Hajj teaches submission, taqwa, and unity
“Taqwa is to be focused on that which matters.”
The greatest days of Dhul Hijjah and the rites of Hajj teach believers to seek sincere renewal through taqwa, submission, and unity with Allah and one another.
The khutbah in 6 steps
- The ten days of Dhul Hijjah are presented as the year's greatest days, connected to Hajj and the completion of Islam.
- The Day of Arafah offers those not at Hajj an opportunity to fast, seek forgiveness, and renew their relationship with Allah.
- Hajj and fasting cultivate taqwa through reverence, restraint, modest living, and attention to small sins.
- The stories of Hajar, Ibrahim, and Ismail portray submission to Allah as a path to life and blessing.
- Hajj strips away comfort and privilege, helping believers recognize Allah's creation and blessings.
- The shared experience of Hajj and examples from Muslim history illustrate unity without uniformity.
In the khateeb's words
“Taqwa is to be satisfied with little. Taqwa is to be focused on that which matters.”
“Submission leads to life. And submission leads to blessings. Descending from above. Blessings that benefit you. Benefit people around you. And benefit for many years, generations, centuries to come.”
“Your comfort. Comfort. Could be a blinder. Your privilege. Could be. A blinder. Preventing you from seeing.”
“We think unity means uniformity. No. Salah al-Din had to engage. Ten years. To unite.”
For the dinner table
The khateeb reminded us that the days of Dhul Hijjah are a special opportunity to do good and grow closer to Allah. He encouraged those who are not at Hajj to fast on Arafah and approach forgiveness with sincere effort, rather than treating it as permission to do wrong. He also encouraged sincere intentions and practical preparation for Hajj, even when the journey is not yet possible. Through the stories of Hajar and Ibrahim, he connected trust and submission to Allah with life and blessings. He invited us to appreciate everyday comforts without letting them distract us from Allah, and to care for one another even when we disagree.
- What good deed could we encourage each other to do during Dhul Hijjah?
- What everyday blessing did you notice today, and how could you show gratitude for it?
- How can you show someone you care about them when you disagree?
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