9:41 The hajj is a…22:50 the Hajj is an…23:19 many of you come to…
Hajj, Umrah & EidFrom the masjid's own video, Apr 17, 2026.

Hajj is a once in a lifetime duty

ICA East Orange

“The Hajj is a religious obligation to be performed once in your lifetime.”

The khateeb, at 9:41

Watch the khutbahFamily kit
In one sentence

The khutbah argues that Hajj is a once-in-a-lifetime obligation for those able to perform it and the fullest expression of Muslim unity, which must begin with sincere worship and regular congregational prayer in one's local masjid.

The khutbah in 5 steps

  1. Introduces taqwa, the Qur'an, and the Sunnah as foundations for guidance.
  2. Uses Qur'anic verses to establish Hajj as an obligation and describe the sacredness of the Kaaba.
  3. Explains Hajj's obligation, virtues, conditions, and inclusion of women through several hadith.
  4. Presents Hajj as global Muslim unity that begins with regular prayer in local masjids and expands through Jumu'ah, Eid, Umrah, and Hajj.
  5. Closes with supplications and a practical reminder to attend the five daily prayers at the masjid.
Try this week
Set a sincere intention to perform Hajj when able.
Attend the five daily prayers at the local masjid.
Build unity by participating regularly in Jumu'ah, Eid, and other communal worship.
Prepare to perform Hajj according to the Sunnah and avoid arguing or fighting during ihram.
Sources the khateeb cited
Surah 62Reinforces attending Friday prayer and prioritizing remembrance of Allah over commerce.
Sahih al-BukhariDefines Islam's five pillars, including Hajj.
Sahih MuslimStates that Hajj is obligatory and should be performed according to one's ability.
Sahih al-BukhariExplains the rewards of sincere Hajj and the requirement to avoid marital relations, arguing, and fighting during ihram.
Jami` at-TirmidhiDescribes Hajj and Umrah as removing sins and poverty, with Hajj mabroor rewarded by Jannah.
Quotes

In the khateeb's words

“The hajj is a religious obligation to be performed once in your lifetime”
ICA East Orange · East Orange, NJ
Play from 9:41
“the Hajj is an expression of Muslim unity but this unity starts on a small scale”
ICA East Orange · East Orange, NJ
Play from 22:50
“many of you come to the Jumu'ah but it's your responsibility for the other 34 as well”
ICA East Orange · East Orange, NJ
Play from 23:19
Talk about it at home

For the dinner table

Today the khateeb reminded us that Hajj is one of the five pillars of Islam and is required once in a lifetime for those who are able. He encouraged us to make a sincere intention to go for Allah’s sake and to support that intention with action. He described the great rewards of Hajj performed properly, including forgiveness and Jannah, and emphasized following the Prophet’s guidance. He also reminded us that faith in our hearts should show in how we live. Muslim unity begins close to home through praying together and getting to know one another, then grows through Jumu’ah, Eid, Umrah, and Hajj.

  1. What is one action you could take this week that shows the faith in your heart?
  2. How could we help someone feel welcome the next time we visit the masjid?
  3. What would you hope to learn from meeting Muslims from around the world at Hajj?
Where it was given

The masjid

Islamic Center of America215 N Oraton Pkwy, East Orange, NJ 07017ArchiveAll khutbahs at ICA East Orange54 khutbahs
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