14:55 There is no other path…23:31 If you will not…
Ramadan & fastingFrom the masjid's own video, Jan 23, 2026.

Ramadan victory requires disciplining desire

MJUM · Zayd Sharief

“If you will not conquer the desire, the desire will conquer your heart.”

The khateeb, at 23:31

Watch the khutbahFamily kit
In one sentence

True victory in Ramadan comes from submitting to Allah and steadily disciplining the nafs by confronting desires through struggle, sacrifice, and reliance on Allah.

The khutbah in 6 steps

  1. The Prophet’s supplications identify internal threats: a hard heart, an insatiable self, useless knowledge, and ineffective prayer.
  2. Time and life circumstances reveal a person’s condition, so spiritual protection requires effort and sacrifice.
  3. As Ramadan approaches, practices must begin in Sha’ban because what starts beforehand is what grows in Ramadan.
  4. Difficulty in obedience can itself be a blessed path to spiritual growth and closeness to Allah.
  5. Desire can overpower reason, so believers must recognize their weakness, seek Allah’s help, dislike sin, and practice discipline.
  6. Listeners are urged to choose a personal struggle to conquer before Ramadan and prepare intentionally.
Try this week
Begin a meaningful spiritual practice before Ramadan so it can grow during Ramadan.
Identify one desire or habit to conquer and make a plan to confront it.
Train yourself to see sins, especially backbiting, as disgusting and avoid them.
Practice discipline throughout life, not only during Ramadan, while asking Allah for strength and tawfiq.
Sources the khateeb cited
Surah 2Fasting is discussed as ease, prompting reflection on spiritual growth rather than physical comfort.
Quotes

In the khateeb's words

“There is no other path to Allah except accepting this fact that we have to submit to Allah's orders whether it feels easy or not.”
MJUM · Pembroke Pines, FL
Play from 14:55
“If you will not conquer the desire, the desire will conquer your heart.”
MJUM · Pembroke Pines, FL
Play from 23:31
Talk about it at home

For the dinner table

The khateeb reminded us that we need Allah’s protection from struggles inside ourselves, including a hard heart and a self that always wants more. He explained that dua goes together with effort, discipline, and sacrifice. He encouraged us to begin good habits before Ramadan so they have time to grow. The difficulty of fasting, giving, or leaving a sin can help us grow closer to Allah, even when it feels uncomfortable at first. As a family, we can each choose something to work on, ask Allah for help, and encourage one another along the way.

  1. What is one good habit you would like to start before Ramadan?
  2. When you keep wanting more of something, what helps you feel thankful for what you already have?
  3. How could our family help each other make a good choice when it feels difficult?
Where it was given

The masjid

Jamaat ul Muttaqeen1010 SW 196th Avenue, Pembroke Pines, FL 33029KhateebZayd ShariefMore khutbahsArchiveAll khutbahs at MJUM35 khutbahs
Keep listening

More on Ramadan & fasting

All on this topic
Fast the six days of Shawwal.20:06SALAM Arden · Sacramento, CA · Apr 3, 2026Six Shawwal fasts can earn a yearThe most valuable thing is time.16:36NWIIC · Crown Point, IN · Apr 3, 2026Carry Ramadan’s taqwa throughout the yearEvery single day you are doing something to make Allah happy.26:16ISGW · Worcester, MA · Apr 3, 2026Turn Ramadan’s remainder into lasting worship