Repentance & taqwaFrom the masjid's own video, Jan 2, 2026.
Taqwa brings dignity and lasting peace
In one sentence
Taqwa means obeying Allah and avoiding what He forbids, and it is the foundation of dignity, accepted deeds, and happiness in this life and the next.
The khutbah in 6 steps
- Defines taqwa as obeying Allah's commands and avoiding prohibitions.
- Connects taqwa with worship, relationships, lawful conduct, and accountability.
- Explains that mistakes should be followed by good deeds and repentance.
- Presents taqwa as the basis of nobility, accepted actions, divine support, and peace.
- Applies the message to New Year's self-assessment and setting spiritual goals.
- Closes with Qur'anic recitation, repentance, prayers, and supplication.
Try this week
Pray five times daily.
Pay zakah, fast Ramadan, and perform hajj if able.
Be good to parents, spouses, children, neighbors, peers, and coworkers.
Avoid haram income, interest, usury, haram food, abusive speech, and poor character.
When making a mistake, follow it with charity, istighfar, or two rak'ahs.
Review personal worship and conduct, then set sincere goals to increase taqwa.
Quotes
In the khateeb's words
“Taqwa, O brothers and sisters, it is to do what Allah Ta'ala has commanded you to do and to stay away from what Allah Ta'ala has commanded you to stay away from.”
“None of that matters. With Allah Ta'ala, nobility is tied to one thing. It's taqwa.”
“Every single person, every single believer has room for improvement.”
Talk about it at home
For the dinner table
The khateeb taught that taqwa means being mindful of Allah by obeying His commands and avoiding what He forbids. It should shape our prayers, fasting, charity, family life, work, speech, and treatment of others. Because people make mistakes, we should follow a bad deed with a good deed, such as charity, istighfar, or prayer, and turn back to Allah. Taqwa is presented as the path to dignity before Allah, accepted deeds, and lasting happiness. As we make plans for the new year, we should honestly review where we are and choose ways to grow closer to Allah.
- What is one way we can remember Allah at home, school, or work this week?
- If we make a mistake, what good deed could we do next?
- What is one area where we want to improve this year?
Keep listening
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