The New Year Is a New Beginning

Happy New Year — 2026.
I hope and pray that this year brings blessings to you and your families. As we begin this new year, let us renew our intention to draw closer to Allah Ta‘ala, to care for our health, and to live in peace—within ourselves and with those around us.

As we step into 2026, let us pray that Allah brings peace and stability to our brothers and sisters across the world who are facing war, poverty, displacement, and hardship. And let us hope and pray that this year becomes a year in which more hearts are guided to Islam, and in which we ourselves become more active in promoting justice, fairness, and an equitable society.

Allah Ta‘ala reminds us in the Qur’an:
“These are the days We alternate among the people.” (Qur’an 3:140)
And He says:
“Allah causes the night and the day to alternate.” (Qur’an 24:44)

The scholars explain that these verses teach us that power, hardship, ease, victory, and loss all shift—just like the turning of day and night. Nothing remains fixed except Allah Himself. This understanding becomes a source of deep hope for those under oppression, those facing illness, and those enduring any form of difficulty. Change is always possible, and Allah’s help is always near.

The Prophet ﷺ also reminded us of this divine rhythm of life when he said:
“Know that victory comes with patience, relief comes with distress, and ease comes with hardship.” (Hadith, Tirmidhi)

As we welcome this new year, let us couple our hope with action. Let us strive to fill our days with deeds that bring us closer to Allah—acts of worship, acts of service, acts of justice, and acts of compassion. Let us work toward noble goals, meaningful contributions, and efforts that will be rewarded in this life and the next.

May Allah bless this new year for all of us, guide our steps, strengthen our hearts, and make 2026 a year of goodness, healing, and positive change.
Ameen.