Ramadan & fastingFrom the masjid's own video, Jan 23, 2026.

Prepare for Ramadan to build taqwa

“The reason why Allah has sent Ramadan is so that we can bring taqwa into our lives.”

The khateeb, at 18:09

In one sentence

Ramadan should be approached with deliberate spiritual and practical preparation so that its fasting produces taqwa, improved character, generosity, and lasting change rather than passing rituals.

The khutbah in 6 steps

  1. Urges early preparation for Ramadan through the metaphor of rain falling on fertile soil.
  2. Explains Ramadan’s forgiveness and compares consistent preparation to a farmer preparing for harvest.
  3. Uses the Prophet’s increased Ramadan generosity to call for visible improvement in conduct.
  4. Warns that fasting without abandoning anger, vile speech, and ignorance may bring little benefit.
  5. Calls families to set measurable Quran, habit, and character goals before Ramadan.
  6. Closes with specific planning advice, prayers for a blessed Ramadan, and an appeal to support Masjid Bilal’s debt.
Try this week
Discuss Ramadan preparation and goals with children and family.
Begin Quran recitation before Ramadan rather than waiting for the month to start.
Create a quantified worship plan, including a target for Quran completions.
Identify harmful habits such as anger or poor manners and plan concrete steps to change them.
Work on removing resentment toward fellow Muslims before Ramadan begins.
Donate toward Masjid Bilal’s qard hasan debt, as requested by the speaker.
Quotes

In the khateeb's words

“whoever does not leave any of this out then Allah has no need for this person to leave out his food and his drink his fasting will not benefit him his qiyam will not benefit him”
ICLI · Westbury, NY
Play from 12:31
“ramadan is not only about the external it's not only about worshipping Allah subhanahu wa ta'ala but ramadan is about the change that it is supposed to bring to our hearts”
ICLI · Westbury, NY
Play from 13:09
“we should not forget the reason why Allah has sent fasting as an obligation that the reason why Allah has sent ramadan is so that we can bring taqwa into our lives”
ICLI · Westbury, NY
Play from 18:09
Talk about it at home

For the dinner table

Ramadan is approaching, and the khutbah asks us to prepare our hearts and schedules before the month begins. We can sit with our families, start reciting Quran now, identify habits to change, and set measurable worship goals. The Prophet’s example shows that Ramadan should make us more generous, kinder, and visibly better in how we speak and act. Fasting is meant to grow God-consciousness, or taqwa, so avoiding anger, vile speech, and resentment matters as much as hunger and prayer. The speaker also invited the congregation to help Masjid Bilal repay its debt.

  1. What is one kind action you want Ramadan to make easier for you?
  2. If we made a family Ramadan to-do list, what would you put on it?
  3. How can we show that Ramadan changed how we speak when we get upset?