Ramadan & fastingFrom the masjid's own video, Jun 23, 2015.
Ramadan should build character and unity
“We are an ocean, but our drops are scattered.”
In one sentence
Ramadan should cultivate taqwa by turning Quranic teachings into respectful, compassionate character and unified community service.
The khutbah in 6 steps
- Introduces Ramadan and contrasts the Quran as a book with the Prophet as a living Quran.
- Explains that fasting is intended to produce taqwa, which grows through respect for Allah's signs.
- Diagnoses lost respect toward Allah, the Prophet, family, elders, masajid, and community members.
- Calls for mutual love through salam, sincerity, kindness to creation, cleanliness, and service.
- Argues that scattered Muslims become strong when they unite and put aside differences.
- Uses Habib al-Najjar's story to encourage collaborative da'wah and positive social change.
Try this week
Move forward in the masjid to fill vacant spaces.
Fast, attend taraweeh and qiyam, and read or listen to the Quran.
Say salam to every person, not only people already known.
Serve others sincerely without expecting payment or thanks.
Remove litter and debris from shared spaces.
Work together in the community, put aside differences, and promote love and compassion.
Quotes
In the khateeb's words
“Nabi sallallahu alayhi wa sallam Was the Quran You want to know his character? He was the Quran”
“An orphan is not one whose father has died But an orphan is the one who has no manners”
“Every ocean begins with a drop We are an ocean But our drops are scattered We are a mountain But our pebbles are scattered”
“Our society Preaches love But if we cannot Love ourselves How are we going To love Anyone else?”
Talk about it at home
For the dinner table
The khutbah teaches that Ramadan is meant to grow taqwa, not merely repeat fasting and Quran recitation. The Prophet is presented as a living example of the Quran, so faith should appear through respect, good manners, kindness, and patience. We are urged to greet everyone with salam, serve others without needing thanks, remove harm from shared spaces, and care for creation. The community becomes strong when people put aside differences and work together. The goal is a society shaped by love and compassion, with hate and violence removed.
- Who could you greet with salam this week?
- What is one helpful act you could do without being thanked?
- How can our family help bring people together?
Keep listening
More on Ramadan & fasting
Fast the six days of Shawwal.20:06SALAM Arden · Sacramento, CA · Apr 3, 2026Six Shawwal fasts can earn a year
The most valuable thing is time.16:36NWIIC · Crown Point, IN · Apr 3, 2026Carry Ramadan’s taqwa throughout the year
Every single day you are doing something to make Allah happy.26:16ISGW · Worcester, MA · Apr 3, 2026Turn Ramadan’s remainder into lasting worship