As of Sunday, we will have reached the year 1446 in the Hijri calendar, which is the calendar of us Muslims. We pray to the Allah (swt) that the Islamic New Year brings goodness to the entire Muslim world and humanity, and that we witness days when the oppressed and suffering regions attain peace.
The term "aqriba" refers to individuals who are close to a person in terms of lineage. The word "aqriba" is of Arabic origin and is the plural form of the word "qarib," which means "close".[1]
The Friday prayer is not just a form of worship for us but also an opportunity to reinforce our social unity and togetherness. In the khutba, as a requirement of this unity, we are reminded of Islam's commands and prohibitions and important advice is given for our happiness in this world and the hereafter.
Today, we observe the second of the two Eids in the Islamic world, Eid al-Adha. May your Eid be blessed! On this occasion, we are once again reminded, like Ibrahim (as) , Ismail (as), and Hajar (as), of the importance of surrendering to Allah, earning His pleasure and shaping our lives according to His commandments.
We are experiencing days of light upon light, joy upon joy. Tomorrow is the day of Arafah and the day after is Eid. No matter how much we praise Allah, it will never be enough.
The pilgrimage (Hajj) is not only an act of worship for us believers but also a spiritual journey. Hajj is performed at specific times and places as prescribed by Allah (swt). It is observed in the regions of Mecca, Mina, Arafat and Muzdalifah on the 8th, 9th, and 10th days of the month of Dhu al-Hijjah.
Allah (swt), by virtue of His name Al-Khaliq, created the universe perfectly out of nothing. In this universe, whose extent and bounds we are incapable of discovering, He made the world in the most beautiful way for His servants. He entrusted its cultivation and renewal to the children of Prophet Adam
