4:39 Ramadan is about…20:31 the only people who…
Ramadan & fastingFrom the masjid's own video, Jan 23, 2026.

Lasting change begins before Ramadan

Bayonne Muslims

“The only people who will permanently change in Ramadan are those who change in Sha'ban.”

The khateeb, at 20:31

Watch the khutbahFamily kit
In one sentence

Ramadan's purpose is lasting moral and spiritual transformation, so Muslims should begin preparing in Sha'ban by taking concrete steps that continue after Ramadan.

The khutbah in 6 steps

  1. Ramadan brings spiritual and historical transformation.
  2. Worship without abandoning falsehood misses Ramadan's purpose.
  3. Ramadan reveals believers' potential and exposes excuses for relapse.
  4. Personal repentance and effort precede divine help and broader communal change.
  5. Lasting transformation requires resolve and preparation in Sha'ban.
  6. Fasting, Quran, dua, and dhikr prepare the mind, body, and soul for Ramadan.
Try this week
Begin preparing in Sha'ban by fasting regularly.
Build habits of Quran reading, dua, dhikr, and congregational prayer.
Repent by abandoning lying, evil speech, sinful actions, and disobedience.
Continue Ramadan habits after Ramadan instead of returning to former patterns.
Take the first step personally and encourage whole-family or communal change.
Quotes

In the khateeb's words

“Ramadan is about change if Ramadan comes and goes and we do not change then we did not benefit from Ramadan and we did not understand the purpose of Ramadan”
Bayonne Muslims · Bayonne, NJ
Play from 4:39
“the only people who will permanently change in Ramadan are those who change in Sha'ban”
Bayonne Muslims · Bayonne, NJ
Play from 20:31
Talk about it at home

For the dinner table

The khateeb reminded us that Ramadan is meant to change us for the better, not merely make us hungry, thirsty, or tired. Worship helps when it improves our honesty, self-control, prayer, Quran reading, remembrance, and obedience to Allah. He taught that lasting change begins with our own effort and that Allah guides and helps those who strive. Because Sha'ban is a month of preparation, we can start small now by fasting, reading Quran, making dua, and building habits we hope to keep after Ramadan.

  1. What is one habit you would like Ramadan to change in you?
  2. What can you practice in Sha'ban so Ramadan feels easier and more meaningful?
  3. Which Ramadan habit would you most like our family to continue afterward?
Where it was given

The masjid

Bayonne Muslims109 E 24th Street, Bayonne, NJ 07002Jumu'ah 1:15 PMArchiveAll khutbahs at Bayonne Muslims38 khutbahs
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