11:43 the fasting is to give…12:55 it liberates you the…
Ramadan & fastingFrom the masjid's own video, Sep 3, 2025.

Prepare early for a transformative Ramadan

Al Aqsa Community

“The fasting is to give you self-confidence.”

The khateeb, at 11:43

Watch the khutbahFamily kit
In one sentence

The khutbah argues that Muslims should prepare deliberately for Ramadan well before it begins so fasting transforms their self-control, worship, family life, and service to the wider community.

The khutbah in 6 steps

  1. Uses the beginning of Sha'ban and a reported supplication to introduce advance preparation for Ramadan.
  2. Explains spiritual, mental, financial, social, and household preparation, including reducing distractions and freeing time.
  3. Reframes fasting as training for self-control over the body, limbs, senses, and thoughts.
  4. Urges listeners to set Ramadan goals, share them with loved ones, and pursue lasting personal and communal change.
  5. Calls the mosque community to volunteer, respect neighbors through responsible parking, and support community projects.
  6. Encourages local civic participation, voting, and attention to issues affecting Muslim children.
Try this week
Begin preparing during Sha'ban by gradually reducing unnecessary media, social activity, and digital distractions.
Arrange work and finances to free Ramadan time, especially the last ten days and nights, and give charity.
Fast during Rajab and Sha'ban, read at least one Qur'an page daily, and begin or review memorization.
Increase dhikr, reduce idle talk, and arrive at the mosque five minutes earlier than usual.
Set daily Ramadan goals, share them with loved ones, and encourage children with appropriate rewards.
Guard the eyes, ears, hands, legs, and thoughts from prohibited activities.
Support mosque volunteers, park only in designated areas, participate in local civic life, and learn about issues affecting children.
Quotes

In the khateeb's words

“the fasting is to give you self-confidence self-control self-respect and that's these are the qualities that you see”
Al Aqsa Community · Plainfield, IL
Play from 11:43
“it liberates you the month of Ramadan come to liberates you from the slavery of not humanity but your own self”
Al Aqsa Community · Plainfield, IL
Play from 12:55
Talk about it at home

For the dinner table

The khutbah encourages us to prepare for Ramadan before it begins, rather than waiting for the first day. We can simplify our schedules, reduce distractions, make time for the Qur'an and remembrance, and plan financially and at home so the month can have a lasting effect. Fasting is meant to train not only our stomachs but also our eyes, ears, hands, legs, and thoughts, helping us grow in self-control and self-respect. We are encouraged to set clear goals, share them with our families, and support one another in worship. The speaker also reminded us to serve volunteers, be considerate neighbors, participate responsibly in local civic life, and stay attentive to issues affecting children. The overall message is that a transformed Ramadan should make us better servants of Allah and better members of our community.

  1. Which Ramadan goal would help you grow in self-control?
  2. How could our family serve the masjid or our neighbors?
Where it was given

The masjid

Al Aqsa Community Center17940 S. Bronk Rd, Plainfield, IL 60586Jumu'ah 1st: 1:05 PM 2nd: 2:05 PMArchiveAll khutbahs at Al Aqsa Community37 khutbahs
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