0:50 And if we fell short…6:49 Every single one of us…7:51 The special thing in…
Hajj, Umrah & EidFrom the masjid's own video, May 23, 2026.

Use Dhul-Hijjah for deeper worship

Imam ash-Shafii

“The special thing in Dhul-Hijjah is dhikr and more specifically, the takbir.”

The khateeb, at 7:51

Watch the khutbahFamily kit
In one sentence

The remaining days of Dhul-Hijjah should be honored through intensified worship, especially fasting, sacrifice, remembrance, takbir, and Arafah-focused dua, because glorifying Allah’s symbols demonstrates taqwa.

The khutbah in 6 steps

  1. The ten days of Dhul-Hijjah are honored symbols of Islam, and valuing them reflects taqwa.
  2. Listeners are urged to use the remaining days for good deeds, especially fasting the first nine days and Arafah.
  3. Udhiyya is presented as a worshipful sacrifice that demonstrates devotion and willingness to give up wealth and comfort.
  4. Frequent dhikr and takbir should fill ordinary activities, with special takbirs after prayers during the specified period.
  5. The Day of Arafah deserves protected time for fasting, abundant dua, and reaffirming tawhid.
  6. The khutbah concludes with Eid timing, community events, and support for the center’s programs.
Try this week
Fast as many of the first nine days of Dhul-Hijjah as possible, especially the Day of Arafah.
Give an udhiyya locally or arrange one abroad if unable to do it locally.
Increase dhikr and takbir while driving, walking, or working; observe the specific post-prayer takbirs described.
Clear the Day of Arafah of unnecessary meetings and busyness if possible.
Prepare a written list of duas and dedicate time on Arafah to supplication.
Attend Eid prayer at Imam al-Shafii Center at the announced time and register for events if required.
Support the center’s educational and community programs.
Quotes

In the khateeb's words

“And if we fell short in these past five days, then there are still five days up ahead of us that we can catch up and we can push ourselves more.”
Imam ash-Shafii · Ottawa, ON
Play from 0:50
“Every single one of us can say, subhanallah, alhamdulillah, la ila Allah akbar.”
Imam ash-Shafii · Ottawa, ON
Play from 6:49
“The special thing in Dhul-Hijjah is dhikr and more specifically, the takbir.”
Imam ash-Shafii · Ottawa, ON
Play from 7:51
Talk about it at home

For the dinner table

The khateeb reminded us that the first ten days of Dhul-Hijjah are special, and giving them importance reflects the taqwa in our hearts. If we have missed opportunities, we can still make good use of the time remaining. He encouraged good deeds, especially fasting as we are able, offering the sacrifice, and remembering Allah throughout our everyday routines. He explained that what reaches Allah from the sacrifice is our piety, rather than the meat or blood. He also urged us to make time for Arafah, seek Allah's forgiveness, and prepare du'a for what we hope for in this life and the next.

  1. What good deed would you like us to make time for together?
  2. When during your day could you pause to say alhamdulillah or Allahu Akbar?
  3. Who would you like to include in your du'a, and what would you ask Allah for them?
Where it was given

The masjid

Imam ash-Shafii Centre1792 R. Bank Street, Ottawa, ON K1V 7Y6, CanadaJumu'ah Jumu'ah: 13:15
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