Hajj, Umrah & EidFrom the masjid's own video, May 16, 2026.
Dhul Hijjah begins with a Hajj of the heart
“The thing that defines me most, the thing that makes me who I am, is who I am with Allah.”
In one sentence
The first ten days of Dhul Hijjah offer every believer, whether or not they perform physical Hajj, a Hajj of the heart by making Allah central, establishing prayer, and releasing barriers and attachments.
The khutbah in 6 steps
- Introduces Dhul Hijjah as sacred days and Hajj as the ultimate expression of servanthood.
- Distinguishes physical Hajj from Hajj al-Qulub, which is available to every believer.
- Defines taqwa as shielding oneself from Allah’s anger and argues that sacredness comes through actions, not places.
- Calls listeners to reject competing sources of identity and measure servanthood through prayer.
- Uses Ibrahim’s sacrifices and the Talbiyah to illustrate surrender and letting go for Allah.
- Maps tawaf, sa'i, Arafah, and sacrifice onto daily worship, repentance, charity, Qur'an, Sunnah, and personal discipline.
Try this week
Establish and protect the five daily prayers.
Donate a little every day during the days of Dhul Hijjah.
Engage with the Qur'an daily.
Revive a simple Sunnah, such as the two rak'ahs of Fajr or Duha.
Let go of a grudge, resentment, ego, or other barrier for Allah.
Volunteer at the masjid and forgive relatives for Allah’s sake.
Center eating, sleeping, forgiving, driving, and daily living around Allah.
Sources the khateeb cited
Quran 14:37Ibrahim’s connection to the Kaaba and its transformation through intention, sacrifice, and worship.
Quran 14:40Ibrahim’s prayer that he and his descendants establish prayer.
Quran 2:256Negating taghut and affirming faith in Allah as the foundation of true submission.
Quran 48:26Holding firmly to the word of taqwa and becoming worthy of it.
Quran 8:24Responding to Allah and His Messenger as a response to divine mercy and forgiveness.
Quotes
In the khateeb's words
“the place where you connect with Allah is not a place that's thousands of miles away”
“The thing that defines me most, the thing that makes me who I am, is who I am with Allah.”
“Center the way you eat around Allah. Center the way you sleep around Allah. Center the way that you forgive, the way that you drive, the way that you live.”
Talk about it at home
For the dinner table
The sermon reminds us that Dhul Hijjah is a special season for everyone, not only those traveling for Hajj. Even at home, we can make a Hajj of the heart by putting Allah at the center of our prayers, choices, and relationships. We should let go of habits, grudges, ego, and attachments that come between us and Allah. Small acts such as charity, Qur'an, Sunnah, forgiveness, and sincere repentance can bring us closer to Him.
- What is one part of your daily routine you could center more deliberately around Allah?
- What is one small good deed you would like to repeat during Dhul Hijjah?
- What is something difficult you could let go of for Allah’s sake?
Keep listening
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