Khutbah: Time to take ourselves into account before new year | Time to re-contemplate our lives in line with Qur’an and Sunnah

In the verse [Anbiya, 21/1], our Lord Almighty states, '˹The time of˺ people's judgment has drawn near, yet they are heedlessly turning away.' Life is like flowing water. A life begins with the adhan and ends with the sala like a leaf that turns green, then turns yellow and falls off. The sorrow of death is as real as the joy of birth, and a period of time has been allotted for all creation. It is stated in the Holy Qur'an as follows: ثُمَّ لَتُسْـَٔلُنَّ يَوْمَئِذٍ عَنِ النَّع۪يمِ 'Then, on that Day, you will definitely be questioned about your worldly pleasures.' [Takathur, 102/8] We are going to be questioned about our numbered breaths, our health, and the blessings of the world. There is a book of deeds that records all that we do, an infallible balance that will be established, and witnesses who will testify to the truth. We are about to leave another year of our lives behind. Now is the time to take ourselves into account before we are brought to account, and to review our deeds before they are weighed in the balance (mizan). It is the time to curb the desire for worldliness, waste, selfishness and unlimited consumption. It is the time to straighten our path and to find our direction. The world is a place of test and trial, and life is lived only once. Allah the Almighty (swt) will hold us to account for what we have done as well as what we have neglected and abandoned when we had the opportunity. So let us face ourselves before it is too late, that is, before our life comes to an end. Let us listen to our Lord (swt), Who states, 'On this Day We will seal their mouths. Their hands will speak to Us, and their feet will testify to what they used to commit.'[Ya-Sin, 36/65] and prepare for the Hereafter. Let us avoid all kinds of haram, evil, and unjust acts that violate the rights of other people. Let us show regret for our misdeeds and sins, and seek refuge in the vast mercy of Al-Rahman (the Entirely Merciful) through repentance and asking for forgiveness. I would like to conclude this Friday's khutbah with the following verse: 'O believers! Be mindful of Allah. Let every soul look to what deeds it has sent forth for tomorrow. And fear Allah, for certainly Allah is All-Aware of what you do.'[Hashr, 59/18]