Ramadan & fastingFrom the masjid's own video, Sep 3, 2025.
Use Sha'ban to prepare for Ramadan
“From now, we need to get our tongues used to reciting large amounts of Qur'an.”
In one sentence
Muslims should use Sha'ban to appreciate life's uncertainty, build love and anticipation for Ramadan, and prepare through fasting, Qur'an recitation, dhikr, dua, and family teaching.
The khutbah in 6 steps
- Opens with the dua for reaching Ramadan and emphasizes that life is not guaranteed.
- Explains the importance of creating excitement and anticipation for Ramadan within oneself and one's family.
- Urges parents to cultivate love and understanding in children rather than relying on force or punishment.
- Recommends daily home teaching about Ramadan's virtues and rewards to build self-motivation.
- Presents Sha'ban as a time to make up missed fasts and add voluntary fasting.
- Encourages gradual preparation through Qur'an recitation, dhikr, and dua before Ramadan begins.
Try this week
Make dua for Allah to allow you to witness and benefit from Ramadan.
Establish daily ta'lim at home using hadith or a book about Ramadan's virtues.
Teach children the rewards and meaning behind worship instead of relying on coercion.
Use Sha'ban to make up missed obligatory fasts.
Add voluntary fasting, such as on the 13th, 14th, and 15th or Mondays and Thursdays.
Gradually increase Qur'an recitation before Ramadan, along with dhikr and dua.
Sources the khateeb cited
Sahih al-BukhariUsed to support fasting frequently during Sha'ban.
Sunan an-Nasa'iUsed to explain Sha'ban as a month of heedlessness when extra fasting is meritorious.
Quotes
In the khateeb's words
“That just because I'm alive in the month of Rajam, or I've made it to Shaaban, does not guarantee me life.”
“If you instill that within his mind, it doesn't matter whether the father is alive or whether he has passed on.”
“From now, we need to get our tongues used to reciting large amounts of Qur'an.”
Talk about it at home
For the dinner table
The khutbah reminds us to be grateful for every chance Allah gives us to reach Ramadan, because life is never guaranteed. Sha'ban is a time to build excitement for Ramadan in ourselves and our homes, especially by helping children love worship rather than forcing them. Families can read together about Ramadan's virtues and rewards. We can also prepare by making up missed fasts, fasting voluntarily, gradually increasing Qur'an recitation, and making dhikr and dua.
- What are you most looking forward to about Ramadan?
- How can our family make Ramadan feel joyful and special?
- What small act of worship can you start before Ramadan?
Keep listening
More on Ramadan & fasting
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