Repentance & taqwaFrom the masjid's own video, Sep 3, 2025.
Guard your tongue from sinful speech
“Anyone who believes in Allah and the Day of Judgment should either say good or keep silent.”
In one sentence
The khutbah teaches that taqwa requires disciplined speech: avoid backbiting, slander, suspicion, and gossip, verify reports, and speak only what is good or necessary because Allah will hold every word accountable.
The khutbah in 6 steps
- Taqwa is presented as Allah's central admonition.
- The speaker defines backbiting and distinguishes it from slander.
- Gossip and harmful speech are linked to serious spiritual consequences.
- Listeners are urged to say good or remain silent.
- Reports should be verified before being repeated.
- Avoid suspicion and matters that do not concern you.
Try this week
Verify reports before repeating them.
Say what is good or remain silent.
Avoid backbiting, slander, suspicion, and spying.
Speak less than you see and hear.
Leave matters that do not concern you.
Sources the khateeb cited
Surah 49Used to warn against unverified reports, suspicion, spying, and backbiting.
Quotes
In the khateeb's words
“Whether it is true or false, you don't know. You don't care to know.”
“Anybody that walk up to you and tell you, oh just, I'm just telling you this, don't tell him.”
“And anyone who believes in Allah and the Day of Judgment should either say good or keep silent.”
“on the day of judgment, we are going to be held accountable for whatever we say.”
Talk about it at home
For the dinner table
Today's khutbah reminded us that taqwa includes guarding the tongue. Speaking about someone absent is backbiting when the criticism is true, and slander when it is false. We should verify reports, say what is good or remain silent, and step away from matters that do not concern us. Allah will hold us accountable for our words, so we should think carefully before speaking.
- What is one way we can verify information before sharing it?
- When is staying silent wiser than joining a conversation?
- What kinds of things do not concern us and should be left alone?
Keep listening
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