Friday sermon, October 23, 2026: Speak of people's good qualities

In the Friday sermon of October 23, 2026, the speaker emphasized speaking of people's good qualities. Speaking of virtues and good deeds is commanded by Allah, who is the Lord of the earth and the heavens. The speaker reiterated the belief in Allah as the only worthy object of worship and the Prophet Muhammad as His messenger.

He advised his listeners to always be mindful of Allah, which restrains the tongue and pleases Him. The speaker quoted the Prophet as saying, "O you who have believed, fear Allah and speak words of appropriate justice. He will then amend for you your deeds and forgive you your sins." (Qur'an 33:70-71)

The sermon highlighted listening carefully and following the best advice. The Prophet once inquired about a man who had fallen behind in a journey, and one of the attendees spoke ill of him. The Prophet's companion, Muʿādh ibn Jabal, defended the man, speaking highly of his good qualities.

The speaker praised the Prophet's generosity in praising good qualities and admirable character. He mentioned the Prophet's words to al-Ashajj of 'Abd al-Qays, saying, "You possess two qualities that Allah loves: forbearance and patience."

The Prophet also encouraged 'Abd Allah ibn 'Umar to pray during the night, praising him and suggesting further improvement. After praising him, the Prophet said, "What an excellent man ʿAbd Allahāh is—if only he would pray during the night." (Ibn Mājah, Sunan, no. 4216)

The sermon concluded by emphasizing the importance of mentioning people's good qualities and avoiding backbiting. The Prophet warned against backbiting, stating that if someone seeks out faults in others, Allah will seek out their faults and expose them. The speaker summarized the Prophet's advice to conceal the faults of others, as doing so brings blessings from Allah.