7:30 Allah does not make…21:11 That makes it haram to…25:32 If you do not plan it,…27:15 Do not be among those…
Ramadan & fastingFrom the masjid's own video, Feb 6, 2026.

Plan Ramadan around Allah's forgiveness

Mecca Center · Ahmed Arafat

“Allah does not make forgiveness conditioned on a perfect person or a polished heart.”

The khateeb, at 7:30

Watch the khutbahFamily kit
In one sentence

Ramadan is a divinely designed season of forgiveness, so believers should reject shame, return to Allah as they are, and deliberately plan fasting, prayer, Qur'an, du'a, and remembrance to receive His mercy.

The khutbah in 6 steps

  1. Uses the image of dying thirsty beside available water to frame neglecting Ramadan's forgiveness.
  2. Presents Ramadan as a season of divine grace, citing prophetic encouragement, fasting, night prayer, and Laylat al-Qadr.
  3. Explains that shame and feeling unworthy are strategies of shaytan that keep people from Allah and the community.
  4. Expounds the Qur'anic invitation to sinners: do not despair, because Allah forgives all sins and welcomes those who return.
  5. Gives a practical Ramadan plan involving intentional fasting, moderate eating, Taraweeh, Qur'an or tafsir, du'a before Maghrib, and adhkar.
  6. Closes by urging listeners not to refuse mercy and praying for Ramadan, guidance, and people in Gaza and Palestine.
Try this week
Plan Ramadan now with forgiveness as the central goal.
Fast intentionally during the daytime.
Eat moderately after Maghrib.
Attend Taraweeh.
Recite a portion of the Qur'an daily, or listen to tafsir for 30 minutes if needed.
Reserve five minutes before Maghrib for du'a.
Add adhkar to the daily Ramadan routine.
Return to Allah in repentance instead of giving up because of past or ongoing sins.
Quotes

In the khateeb's words

“Allah does not make forgiveness conditioned on a perfect person or a polished heart.”
Mecca Center · Willowbrook, IL
Play from 7:30
“That makes it haram to think that Allah will not forgive you when you come back to Him.”
Mecca Center · Willowbrook, IL
Play from 21:11
“If you do not plan it, you will not be able to benefit from Ramadan. So one big question for you to answer today is: What do you want from Ramadan?”
Mecca Center · Willowbrook, IL
Play from 25:32
“Do not be among those who refuse this tender invitation of forgiveness and mercy. And rather be vigilant and plan it very well.”
Mecca Center · Willowbrook, IL
Play from 27:15
Talk about it at home

For the dinner table

Ramadan is coming as a special season when Allah makes forgiveness and mercy especially available. We do not need to become perfect before returning to Allah; we should come back sincerely and refuse to let shame keep us away. We can make Ramadan purposeful by fasting with intention, praying Taraweeh, reading or listening to Qur'an, making du'a before Maghrib, and adding adhkar. The goal is to seek forgiveness and Allah's love, allowing the month to help us start again. The sermon ended with prayers for guidance, reaching Ramadan with devotion, and relief and protection for people in Gaza and Palestine.

  1. What is one way you can prepare your heart for Ramadan before it begins?
  2. Which part of the Ramadan plan, fasting, prayer, Qur'an, du'a, or adhkar, would you most like to strengthen?
  3. Why do you think the speaker compared refusing Allah’s mercy to refusing water when thirsty?
Where it was given

The masjid

The Mecca Center16W560 91st Street, Willowbrook, IL 60527Jumu'ah 1:00 PM & 2:30 PMKhateebAhmed ArafatMore khutbahsArchiveAll khutbahs at Mecca Center37 khutbahs
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