Let Arbaeen renew your faith and conduct
“We have a responsibility and duty to remind ourselves of having those close companions and friends that bring us closer to Allah.”
Arba'een should renew a believer's theology and daily conduct, not merely commemorate Karbala, by recognizing human responsibility for injustice, remembering Allah, choosing righteous companions, and guarding prayer.
The khutbah in 6 steps
- Arba'een and Ziyarat al-Arba'een should extend reflection beyond Ashura to the suffering after Karbala and the responses of Sayyidah Zaynab and Imam al-Sajjad.
- Karbala is presented as a wake-up call to aqidah, especially knowledge of Allah and human responsibility for crime.
- Majalis of remembrance are described as gardens of Paradise on earth and should be attended for dhikr and knowledge.
- Believers must not let wealth, family, or daily distractions pull them away from Allah, and should assess actions by their consequences.
- The Day of Judgment will bring regret over harmful friendships, so believers should choose companions and gatherings that encourage dhikr and prayer.
- Friends should help one another preserve prayer times and remain among the people of remembrance.
In the khateeb's words
“and we have a responsibility and duty to remind ourselves of having those close companions and friends that bring us closer to Allah”
“if your friend takes you a place that has no dhikr of Allah and no remembrance of awliya of Allah abandon it stay away until you go to a place”
For the dinner table
As Arba'een approaches, the khateeb invites us to read and reflect on the words of its ziyarat and keep learning from what happened after Karbala. He recalls the courage of Sayyidah Zainab and the fourth Imam in confronting wrongdoing and refusing to let people blame Allah for their own crimes. Imam Hussain's life reminds us that true success comes from faithfully carrying our responsibilities before Allah, rather than from having wealth. His praise and thanksgiving encourage us to remember Allah and practice gratitude in our daily lives. The khutbah also asks us to choose friends who help us remember Allah and care for our prayers, and to offer that same encouragement to others.
- What is one thing you would like to understand better about Imam Hussain or Arba'een?
- How could we show Allah our thankfulness through something we do tomorrow?
- How can you help a friend make time for prayer when you are having fun together?
The masjid
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