughters.
- Teaches that students should learn a teacher's character before acquiring knowledge, because knowledge without virtue can harm.
- Urges Qur'an reading and reflection, then remembers a deceased community member and prays for Gaza, Palestine, and the ummah.
Try this week
Show faith through humility, mercy, kindness, and good manners in daily dealings, including business.
Parents should educate and care for children fairly, giving daughters and sons equal treatment.
Learn a teacher's character and manners before focusing on the teacher's knowledge.
Open the Mus'haf, read and reflect on Luqman's verses, and apply a lesson to daily life.
Remember and appreciate community members who served, pray for the deceased, and pray for relief in Gaza and Palestine.
Sources the khateeb cited
Surah 31Luqman's advice to his son is used to teach humility and proper conduct.
Quotes
In the khateeb's words
“"the first school of our kids" "is not the masjid" "not the imam" "not even the school" "the first teacher of our kids" "is the mother"”
“"when you go to your imam" "to your sheikh" "learn from his good manners" "before you learn his knowledge"”
Talk about it at home
For the dinner table
The khateeb reminded us that our faith should show in the way we treat people. Prayer and other worship should help us become humble, kind, and careful not to hurt others. He shared how Imam Malik's mother encouraged him to learn good manners from his teacher before learning his knowledge. He also emphasized mothers' role in raising children and urged parents to treat sons and daughters fairly. Remembering an elder who had died, he encouraged young people to carry the community forward with good character.
- What is one way we can show good manners when someone annoys us?
- Who teaches you kindness through the way they act?
- What could our family do to help everyone feel equally cared for?
Keep listening
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