Prepare for Ramadan with taqwa and mercy
“Taqwa is not about being terrified of Allah.”
Ramadan should be prepared for now by cultivating taqwa through sincere intentions, small consistent habits, mercy in action, and service that leaves one's community better.
The khutbah in 6 steps
- Reframes taqwa and fasting as protecting the heart through awareness of Allah, not merely fearing Him.
- Uses the Rajab, Sha'ban, Ramadan planting, watering, and harvest metaphor to urge spiritual preparation.
- Shares an injured-cat story to show that compassion and mercy are central forms of worship.
- Urges sincere intentions and small habits involving the body, mind, Quran, and compassionate service.
- Extends Ramadan preparation into community responsibility, visible integrity, excellence, and legacy.
- Closes with prayers for Ramadan, the community, oppressed Muslims, forgiveness, healing, and the hereafter.
In the khateeb's words
“Taqwa is not about being terrified of Allah. It's about protecting the heart. From that which distances us from Him.”
“Worship is not just about the rituals we perform. But also about the mercy. The compassion. And the awareness. We carry within our hearts.”
“Look for someone to serve quietly, sincerely, with ihsan and without recognition or any expectations. Because hearts aren't softened by words alone. They are softened by mercy in action.”
For the dinner table
The khutbah teaches that taqwa means protecting our hearts and staying aware of Allah, not simply being afraid. Rajab is a time to plant seeds, Sha'ban is a time to water them, and Ramadan is the harvest, so we should begin preparing now. We can do that through small habits like reducing distractions, reading Quran, reflecting, and making sincere intentions. The story of a woman helping an injured cat reminds us that mercy in action is part of worship. We are also responsible for improving our families, workplaces, schools, and neighborhoods for those who come after us.
- What is one small habit you could start before Ramadan?
- Who could you quietly help this week?
- What place could our family leave better for others?
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