6:46 The purpose of this…8:38 Every moment is an…
Repentance & taqwaFrom the masjid's own video, Jan 16, 2026.

Ramadan fasting should shape every choice

IAR Atwater · Obaidullah Ahmad

“The purpose of this fasting is so that you all can exercise taqwa.”

The khateeb, at 6:46

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In one sentence

Ramadan fasting is a means of cultivating taqwa, an active awareness of Allah that guides decisions, while dua keeps believers connected to Allah with hope, humility, and trust.

The khutbah in 6 steps

  1. Fasting’s purpose is taqwa, an active God-consciousness that changes decisions.
  2. Ramadan’s defining feature is the Qur’an as guidance for life.
  3. Allah is near, hears dua, and calls believers to respond through obedience.
  4. Dua may be answered directly, saved for the Hereafter, or used to avert harm.
  5. Believers should make dua frequently, specifically, vulnerably, hopefully, and with sincere repentance.
  6. The khutbah closes with trust in Allah’s power, prayers for suffering Muslims, and a janaza announcement.
Try this week
Make dua when beginning the fast and spend two to five minutes making dua before iftar.
Keep a list of specific needs, worries, hopes, and character goals to bring into dua.
Turn to Allah first when feeling confused, hopeless, lonely, or stressed.
Make dua specifically and vulnerably rather than only using general requests.
Seek forgiveness sincerely, commit not to repeat wrongdoing, and remain hopeful in Allah’s forgiveness.
Ask with conviction while remaining flexible and trusting Allah’s knowledge and answer.
Sources the khateeb cited
Surah 2Fasting is prescribed so believers may develop taqwa.
Surah 2Ramadan is the month in which the Qur’an was revealed as guidance, and Allah is near and responsive to callers.
Quotes

In the khateeb's words

“The purpose of this fasting is so that you all can exercise taqwa. This quality, this action of God consciousness.”
IAR Atwater · Southwest Raleigh, NC
Play from 6:46
“Every moment is an opportunity. And it's taqwa that allows us to make more right decisions.”
IAR Atwater · Southwest Raleigh, NC
Play from 8:38
Talk about it at home

For the dinner table

The khutbah teaches that Ramadan fasting is not only about going without food and drink; it is meant to grow taqwa, an awareness of Allah that helps us choose what is right. The Qur’an is Ramadan’s central guide, and Allah is close to anyone who calls on Him. Dua is never wasted: Allah may give what we ask, save its reward for the Hereafter, or protect us from harm. We should make dua throughout the day, especially at the beginning of the fast and before iftar, speaking honestly and specifically about our needs. We should ask with hope, seek forgiveness sincerely, and trust Allah’s wisdom even when His answer looks different from ours.

  1. What is one everyday decision where taqwa could help you change course?
  2. What would you put on your Ramadan dua list?
  3. How can we stay hopeful when Allah answers differently than we expected?
Where it was given

The masjid

Islamic Association of Raleigh, Atwater Campus808 Atwater St, Raleigh, NC 27607Jumu'ah 1st shift 11:30 AM · 2nd shift 1:00 PM · 3rd shift 3:00 PMKhateebObaidullah AhmadMore khutbahsArchiveAll khutbahs at IAR Atwater39 khutbahs
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