The Islamic calendarFrom the masjid's own video, Jan 24, 2026.
Prepare your soul before Ramadan
“The month of Sha'ban is the doorway, and the month of Ramadan is the waited guest.”
In one sentence
Shaaban should be used as a deliberate spiritual training month so Muslims enter Ramadan prepared through worship, repentance, forgiveness, and remembrance of Allah.
The khutbah in 4 steps
- Introduces Shaaban as an overlooked month for preparing spiritually for Ramadan.
- Uses a soccer-training analogy to show that preparation must begin before the major event.
- Encourages night prayer, fasting, Quran reading, repentance, and increased remembrance of Allah.
- Presents forgiveness and reconciliation as ways to clear the heart before deeds are raised.
Try this week
Begin preparing spiritually for Ramadan during Shaaban.
Pray at night or perform tahajjud.
Fast more frequently during Shaaban.
Read and review more Quran.
Repent and ask Allah for forgiveness.
Reconcile with family, friends, and others; forgive people before sleeping.
Remember Allah and say appropriate duas before shopping or entering the market.
Quotes
In the khateeb's words
“Because when you get to the month of Ramadan. Your spiritual life. Or your spiritual you. Is not ready. And you would fail Ramadan.”
“Everything I do. Is before I go to sleep. And close my eyes. I will forgive. Anyone who hurted my feeling. Or have issues with me.”
“The month of Sha'ban is the doorway, and the month of Ramadan is the waited guest.”
“When we enter heaven, there are doors to heaven. And there are special doors to heaven. And those special doors will grant you access only if you follow what the door is for.”
Talk about it at home
For the dinner table
The khateeb reminded us that Shaaban is a valuable month for preparing our hearts for Ramadan. Just as a team practices before a big game, we can begin building habits of prayer, fasting, Quran reading, and repentance now. He encouraged us to use opportunities for worship that people often overlook. He also emphasized forgiving others and working to resolve tensions, beginning with our own families. Even everyday activities, like shopping, can become moments to remember Allah.
- What is one small habit you would like to practice before Ramadan?
- What could help us forgive one another and make our home more peaceful?
- When during your day could you pause to remember Allah?
Keep listening
More on the Islamic calendar
7:52Dar Alnoor · Manassas, VA · Jul 11, 2026Use summer to grow closer to Allah“This opportunity can make me a great Muslim, a great human being, or it can make me a very bad person, depending on how we use the summer.”
Never miss a salah during this free time.16:04Muslim Neighbour Nexus · Mississauga, ON · Jul 25, 2026Use summer time for what matters
EPIC · Plano, TX · Jul 3, 2026Honor Muharram through fasting and justice“We cannot even enter into Jannah if I have violated someone else's rights.”