The Prophets & seerahFrom the masjid's own video, May 16, 2026.
Ibrahim shows how faith changes the world
“One man stood against the world and with Allah at his back.”
In one sentence
As the ten days of Dhul Hijjah begin, believers should seize this most beloved season of worship and repentance by taking Ibrahim (AS), whose unwavering commitment to truth, sacrifice, and trust in Allah made one man a nation, as their living role model.
The khutbah in 9 steps
- Opening taqwa reminder (Quran 3:102) and salawat on the Prophet
- The first ten days of Dhul Hijjah are the best days of the year, superior even to jihad (hadith)
- Contrast: Adam's story emphasizes human weakness; Ibrahim's story emphasizes human strength through will and Allah's aid
- Modern application: an atheistic, hedonistic culture and oppression feel overwhelming, but one man with Allah behind him changed the world
- Power is realized only through unwavering commitment to truth and willingness to sacrifice (fire of Nimrod, sacrifice of Ismail)
- Hajar's sa'i: do your striving; Allah brings the Zamzam from where you cannot imagine
- Da'wah with hikmah and good character; Ibrahim's concern for family as a man's primary responsibility (kafalah)
- The day of Arafah: Allah boasts of the pilgrims, mass forgiveness, fasting earns two years' expiation; Adam's tawbah was at Arafah
- Close: return to Allah in repentance, fast the nine days, increase dhikr tenfold; dua for the oppressed worldwide
Try this week
Fast as many of the first nine days of Dhul Hijjah as possible, and at minimum fast the day of Arafah
Increase dhikr, istighfar, and glorification of Allah, scale it up (if you do 10, do 100; if 100, do 1000)
Return to Allah in sincere tawbah for any sins or addictions picked up since Ramadan; the door is wide open in these days
Reflect on the life and legacy of Ibrahim (AS) during this season
As men, take responsibility (kafalah) to inspire and protect your family and draw them closer to Allah
Do your own 'sa'i', strive with what you can while trusting Allah to bring the results
Sources the khateeb cited
Quran 3:102Opening command to have taqwa of Allah as He deserves and to die only in a state of submission
Quran 2:124Anchor ayah of the khutbah: Allah tested Ibrahim with commandments, he fulfilled them, and was made an imam for all people
Quran 89:2Allah's oath by the ten nights cited as referring to the first ten nights of Dhul Hijjah per many mufassirin
Quran 3:67Ibrahim was neither Jew nor Christian but a hanif muslim, the Prophet restores his pure monotheistic way
Quotes
In the khateeb's words
“because you cannot have real commitment without a willingness to sacrifice”
“one man stood against the world and with Allah at his back”
“that the power of man lies in his ability to know my lord has all power I just need to do what I can”
Where it was given
The masjid
United Islamic Center of Paterson (Ulu Cami)408 Knickerbocker Ave, Paterson, NJ 07503Jumu'ah Preliminary sermon 11:45 AM · Khutbah 12:15 PM · Iqamah 12:30 PM (winter schedule, through March 13, 2027; one hour later during daylight saving time)KhateebUlu Cami CumaMore khutbahsArchiveAll khutbahs at Ulu Cami12 khutbahs
Keep listening
More on the Prophets & seerah
IOK · Diamond Bar, CA · Sep 19, 2026Learn the Prophet's life to love him“Love is something that grows through knowledge.”
Be mindful of Allah, and He will protect you.9:56Al-Sabereen · Harrisburg, PA · Oct 24, 2026Defend the Prophet by living his example
No one can walk for you.5:06MCC San Diego · Rancho Bernardo, CA · Oct 3, 2026Prophetic mercy meets people where they are