Ramadan & fastingFrom the masjid's own video, Jan 9, 2026.
Use Ramadan to build lasting habits
In one sentence
Ramadan should be approached as a final opportunity to honestly assess one’s relationship with Allah and turn lofty intentions about fasting, Quran, and charity into concrete habits.
The khutbah in 5 steps
- Frames the approaching Ramadan as a grateful opportunity and a final habit-building window.
- Presents fasting as sincere worship and describes fasting and the Quran as accepted intercessors.
- Defines Ramadan’s goal as taqwa and urges self-assessment of obligations, sins, sunnah, and disliked actions.
- Recommends practical preparation through healthier meals, Quranic understanding, and ambitious charity goals.
- Encourages direct care for needy people and closes with prayers for reaching Ramadan and relief for the oppressed.
Try this week
Assess your current performance of obligations and avoidance of haram, then consider sunnah practices and disliked actions.
Set ambitious Ramadan intentions and begin building toward them before Ramadan.
Discuss with family how to reduce fried foods and desserts so meals do not undermine worship energy.
Read, understand, and live by the Quran, including learning the meaning and explanation of frequently recited passages.
Set financial goals for the akhirah and give beyond the minimum where possible.
Feed poor people, spend time with orphans, and directly support needy community members such as single mothers.
Sources the khateeb cited
Musnad AhmadUsed to teach that feeding the poor and caring for orphans can soften a hard heart.
Quotes
In the khateeb's words
“Make lofty intentions. In the same way that we set financial goals for the dunya, set financial goals for the akhirah.”
“It means to spend time with those who have less than us. And in doing so, we will be able to gain a deeper appreciation of what we have.”
Talk about it at home
For the dinner table
The khutbah reminds us to welcome Ramadan with gratitude and preparation. It invites us to look honestly at our relationship with Allah and notice where we need to grow. Fasting should shape our bodies, hearts, and character, while the Quran should be understood and lived. We can prepare by improving our meals, setting Quran goals, planning generous charity, and helping people in need directly. The sermon also asks us to remember Muslims suffering around the world in our prayers.
- What is one good habit you want to begin before Ramadan?
- How can our meals help us worship instead of making us too tired?
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