9:02 They are wrong all…28:24 And taqwa is to do…
Hajj, Umrah & EidFrom the masjid's own video, May 15, 2026.

Honor Dhul-Hijjah through worship and Eid

ICA East Orange

“Taqwa is to do what Allah commands and to stay away from what Allah forbids.”

The khateeb, at 28:24

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In one sentence

As Dhul-Hijjah approaches, Muslims should honor its sacredness by avoiding sin, increasing worship grounded in the Qur'an and Sunnah, observing Arafah and Eid practices, and preparing communally for Eid.

The khutbah in 6 steps

  1. Opens with exhortations to taqwa and introduces the twelve months and four sacred months.
  2. Explains that sin and mistreating others are especially serious during sacred months.
  3. Highlights the virtues of the first ten days of Dhul-Hijjah and encourages increased righteous deeds.
  4. Explains sacrifice-related grooming, fasting on Arafah, and the need for repentance.
  5. Describes Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha as the two revealed Muslim holidays and encourages communal attendance.
  6. Explains Eid prayer procedure and urges taqwa, obedience, modesty, and sadaqah.
Try this week
Read the Qur'an and increase worship and righteous deeds during the sacred days.
Avoid sin, disobedience, and mistreating or disrespecting other people.
If intending to sacrifice, refrain from cutting hair and nails after the Dhul-Hijjah crescent is sighted until the sacrifice.
Fast on the ninth day of Dhul-Hijjah, Arafah, if not performing Hajj.
Attend Eid prayer and help others attend with proper modest clothing.
Give sadaqah, especially as part of Eid preparation and worship.
Sources the khateeb cited
Sahih al-BukhariSupports the exceptional virtue of deeds during the first ten days of Dhul-Hijjah and mentions takbir.
Sahih MuslimSupports refraining from cutting hair and nails for someone intending to sacrifice.
Sahih MuslimIs discussed alongside the general encouragement of fasting and good deeds during Dhul-Hijjah.
Sahih MuslimSupports fasting on Arafah as atonement for the previous and following years.
Sunan Abi DawudEstablishes Eid al-Adha and Eid al-Fitr as the two replacement holidays.
Sahih al-BukhariSupports women attending Eid and sharing a jilbab when necessary.
Sahih MuslimDescribes Eid prayer before the khutbah without adhan or iqamah and includes an exhortation to charity.
Quotes

In the khateeb's words

“They are wrong all year long. But they're even more so wrong during these sacred months.”
ICA East Orange · East Orange, NJ
Play from 9:02
“And taqwa is to do what Allah commands and to stay away from what Allah forbids.”
ICA East Orange · East Orange, NJ
Play from 28:24
Talk about it at home

For the dinner table

Today's khutbah reminded us that the sacred months are a special time to obey Allah and take care not to hurt one another. As Dhul-Hijjah approaches, the khateeb encouraged us to increase our good deeds and follow the Quran and the Prophet's guidance. He highlighted fasting on the day of Arafah for those who are not performing Hajj and spoke about its great reward. He reminded us that Allah's forgiveness should encourage repentance, rather than make us careless about our actions. He also encouraged us to prepare for Eid, attend its gathering, help others take part, and give charity.

  1. What is one good deed you would like us to practice together during Dhul-Hijjah?
  2. How could we show more respect when we disagree with someone this week?
  3. Who could we help get ready for Eid, and what could we do for them?
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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