14:27 The best days of life…25:05 The meat and the blood…
Hajj, Umrah & EidFrom the masjid's own video, May 16, 2026.

Use Dhul-Hijjah for forgiveness and renewal

El-Zahra · Mutaz Charaf

“What will reach Allah is your righteousness.”

The khateeb, at 25:05

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In one sentence

The khutbah teaches that the first ten days of Dhul-Hijjah, especially the Day of Arafah, are extraordinary opportunities for forgiveness and spiritual renewal, so Muslims should fill them with fasting, dhikr, du'a, charity, reconciliation, and properly observed udhiyah.

The khutbah in 6 steps

  1. Identifies Dhul-Hijjah, Arafah, and Ayyam al-Tashriq as specially blessed days of remembrance and worship.
  2. Explains Arafah's virtues: fasting brings forgiveness, supplication is especially valuable, and Allah frees many from the Fire.
  3. Urges worship throughout the first ten days through fasting, dhikr, takbir, du'a, salah, sadaqah, and other good deeds.
  4. Calls listeners to visit the sick, help those in need, support the masjid, care for family, and reconcile with others.
  5. Explains udhiyah's timing, household responsibility, intention, and distribution among family, friends, relatives, and the needy.
  6. Closes with prayers for faith, forgiveness, healing, the deceased, and people suffering in Palestine, Gaza, and elsewhere.
Try this week
Fast during the first nine days of Dhul-Hijjah as able, especially the Day of Arafah for non-pilgrims.
Give as much sadaqah as possible, visit the sick, help those in need, support the masjid, and care for family.
Make peace with people involved in disagreements and forgive brothers and sisters.
Perform udhiyah if financially able after Eid prayer through the thirteenth, eat from it, and share it with family, relatives, friends, and the needy.
Sources the khateeb cited
Surah 2Uses the known and counted days to connect Dhul-Hijjah and Ayyam al-Tashriq with remembrance of Allah.
Surah 85Interprets the witness and the witnessed as Arafah and the Day of Judgment.
Quotes

In the khateeb's words

“The best days of life The 10 days of Dhul-Hijjah Ayyam-ul-Ashjah The 10 days Means of Dhul-Hijjah So they are the best 10 days in life”
El-Zahra · Midland Park, NJ
Play from 14:27
“The meat and the blood of the animal will not reach Allah What will reach Allah is your righteousness”
El-Zahra · Midland Park, NJ
Play from 25:05
Talk about it at home

For the dinner table

Imam Dr. Mutaz Charaf reminded us that the first ten days of Dhul-Hijjah are a special opportunity to draw closer to Allah. He emphasized the mercy and forgiveness of the day of Arafah, encouraging du'a and fasting for those who are not performing Hajj. He invited us to remember Allah throughout the day, give charity, help people who need support, and care for our families. He also encouraged us to make peace after disagreements and forgive one another. When discussing the Eid sacrifice, he reminded us that Allah values our righteousness and that sharing with family, friends, and people in need helps the whole community benefit.

  1. What everyday moment could remind you to say Alhamdulillah or Allahu Akbar?
  2. Who could we help or visit together during these special days?
  3. What would you like to ask Allah for in your du'a on Arafah?
Where it was given

The masjid

El-Zahra Islamic Center218 Irving Street, Midland Park, NJ 07432Jumu'ah 1st 1:00 to 1:45 PM (streamed to YouTube) · 2nd 2:00 to 2:30 PMKhateebMutaz CharafMore khutbahsArchiveAll khutbahs at El-Zahra48 khutbahs
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