A new year can renew our obedience
“Remembering death is not meant to plunge us into despair.”
The new Hijri year should become a sincere Hijrah from heedlessness and disobedience toward repentance, remembrance, faith, and purposeful obedience to Allah.
The khutbah in 5 steps
- Calls listeners to mindfulness of Allah and awareness of the final reckoning.
- Uses the passing Hijri year to prompt gratitude, repentance, and accountability.
- Reflects on death and explains why the Islamic calendar begins with Hijrah.
- Draws hope from the Prophet’s cave, Allah’s presence, and the arrival of Muharram.
- Closes with a sincere Hijrah, daily remembrance, prayers, and supplications for the dead and oppressed.
In the khateeb's words
“One year of our lives have passed And will never return While another year is about to begin”
“Remembering death Is not meant To plunge us into despair It is meant To awaken us To reorder our priorities”
“It was the triumph Of faith over fear Trust over uncertainty Sacrifice over comfort”
For the dinner table
The khutbah says a new Hijri year is a chance to thank Allah for blessings, repent for mistakes, and hope for a better year. Hijrah is not only a historical journey; it also means leaving habits that distance us from Allah and moving toward faith, trust, and obedience. We should review our prayers, Qur'an, treatment of parents, family, children, and neighbors. Even when we carry grief or hidden worries, Allah is with us, so we should not despair. The speaker encouraged worship in Muharram and daily remembrance, including 100 salawat and repeated tahlil.
- What is one habit you would like to leave behind this year?
- When have you felt Allah helping you through a difficult situation?
- Which relationship would you like to strengthen this year?
More on Repentance & taqwa
First, practice humility by accepting correction.28:46Worcester Islamic Center · Worcester, MA · Oct 31, 2026Arrogance hardens the heart against guidance
2:40Islamic Association of · Flower Mound, TX · Oct 24, 2026Repentance begins a life of self-discipline“Whilst you are alive, whilst you are reading, whilst you are even sitting in the masjid now, you can do Tawba with Allah.”
I want to be quick to apologize.29:24Lighthouse · Temescal · North Oakland, CA · Oct 17, 2026Move steadily in life, rush to forgiveness