True honor comes through taqwa
“Taqwa is being mindful of Allah.”
True honor with Allah comes through taqwa and full submission like that of Ibrahim (AS), and the remaining days of Dhul-Hijjah, especially Yawm al-Arafah, are an immediate opportunity to attain it through fasting and good deeds.
The khutbah in 7 steps
- Opening adhan and standard Arabic khutbah preamble with ayat on taqwa
- What gave Ibrahim his status, not followers, wealth, or fame, but taqwa
- Defining taqwa: beyond fear of Allah, constant mindfulness that Allah sees and hears
- Ibrahim's sacrifices: leaving his people, responding to his father with peace, the command to sacrifice Ismail
- The rewards of taqwa: a way out, unexpected provision, Allah's love and protection
- Fasting as the prescribed means to taqwa, tied to the remaining days of Dhul-Hijjah
- Exhortation to fast the remaining days and Yawm al-Arafah, increase dua, closing supplications
In the khateeb's words
“Taqwa is being mindful of Allah. It's being mindful of Allah's attributes. That Allah is seeing you constantly.”
“And whoever has taqwa of Allah, Allah will make for him a way out.”
“That the best days in this dunya, not just the year or the week, the best days in the entire dunya are these days of the Hijjah which we are in currently.”
“So let's make the intention now to fast the rest of the days as long as we are capable.”
For the dinner table
The khateeb reminded us that Prophet Ibrahim (AS) was special to Allah not because of followers, wealth, or status, but because of his taqwa, his mindful awareness of Allah. He showed us that taqwa means remembering that Allah sees us, knows what is in our hearts, and hears what we say. Ibrahim obeyed Allah immediately, left his homeland for Allah's sake, and even accepted the test of sacrificing his son without complaint. Because of that submission, Allah made him a close friend, provided for him, and blessed the world through his lineage. The khateeb also encouraged us to make the most of the remaining days of Dhul Hijjah, especially fasting on the Day of Arafah, because these are the best days for good deeds. May Allah make us among those who submit to Him with trust, gratitude, and taqwa.
- What is one small thing you can give up today to show Allah you love Him more than your own wants?
- How would you act differently right now if you remembered that Allah can see you and hear you?
- Can you think of one good deed our family can do together before the Day of Arafah?
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