Hijrah means leaving sin for Allah
“Hijrah doesn't have to be dramatic.”
Hijrah is an ongoing practice of leaving whatever displeases Allah, making excellent practical effort, and relying on Him for spiritual transformation and reward.
The khutbah in 5 steps
- Defines hijrah as leaving sins, harmful habits, dishonesty, and poor character while moving toward faith and goodness.
- Revisits the escape from Mecca, the cave of Thawr, strategic travel, the guide, the camels, and Suraqah.
- Applies ihsan and tawakkul to parenting, media habits, friendships, work, and marriage.
- Connects Muharram and Ashura with the hijrah of Bani Israel and emphasizes Allah’s presence as the ultimate reward.
- Closes with a dua for leaving sin, becoming transformed, and loving what Allah loves.
In the khateeb's words
“Hijrah doesn't have to be dramatic. It could be just not clicking on that. One click toward something that's displeasing to Allah. Or just one kind of characteristic change. Smiling more. Or having more rahmat exhibited toward the family.”
“Now, after he showed Allah his Ihsan, now he shows Allah his perfect tawakkal. That he doesn't rely on human effort, he relies purely on Allah.”
“Cultivate a house where there's salah in the house, where there's Qur'an in the house, where there's Rahmah in the house, where there's warmth in the house, where there's conversation with your children.”
For the dinner table
The khateeb reminded us that Hijrah can mean everyday changes that bring us closer to Allah. We can begin by leaving harmful habits, being honest at work, choosing good companions, and showing more mercy to our families. Through stories of the Prophet’s journey, he explained ihsan as putting in excellent effort and tawakkul as trusting Allah with our hearts. He encouraged families to combine du’a with practical effort, building homes filled with prayer, Qur’an, warmth, and conversation. Even when change requires sacrifice, he reminded us that Allah’s closeness and guidance are a precious reward.
- What is one small change you could make this week to come closer to Allah?
- When something you worked hard on goes wrong, what could help you keep trying and trust Allah?
- What could we do together to bring more warmth, prayer, or conversation into our home?
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