8:44 Character is key for…14:25 It's that you want to…20:14 Which character flaw…
Ramadan & fastingFrom the masjid's own video, Feb 6, 2026.

Ramadan begins with better character

MCC · Amer Tobing
Watch the khutbahFamily kit
In one sentence

Preparing for Ramadan means cultivating good character in everyday relationships, because lasting spiritual success requires pairing worship with intentional behavioral change.

The khutbah in 5 steps

  1. Prepare for Ramadan now with concrete worship plans and action, not passive tawakkul.
  2. Understand fasting as taqwa and character, not merely hunger or ritual.
  3. Practice good character first with family, then with neighbors and the wider community.
  4. Recognize that character demonstrates spiritual growth, protects good deeds, and leads toward Jannah.
  5. Prepare body and mind, choose one character flaw to address, and make dua to reach Ramadan.
Try this week
Begin a concrete Ramadan plan now instead of waiting for the month to begin.
Choose one character flaw to work on during Ramadan.
Practice patience, apology, and good manners first with family, then with neighbors and others.
Seek friends who fast, pray qiyam, give sadaqah, and challenge you toward worship.
Run or work out to energize yourself before writing your Ramadan strategy.
Sources the khateeb cited
Surah 2Fasting is prescribed so believers may gain taqwa, or awareness of Allah.
Quotes

In the khateeb's words

“Character is key for success. And the sign for spiritual growth, the sign for spiritual growth is your change in your behavior, and how you are.”
MCC · Silver Spring, MD
Play from 8:44
“It's that you want to find friends that are going to elevate you.”
MCC · Silver Spring, MD
Play from 14:25
“Which character flaw do you think you can work on during the month of Ramadan?”
MCC · Silver Spring, MD
Play from 20:14
Talk about it at home

For the dinner table

Ramadan is meant to change more than our eating schedule or prayer checklist; it should make our character better. The first place to practice patience, kindness, apology, and good manners is at home, then those qualities should reach neighbors and the wider community. The khutbah warns that worship can be undermined by lying, arguing, and harming others, while good character is weighty before Allah. We are encouraged to keep friends who raise our worship and to quietly imitate people who serve. Before Ramadan, choose one character flaw to work on and prepare yourself with energy, movement, and a clear plan.

  1. What is one kind or patient action you could practice at home this week?
  2. Which friend or family member helps you become a better Muslim?
  3. What character habit would you like to improve during Ramadan?
Where it was given

The masjid

Muslim Community Center15200 New Hampshire Ave, Silver Spring, MD 20905Jumu'ah Adhan 12:00 PM and 1:15 PM (standard time, through March 13, 2027; 1:00 PM and 2:15 PM during daylight saving time)KhateebAmer TobingMore khutbahsArchiveAll khutbahs at MCC77 khutbahs
Keep listening

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