Leave harmful habits for Allah
“Ask yourself in your life, what do I need to make hijrah from in this year?”
The khutbah teaches that Muharram and the Hijri new year should prompt believers to leave harmful habits, relationships, and earnings for Allah, become generous sources of benefit, and renew their commitment to faith.
The khutbah in 6 steps
- Introduces Muharram as a sacred month and the beginning of the Islamic year, citing Quran 9:36.
- Explains Umar’s consultation and the decision to date the Islamic calendar from the Hijrah.
- Defines hijrah as leaving harmful conditions for beneficial ones and applies it to income, friendships, and life direction.
- Urges listeners to review the previous year and begin 1448 with repentance, halal living, service, and concern for oppressed communities.
- Uses the stories of Suhaib al-Rumi and the Ansar to emphasize sacrificing worldly gain and generous sharing.
- Explains Ashura’s connection to Musa and recommends fasting paired days around the tenth of Muharram.
In the khateeb's words
“The muhajir, the immigrant or the migrant, is the one that leaves that which is harmful in the eyes of Allah to that which is beneficial in the eyes of Allah.”
“What a beautiful tijara. What a beautiful business deal that you made. You gave up this dunya for your Jannah.”
“Nobility comes from giving, not from taking. We in society should be people that give benefit and khair to the people around us.”
“Ask yourself in your life, what do I need to make hijrah from in this year?”
For the dinner table
Chaplain Omar Bajwa reminded us that Muharram is a sacred month and an opportunity to reflect as a new Islamic year begins. He connected the Prophet’s hijrah with our own efforts to leave harmful things behind and move toward what pleases Allah. He encouraged us to think honestly about how we earn money, who we spend time with, and where our lives are heading. Through the companions’ example, he showed how consulting wise people, giving generously, and treating others honestly can strengthen our communities. He also encouraged voluntary fasting on Ashura, with a day before or after, remembering Allah’s rescue of Musa and his people from Pharaoh. His closing prayer asked Allah to help us make this year better than the last, for ourselves and for the whole Ummah.
- What is one small change that could help you grow closer to Allah this year?
- How can you help a friend feel comfortable and proud being Muslim?
- What could our family share to help someone feel welcome?
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