16:00 Ramadan comes to teach…85:35 We need to make a time…
Ramadan & fastingFrom the masjid's own video, Feb 13, 2026.

Ramadan preparation begins before fasting

Bayonne Muslims

“Ramadan comes to teach us how to travel through this life, not avoid it.”

The khateeb, at 16:00

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In one sentence

Ramadan is a God-given opportunity to attain taqwa and transform one's life, so believers should prepare beforehand through sincere intention, obligatory worship, fasting, Quran, dua, self-discipline, and consistent good deeds.

The khutbah in 6 steps

  1. Introduces Ramadan preparation through the story of two companions, emphasizing the spiritual value of gaining an additional Ramadan and year of worship.
  2. Defines taqwa as guarding oneself from disbelief, sin, doubtful matters, excess, and anything that displaces Allah from the heart.
  3. Explains that Ramadan should prioritize obligatory worship, add voluntary deeds, and establish a healing relationship with the Quran.
  4. Frames Sha'ban as the practice period for Laylat al-Qadr and urges preparation through intention, fasting, salah, Quran, and dua.
  5. Calls listeners to control anger, pride, desires, speech, distractions, and relationships while building habits of adhkar and consistent charity.
  6. Closes with prayers for oppressed Muslims, reminders about Ramadan logistics, community iftars, giving, and participation in communal worship.
Try this week
Make a sincere intention to change before Ramadan.
Prioritize and perfect obligatory prayers, especially praying on time and in congregation when possible.
Add voluntary prayers gradually, including Sunnah prayers and night prayer.
Fast regularly in Sha'ban and continue fasting beyond Ramadan when possible.
Read the Quran now, beginning with a page or two daily, and build toward a Ramadan khatm.
Make dua regularly, including asking Allah to reach Ramadan.
Control anger, pride, jealousy, speech, gaze, hearing, hands, and feet.
Reconcile with relatives and friends with whom relationships have been severed.
Memorize and practice adhkar incrementally.
Give sadaqah consistently rather than waiting for one night.
Create a time-management plan and reduce phone and social-media distractions.
Sources the khateeb cited
Surah 51Used to argue that repeated reminders benefit believers.
Sunan Ibn MajahThe story of Talha's dream illustrates how an extra Ramadan and year of worship can elevate a person's rank.
Surah 2Used to explain that fasting is prescribed so believers may attain taqwa.
Sahih al-BukhariThe hadith qudsi prioritizes obligatory deeds, followed by voluntary deeds that bring Allah's love.
Surah 10Used to describe the Quran as healing, guidance, and mercy for the believers.
Quotes

In the khateeb's words

“Ramadan comes to teach us how to travel through this life, not avoid it, how to travel through this life, but to do it with a primary focus on Allah subhanahu wa ta'ala and the Akhirah.”
Bayonne Muslims · Bayonne, NJ
Play from 16:00
“We need to make a time management plan. We need to plan out this routine. We need to put a plan.”
Bayonne Muslims · Bayonne, NJ
Play from 85:35
Talk about it at home

For the dinner table

Ramadan is a precious opportunity to grow closer to Allah and become people of taqwa. The khutbah reminded us that preparation should begin before Ramadan through prayer, fasting, Quran, dua, and sincere intention. We should also work on our character by controlling anger, repairing relationships, limiting distractions, and giving regularly. Small acts done consistently can prepare our hearts for the greater opportunities of Ramadan and Laylat al-Qadr. The goal is not merely to finish Ramadan, but to become better people afterward.

  1. What is one habit you could begin before Ramadan to make worship easier?
  2. Which distraction would you like to reduce during Sha'ban?
  3. How can our family practice consistent giving or reconciliation together?
Where it was given

The masjid

Bayonne Muslims109 E 24th Street, Bayonne, NJ 07002Jumu'ah 1:15 PMArchiveAll khutbahs at Bayonne Muslims38 khutbahs
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