Central Khutbah: “He who surpasses us in good character has surpassed us in faith”

Praise be to Allah, the Lord of the worlds, who created us, guided us, and taught us to distinguish between good and evil. May blessings and peace be upon the last Messenger of Allah, Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him), his family, his companions, and all those who follow him until the Day of Judgment.

Brothers and sisters, today’s khutbah is about the importance of akhlaq—morality and good character—in the life of a Muslim. Our religion is not just a set of rituals and practices, but also a way of interacting with others, preserving their rights and dignity. The Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) said:
“The best of you are those who have the best character.”
(Hadith reported by Al-Bukhari, no. 3559, and Muslim, no. 2321)

Moral excellence is a measure of a person’s status with Allah. When asked, “Who is the best Muslim?”, the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) replied:
“The one whose words and actions cause no harm to others.”
(Hadith reported by Al-Bukhari, no. 10, and Muslim, no. 40)

Refraining from harming others is a form of worship and a sign of sincere faith. If you cannot do good, at the very least, do no harm. Our faith is reflected in our actions—in our words, our deeds, and the way we treat others.

Umar (may Allah be pleased with him) said:
“You will not truly know a person until you have traveled, traded, or shared a neighborhood with them.”
(Reported by Ibn Hibban, no. 492)

Once, when someone claimed to know a certain man, Umar asked how he knew him. The person replied that he had seen him praying in the mosque. Umar responded:
“Sit down. You do not truly know him until you have seen how he behaves in trade, on a journey, or in daily interactions.”
(This tradition is reported by Abu Nu’aym in Hilyat al-Awliya, 1/52)

A person’s true nature is revealed through daily interactions, not merely through acts of worship.

Ibn al-Qayyim al-Jawziyya said:
“The entire religion is rooted in good character. He who surpasses you in character surpasses you in religion.”
(Madarij as-Salikin, 2/294)

A true believer is one whose words and actions do not harm others, as confirmed by the hadith:
“A Muslim is someone from whose words and hands other Muslims are safe.”
(Hadith reported by Muslim, no. 45)

A genuine believer does not gossip, spread discord, or utter harmful words. The Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) said:
“Whoever believes in Allah and the Last Day should say what is good or remain silent.”
(Hadith reported by Al-Bukhari, no. 6018, and Muslim, no. 47)

A good Muslim does not cheat or swear falsely in transactions. The Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) said:
“Whoever cheats is not one of us.”
(Hadith reported by Muslim, no. 102)

He also ensures that his neighbors and colleagues are safe from any harm:
“He who goes to bed full while his neighbor is hungry is not a believer.”
(Hadith reported by At-Tabarani and Al-Bayhaqi)

Additionally, he performs acts of kindness towards his parents and maintains family ties, as the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) said:
“Whoever wishes to have a long life and blessings in their wealth should maintain ties of kinship.”
(Hadith reported by Al-Bukhari, no. 5985, and Muslim, no. 2557)

We ask Allah, the Exalted, to make us among those who have good character and who are examples of kindness and righteousness in their communities. Let us remember that our behavior towards others reflects not only our upbringing but also our relationship with Allah.

O Allah, keep us firm on the straight path, grant us good character, and make us sources of goodness for others. Ameen!

(Central khutbah by the religious leader Hafiz Hilmija Redžić on November 22, 2024, at the “Association Islamique Ihsan” in Dudelange)