Assess your faith before setting goals
“The beauty of Muhassaba is that it is not just in the last couple days of December, but it's every single day of your life.”
Muslims should practice continual self-assessment, understand submission to Allah, and make every area of life reflect Islamic values.
The khutbah in 6 steps
- Introduces New Year's resolutions as a form of self-assessment.
- Explains muhasabah as evaluating one's spiritual condition and deeds.
- Warns of regret in the Hereafter for neglecting self-assessment.
- Uses early Muslim examples to illustrate sincere submission and conviction.
- Applies Islamic principles to health, finances, family, and other goals.
- Recaps daily spiritual assessment and closes with supplication.
In the khateeb's words
“You can never create goals for something if you don't know how you were before.”
“Submitting to Allah, calling ourselves Muslims and living by Islam, that is the true "La ilaha illallah".”
“The beauty of Muhassaba is that it is not just in the last couple days of December, but it's every single day of your life.”
“Before you do muhasabah of the other things, do muhasabah of your spirituality. And when you do that, take a step back.”
For the dinner table
At the end of a year, many of us review our money, health, and family relationships. The khutbah says Muslims should also review their relationship with Allah through muhasabah, noticing mistakes and good deeds so they can repent and continue growing. Before setting goals, we should remember that being Muslim means submitting to Allah and letting that faith guide every part of life. That includes healthier eating, more charity, and choices shaped by worship rather than desire alone. This self-review should happen every day, helping us prepare for the Hereafter while making real progress in this world.
- What is one part of your life you would like to assess and improve?
- How can Islam guide a goal you have for the new year?
- What small act of worship could you practice more consistently?
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