Repentance & taqwaFrom the masjid's own video, Aug 28, 2026.
Seek Allah’s forgiveness without despair
ICIE · Ahmad Abu Omar
“Never lose hope, never despair of the mercy of Allah subhanahu wa ta'ala.”
In one sentence
Muslims should sincerely and consistently seek Allah’s forgiveness, never despairing of His mercy while actively working to correct their mistakes.
The khutbah in 7 steps
- Begins with tawhid, taqwa, praise of Allah, and blessings upon the Prophet.
- Explains that Allah’s mercy is greater than human sins, but repentance requires sincerity and effort.
- Urges constant istighfar and illustrates it through Abu Bakr’s requested supplication.
- Uses Imam Hasan al-Basri’s counsel and Surah Nuh to connect forgiveness with divine provision.
- Cites a hadith about supplication and forgiveness during the last third of the night.
- Presents a supplication emphasizing that Allah’s forgiveness exceeds sins and His mercy exceeds deeds.
- Concludes with communal prayers, Quranic reminders, and congregational salah.
Try this week
Make istighfar regularly and sincerely.
Work actively on correcting even small mistakes.
Use the last third of the night for dua and istighfar.
Recite the taught supplication about Allah’s forgiveness and mercy.
Sources the khateeb cited
Surah 71Used to connect seeking forgiveness with rain, children, gardens, and rivers.
Sahih al-BukhariUsed to encourage dua and istighfar during the last third of the night.
Quotes
In the khateeb's words
“never lose hope never despair of the mercy of Allah subhanahu wa ta'ala”
“it's a homework to work on our mistakes even they are little”
Talk about it at home
For the dinner table
Today’s khutbah reminded us that Allah is merciful and that we should never lose hope when we make mistakes. The imam encouraged us to keep asking Allah for forgiveness, a practice called istighfar. He explained that we need to be sincere and work on our mistakes as we ask for forgiveness. He also highlighted the quiet time before Fajr as an opportunity to turn to Allah with our prayers and needs. We can remember that Allah’s forgiveness is greater than our sins and that we always need His mercy.
- What could help someone turn back to Allah when they feel discouraged about a mistake?
- What is one way we can put a sincere apology into action?
- When could we make a little quiet time to ask Allah for forgiveness?
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