Friday Khutba
The Qur’an Shaping Moral Character
02. April 2026
Dear Brothers and Sisters!
The Qur’an is not just a book that conveys the beliefs of faith, it is a guide that builds individuals, society and life itself upon a foundation of morality. Its aim is to support people who believe correctly, think correctly, and live rightly, and to form a community from such individuals.
Dear Brothers and Sisters!
The first foundation of Qur’anic morality is the belief in tawhid, the oneness of Allah. Tawhid means affirming Allah as One and placing the Creator and the creation in their proper positions. When a person realizes that they are a servant, and that all power, authority and ultimate sovereignty belong solely to Allah, and truly believes in this, they become a sincere monotheistic believer. The Qur’an expresses this truth as follows: “They are those who do not worship any deity besides Allah, do not take a life unjustly—something Allah has forbidden—and do not commit adultery…”[1] This awareness places Allah at the centre of everything, breaks down arrogance and strengthens a person’s sense of responsibility.
Dear Jama’ah!
The second pillar of moral development is belief in the Hereafter. A person who knows that this worldly life is temporary and that every word and action will be accounted for, lives with balance and restraint. Allah (swt) emphasises how belief in the Hereafter shapes the mind of a believer: “They are those who are certain that they will meet their Lord and that they will return to Him one day.”[2] As monotheistic believers who hold firm to the Hereafter, we know that on that Day, “Everyone will be repaid in full for what they have done. Indeed, Allah is fully aware of all that they do.”[3]
Dear Brothers and Sisters!
The Qur’an teaches morality not through abstract principles alone, but through the example of the prophets. The prophets are the finest role models for humanity, chosen from among people themselves. Our Prophet (saw) addressed by Allah (swt) with the words, “Indeed, you are of a great moral character”[4] and sent “to perfect good character.”[5], is our guide and example in both our individual and social lives.
Dear Brothers and Sisters!
Allah’s beautiful names, such as Ar-Rahman (The Most Merciful), Al-Adl (The Just), Al-Halim (The Forbearing), and Al-Ghafur (The Most Forgiving), serve as moral guidance for monotheistic believers. As a servant comes to know Allah (swt) more deeply, they become more forgiving, more compassionate and more just. The advice of the people of theology, “Adopt the character of Allah”, reflects this very orientation.
Dear Believers!
Qur’anic morality is not limited to the individual; it extends from the individual to society, from the community to the ummah. A servant who seeks Allah’s pleasure also strives to be part of a community that earns His pleasure. Believers are commanded to enjoin good and forbid evil, to avoid suspicion, to refrain from spreading corruption on earth, to uphold brotherhood and to work toward just reconciliation when conflicts arise. They are forbidden from mocking others, giving offensive nicknames, spreading conflict, insulting even the idols of polytheists and following a majority that is not upon the truth. These moral principles build a society where justice prevails and compassion is widespread.
My Brothers and Sisters!
The aim of Qur’anic moral growth is to nurture individuals and communities who are pleased with Allah and with whom Allah is pleased. They are promised an eternal life in the Hereafter, with gardens prepared for them in which they will abide forever. O Allah, make us among those who embody the character shaped by the Qur’an and among those with whom You are pleased. Ameen.
[1] Surah Al-Furqan, 25:68
[2] Surah Al-Baqarah, 2:46
[3] Surah Az-Zumar, 39:70
[4] Surah Al-Qalam, 68:4
[5] Buhari, Edebü’l-Müfred, 273
