16:39 Unfortunately, today,…24:32 An imam can make a bad…
Qur'an & tafsirFrom the masjid's own video, Sep 11, 2026.

Hear both sides before judging

MIC

“Today, we pass judgments on people without any evidence and without hearing the other side.”

The khateeb, at 16:39

Watch the khutbahFamily kit
In one sentence

By learning from Dawood’s mistaken ruling, we should resist one-sided judgments, seek evidence and both perspectives, repent quickly, and make worship produce justice.

The khutbah in 6 steps

  1. Introduces the human tendency to judge people from one-sided stories, especially through social media and news.
  2. Recounts Surah Saad’s story of Dawood and two plaintiffs, highlighting his premature ruling and repentance.
  3. Applies the story to the burden of proof and the duty to hear both sides.
  4. Warns listeners not to confuse eloquence, media influence, or courtroom persuasion with truth.
  5. Teaches that righteous people can err, close relationships need written contracts, and mistakes require immediate repentance.
  6. Concludes that faith must lead to active justice in homes, workplaces, and communities.
Try this week
Ask for evidence before accepting an accusation.
Hear the other person’s account before judging.
Investigate persuasive claims instead of accepting eloquence or media narratives uncritically.
Use clear written contracts even with relatives, friends, or masjid associates.
Repent immediately when you realize your judgment was wrong.
Act promptly when someone in the community is being harmed or treated unjustly.
Quotes

In the khateeb's words

“Unfortunately, today, we pass judgments on people without any evidence and without hearing the other side.”
MIC · Malden, MA
Play from 16:39
“An imam can make a bad judgment. A scholar can make a bad judgment. A professional can make a bad judgment. Just know that.”
MIC · Malden, MA
Play from 24:32
Talk about it at home

For the dinner table

Today’s khutbah used the story of Prophet Dawood to remind us to listen carefully before judging others. The khateeb explained that we should ask for evidence and hear both sides, even when the first story sounds convincing. He warned that impressive speech does not make someone right, and that even wise and respected people can make mistakes. Dawood’s quick repentance teaches us to admit our mistakes and turn to Allah without letting pride delay us. As a family, we can put these lessons into practice by listening fairly during disagreements and letting our worship lead us to help people facing injustice.

  1. When two friends or siblings disagree, what could you ask to help each person explain what happened?
  2. What could you do if you discovered you had blamed someone unfairly?
Where it was given

The masjid

Malden Islamic Center405 Pearl Street, Malden, MA 02148Jumu'ah Arabic khutbah 1:00 PM · English khutbah 2:00 PMArchiveAll khutbahs at MIC9 khutbahs
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