NEW YEAR REFLECTIONS:
Hakeem Abdur Rahman
Friday, December 26, 2025 | 6 Rajab 1447
Theme: New Year Reflections — A Muslim Way Forward
🟫 FIRST KHUTBAH
Opening Praise
All praise is for Allah, the Lord of time, the Creator of days and nights.
We praise Him, seek His help, and ask His forgiveness.
We seek refuge in Allah from the evil of our souls and our wrong actions.
We send peace and blessings upon our beloved Prophet Muhammad ﷺ.
Introduction
Dear brothers and sisters,
We are approaching the end of the calendar year. Around us, many people are preparing for New Year celebrations — parties, countdowns, fireworks, and loud gatherings.
As Muslims living in this society, a common question arises:
👉 How should Muslims view the New Year?
👉 Do we celebrate it?
👉 What is the correct Islamic attitude?
Islam gives us a balanced, wise, and calm answer.
PART 1 — TIME IS A GREAT BLESSING
Allah reminds us that time itself is a sign of Him.
Allah says:
“By time, indeed mankind is in loss.”
— Surah Al-‘Asr 103:1–2
Every day that passes is a piece of our life that will never return.
A new year is not just a celebration — it is a reminder.
A reminder that:
We are getting older
Our deeds are being written
Our meeting with Allah is getting closer
For a believer, this creates reflection, not carelessness.
PART 2 — ISLAM DOES NOT CELEBRATE NEW YEAR AS A RELIGIOUS EVENT
Islam has its own calendar — the Hijri calendar — based on meaningful events like the Hijrah of the Prophet ﷺ.
Islam has two Eids, and they are enough for us.
The Prophet ﷺ said:
“Allah has replaced them for you with two better days: Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha.”
— Abu Dawood
So as Muslims:
We do not celebrate New Year as a religious festival
We do not copy religious or sinful customs
We do not feel pressured to imitate others
This is not anger or rejection — it is clarity of faith.
PART 3 — A MUSLIM WAY TO WELCOME A NEW YEAR
Brothers and sisters, Islam does not teach us to ignore the passing of time.
Instead, Islam teaches us to use moments like this wisely.
🌿 1. Reflection, not partying
Ask yourself:
Did I grow closer to Allah this year?
Did my character improve?
Did I pray better?
Did I treat people better?
The Prophet ﷺ said:
“The intelligent person is the one who holds himself accountable.”
— Tirmidhi
🌿 2. Repentance, not regret
Allah loves when we return to Him.
Allah says:
“O My servants, do not lose hope in the mercy of Allah.”
— Surah Az-Zumar 39:53
A new year is a chance to say:
“Ya Allah, forgive me.”
“Ya Allah, help me change.”
🌿 3. Intention, not empty resolutions
Many people make New Year resolutions — and forget them in weeks.
Islam teaches niyyah (intention) with action.
Make simple goals, such as:
Praying on time
Reading Qur’an regularly
Controlling anger
Being kind to family
Staying away from bad habits
Small steps, done sincerely, are beloved to Allah.
PART 4 — AVOIDING HARAM WHILE BEING RESPECTFUL
New Year celebrations often include:
Alcohol
Music and immorality
Mixed gatherings
Neglect of prayer
The Prophet ﷺ said:
“Whoever believes in Allah and the Last Day should stay away from harm.”
— Bukhari
Muslims should:
❌ Avoid sinful gatherings
❌ Avoid countdown parties
❌ Avoid peer pressure
But at the same time:
✅ Be polite
✅ Be respectful
✅ Be calm
✅ Be confident in Islam
Good manners are part of faith.
🟫 SECOND KHUTBAH
Living with Purpose in the Coming Year
Dear brothers and sisters,
A new year will come — whether we celebrate it or not.
The question is: Will we come closer to Allah, or farther away?
Allah says:
“So race toward forgiveness from your Lord.”
— Surah Al-Hadid 57:21
Let the coming year be:
A year of stronger prayer
A year of cleaner hearts
A year of better character
A year of mercy and patience
A Message for Parents and Youth
Parents: teach your children Islamic identity with love, not fear.
Youth: be proud of Islam — you do not need to copy others to belong.
Islam gives dignity, balance, and peace.
📿 DU‘A
O Allah, allow us to reach the coming year with faith and health.
O Allah, forgive our past mistakes and guide us in the future.
O Allah, help us use our time wisely and avoid what displeases You.
O Allah, protect our families and children from harmful influences.
O Allah, make the coming year better than the last.
O Allah, grant peace to the world and guide humanity to what is right.
Ameen.
🕌 Conclusion
Dear brothers and sisters,
For a Muslim, every new day is a new beginning.
We welcome time with gratitude, reflection, and obedience to Allah — not with carelessness.
May Allah make us among those who use time wisely.
Wa aqimis-salah.
If you’d like, I can also prepare:
✨ Colorful visual slides
✨ A one-page monitor poster
✨ A short khutbah summary for youth
Just tell me — I’ll prepare it beautifully for you 🤍
1