The Islamic calendarFrom the masjid's own video, Jan 2, 2026.
New year resolutions can draw you closer to Allah
“Our deen is a deen of optimism.”
In one sentence
New Year resolutions can become a religious practice when rooted in sincere repentance, hopeful striving, self-accountability, and concrete resolve to draw closer to Allah.
The khutbah in 6 steps
- Connects New Year resolutions with sincere repentance and resolve to change.
- Explains al-Ghazali’s concept of setting practical goals for daily, weekly, monthly, and yearly striving.
- Encourages hope, perseverance, and reliance on Allah after setbacks.
- Distinguishes contentment with Allah’s decree from complacency with one’s own self.
- Calls listeners to renew commitment to the Qur’an, worship, good character, and constant obedience.
- Closes with a supplication for positive change and lasting virtue.
Try this week
Make sincere tawbah by regretting past sins and resolving not to return to them.
Set ambitious but practical daily, weekly, monthly, and yearly goals, such as maintaining salah and avoiding backbiting.
Pursue beneficial things, seek Allah’s help, and continue after setbacks instead of giving up.
Renew commitment to the Qur’an, worship, good character, closeness to Allah, and steady obedience.
Leave arguments even when you are right and work toward better relationships.
Sources the khateeb cited
Quran 13:11Used to argue that meaningful change begins with changing what is within oneself.
Quran 29:69Used to connect striving with Allah’s guidance and opened paths.
Quran 39:53Used to encourage hope and reject despair in Allah’s mercy.
Surah 24Referenced through the vindication of Aisha to illustrate humility.
Quotes
In the khateeb's words
“This is Musharata. Setting goals for yourself. This is part of Mujahidah. If I'm going to strive in Allah's path, if I'm going to strive to be a better Muslim, it begins with setting goals.”
“the concept of making resolutions is very much part and parcel of our religious teachings.”
“Our deen is a deen of optimism. We are not people who dwell in the past. We are people who look forward to the future.”
“But when it comes to my own nafs, I am never satisfied.”
Talk about it at home
For the dinner table
The imam said a new year can be a useful moment to make sincere changes. In Islam, repentance includes feeling sorry for past wrongs and resolving not to return to them. He encouraged us to set ambitious but practical goals, stay hopeful after setbacks, and seek Allah’s help instead of giving up. We should be content with Allah’s decree while remaining humble and unsatisfied with our own shortcomings. The year ahead should bring us closer to the Qur’an, worship, good character, and steady obedience.
- What is one good habit you want to begin this week?
- How can we ask Allah for help after a setback?
- What does it mean to accept Allah’s decree while still working on ourselves?
Keep listening
More on the Islamic calendar
7:52Dar Alnoor · Manassas, VA · Jul 11, 2026Use summer to grow closer to Allah“This opportunity can make me a great Muslim, a great human being, or it can make me a very bad person, depending on how we use the summer.”
Never miss a salah during this free time.16:04Muslim Neighbour Nexus · Mississauga, ON · Jul 25, 2026Use summer time for what matters
EPIC · Plano, TX · Jul 3, 2026Honor Muharram through fasting and justice“We cannot even enter into Jannah if I have violated someone else's rights.”