9:41 Sin has never been…14:56 If you loved Allah Who…20:17 dhikr brings light…
Ramadan & fastingFrom the masjid's own video, Jan 23, 2026.

Dhikr awakens the heart for Ramadan

ICNVT · Omar Popal
Watch the khutbahFamily kit
In one sentence

Preparing for Ramadan in Sha'ban begins by awakening from heedlessness through abundant dhikr, which revives the heart, strengthens resilience, and brings light to the household.

The khutbah in 6 steps

  1. The blessing of Jumu'ah and forgiveness leads into preparing spiritually for Ramadan during Sha'ban.
  2. Heedlessness is contrasted with an awakened heart that remembers Allah abundantly.
  3. Dhikr is presented as protection against modern temptations and spiritual preparation amid suffering in Gaza, Palestine, and Sudan.
  4. Love of Allah, cultivated through remembrance, helps believers endure family, work, and everyday hardships.
  5. Listeners are urged to practice brief dhikr anytime, follow prophetic supplications, and set reminders.
  6. Homes should be filled with Qur'an, dhikr, family learning, and remembrance of the Prophet.
Try this week
Fill Sha'ban with regular dhikr and Qur'an recitation.
Use brief phrases such as SubhanAllah, Alhamdulillah, Allahu Akbar, La ilaha illallah, and Astaghfirullah throughout the day.
Do not postpone dhikr because of busyness or lack of wudu.
Practice the Prophet's morning and evening supplications and send blessings upon him.
Set reminders for dhikr.
Recite Qur'an, make du'a, teach beneficial knowledge, and read the seerah together at home.
Do what you can to provide financial support for people in Gaza and Palestine.
Quotes

In the khateeb's words

“Sin has never been more accessible Haram has never been more accessible Nastiness has never been more accessible Lewdness has never been more accessible Unshameful things Have never been more accessible”
ICNVT · Fairfax, VA
Play from 9:41
“If you loved Allah Who cares? I exist for Allah And I love Allah And if Allah is happy I'm happy If Allah is upset I'm upset”
ICNVT · Fairfax, VA
Play from 14:56
“dhikr brings light into the house dhikr brings light into every room in the house”
ICNVT · Fairfax, VA
Play from 20:17
Talk about it at home

For the dinner table

Jumu'ah is a precious gift, and Sha'ban is a chance to prepare our hearts for Ramadan. The khateeb taught that remembering Allah wakes us from heedlessness and brings Allah's special care, strength, and protection. Dhikr can help us face temptations, family challenges, work troubles, and grief with a heart anchored in Allah. Our homes should also be places of Qur'an, prayer, learning, love for the Prophet, and regular remembrance. We can begin with small phrases and simple reminders, then grow steadily.

  1. How can remembering Allah help when something upsetting happens?
  2. What could make our home feel more filled with light and remembrance?
Where it was given

The masjid

Islamic Center of Northern Virginia Trust4420 Shirley Gate Rd, Fairfax, VA 22030Jumu'ah 11:30 AM · 1:15 PM · 2:15 PMKhateebOmar PopalMore khutbahsArchiveAll khutbahs at ICNVT108 khutbahs
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