Repentance & taqwaFrom the masjid's own video, Sep 25, 2026.
Istighfar brings relief and mercy
“If you have any hardship, Allah will remove it for you.”
In one sentence
Regular, sincere istighfar is Allah’s merciful remedy for human weakness, past sins, hardship, provision, and salvation, so believers should practice it consistently.
The khutbah in 6 steps
- Human beings are created weak, with different strengths and weaknesses in worship and resisting sin.
- Istighfar is introduced as an easy act of worship that balances weakness and eases difficulty.
- Qur’anic examples connect seeking forgiveness with pardon, rain, wealth, children, gardens, and rivers.
- Hadith promises relief from grief, escape from hardship, unexpected provision, and a favorable record of deeds.
- Believers must resist Shaytan’s effort to make them forget istighfar.
- The khutbah concludes with general and specific formulas, including Sayyid al-Istighfar and prayers for forgiveness.
Try this week
Say “Astaghfirullah wa atubu ilayh” regularly.
Seek Allah’s forgiveness immediately after any bad deed.
Increase istighfar throughout the day, following the example of the Prophet’s frequent practice.
Memorize and recite Sayyid al-istighfar after wrongdoing or before sleep.
For major sins, recite “Astaghfirullah al-‘Azim alladhi la ilaha illa Huwa al-Hayy al-Qayyum wa atubu ilayh.”
Fight Shaytan’s forgetfulness by maintaining regular remembrance of Allah.
Sources the khateeb cited
Surah 8Used to explain protection from punishment while people seek forgiveness.
Quotes
In the khateeb's words
“Overall, Allah subhanahu wa ta'ala gifted us one ibadah to make the balance for you.”
“The difficulty, it will make it easy for you. If you have any hardship, Allah will remove it for you.”
“Al-istighfar relating to your past. Mercy relating to your future.”
“Then you meet me and you ask me forgiveness. I will forgive that to you and I will not care about what you have done.”
Talk about it at home
For the dinner table
Today’s khutbah reminded us that Allah created us with weaknesses, and each of us finds some good actions easier than others. The khateeb encouraged us to make istighfar, which means asking Allah for forgiveness. He urged us to return to Allah promptly when we make mistakes and to keep asking for forgiveness throughout our day. He described istighfar as a source of mercy, help through hardship, and hope for the hereafter. As a family, we can help one another remember Allah and keep returning to Him with hope in His forgiveness.
- What could help you remember to ask Allah for forgiveness during your day?
- How can we help each other when doing the right thing feels difficult?
- What part of the khutbah helped you feel hopeful about Allah’s mercy?
Where it was given
The masjid
Islamic Society of Vaughan (Masjid Al-Barakah)Unit 22-24, 9100 Jane Street, Vaughan, ON L4K 0A4Jumu'ah Four services · 1:30 PM (brothers only), 2:30 PM (brothers only), 3:30 PM (brothers & sisters), 4:30 PM (brothers & sisters)KhateebAshur DuzanMore khutbahsArchiveAll khutbahs at Masjid Al-Barakah29 khutbahs
Keep listening
More on Repentance & taqwa
First, practice humility by accepting correction.28:46Worcester Islamic Center · Worcester, MA · Oct 31, 2026Arrogance hardens the heart against guidance
2:40Islamic Association of · Flower Mound, TX · Oct 24, 2026Repentance begins a life of self-discipline“Whilst you are alive, whilst you are reading, whilst you are even sitting in the masjid now, you can do Tawba with Allah.”
I want to be quick to apologize.29:24Lighthouse · Temescal · North Oakland, CA · Oct 17, 2026Move steadily in life, rush to forgiveness