Condemn sin without condemning sinners
“Don't think that you are better than someone else just because they sin differently from you.”
Muslims should condemn sinful actions without condemning sinners, responding with humility, prayer, guidance, and intervention rather than mockery or despair.
The khutbah in 7 steps
- Recounts the Prophet's response to a repeatedly intoxicated man: punishment without cursing him.
- Explains that sin is wrong, but a person's inner condition and hidden good deeds are unknown.
- Applies this principle to community reactions involving addiction, hijab, beards, and other sins.
- Warns that assuming superiority is arrogance because anyone may be tested and gradually fall.
- Urges listeners to thank Allah, pray for sinners, and guide rather than shun them.
- Explains that supporting an oppressor means stopping the wrongdoing.
- Closes by emphasizing universal human fallibility, repentance, and supplication.
In the khateeb's words
“But what he is telling us is that we do not know the condition of the sinner.”
“It's saying it is okay to say that action is wrong. But you do not know what is the condition of their heart.”
“The attitude that you should have is: May Allah never test me with that. And Alhamdulillah Allah has not tested me in it.”
“Don't think that you are better than someone else just because they sin differently from you.”
For the dinner table
Today’s khutbah reminded us that someone who does something wrong can still love Allah and His Messenger. We should recognize wrongdoing without mocking people, cursing them, or claiming that Allah will never forgive them. Our words should help someone repent and keep doing good, rather than make them feel they should give up praying or practicing their faith. When we see someone struggling, we can thank Allah for protecting us from that test and pray for their guidance. Caring for people also means defending victims and stopping those who cause harm. All of us make mistakes, and we should stay humble and turn back to Allah.
- What could you say to a friend who feels one mistake makes them a bad person forever?
- What dua could we make for someone who is struggling to do the right thing?
- How could you help someone stop hurting others while also caring for the person they hurt?
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