Ramadan & fastingFrom the masjid's own video, Mar 3, 2026.
True fasting guards the whole self
“The fast is a shield against sin.”
In one sentence
Ramadan fasting should be practiced with gratitude and conscious restraint from sin, not merely abstaining from food and drink, so that believers may receive forgiveness and divine reward.
The khutbah in 6 steps
- The speaker urges gratitude for being able to attend Jumu'ah and explains his illness and temporary handoff.
- He introduces the approaching Ramadan and recounts special blessings promised to fasting Muslims.
- He explains that true fasting restrains the eyes, ears, tongue, hands, limbs, mind, and desires.
- He warns that lying and backbiting can deprive fasting of its spiritual benefit.
- He presents fasting as a shield against sin and a means of forgiveness when observed with faith and accountability.
- He recounts warnings about wasting Ramadan, failing to send blessings upon the Prophet, and neglecting elderly parents.
Try this week
Guard the eyes, ears, tongue, hands, limbs, and desires from forbidden things.
Avoid backbiting and lying while fasting.
Respond to provocation by saying, "I am fasting," rather than arguing.
Send blessings upon the Prophet when his name is mentioned.
Serve elderly parents and seek their pleasure.
Quotes
In the khateeb's words
“The real fast, indeed, is that in which one safeguards one's whole self, mind and body, from a law's disobedience and shuns each evil desire.”
“The fast is a shield against sin. When one of you is fasting, he should abstain from indecent acts, unnecessary clamoring”
“The person who observes a fast with full consciousness of his faith and a sense of accountability will be forgiven all of his previous sins.”
“Not only, it's not just fasting from food and drink, it is also fasting from backbiting, from lying, which unfortunately are so prevalent in the world today.”
Talk about it at home
For the dinner table
Ramadan is coming, and the khutbah reminds us to receive it with gratitude. Fasting is more than going without food and drink; it also means guarding our eyes, ears, tongue, hands, and desires from what Allah forbids. The speaker warns that lying and backbiting can leave a person with only hunger and thirst, while sincere fasting brings forgiveness and joy. We were also reminded to send blessings on the Prophet and serve parents when they grow old.
- What part of yourself would you most like to discipline during Ramadan?
- How can our family avoid backbiting and lying?
- What is one helpful thing we can do for an older relative?
Keep listening
More on Ramadan & fasting
Fast the six days of Shawwal.20:06SALAM Arden · Sacramento, CA · Apr 3, 2026Six Shawwal fasts can earn a year
The most valuable thing is time.16:36NWIIC · Crown Point, IN · Apr 3, 2026Carry Ramadan’s taqwa throughout the year
Every single day you are doing something to make Allah happy.26:16ISGW · Worcester, MA · Apr 3, 2026Turn Ramadan’s remainder into lasting worship