Ramadan & fastingFrom the masjid's own video, Jan 24, 2026.
Use Sha'ban to prepare for Ramadan
“Shahru Al-Qurra is a month in which you train yourself.”
The khutbah in 5 steps
- Introduces taqwa and upright speech through Quranic exhortations.
- Explains Sha'ban's neglected status and the presentation of deeds.
- Urges accountability and preparation through fasting, Quran, charity, and righteous actions.
- Defines taqwa as protection and connects it to Ramadan's purpose.
- Warns against singling out the fifteenth of Sha'ban or the day before Ramadan without an established fasting routine.
Try this week
Review the promises and spiritual goals made during the previous Ramadan.
Begin preparing for Ramadan in Sha'ban through fasting and consistent Quran recitation.
Increase sadaqah, kindness to parents, and other righteous deeds.
Avoid singling out the fifteenth of Sha'ban for special fasting unless it falls within an established practice such as fasting the thirteenth through fifteenth or Mondays and Thursdays.
Avoid fasting the day immediately before Ramadan unless it is part of a regular fasting schedule.
Sources the khateeb cited
Surah 103Used to frame humanity as being in loss except through faith, righteous deeds, truth, and patience.
Quotes
In the khateeb's words
“at the end of your life when you're standing before Allah Azza wa Jal with your life and everything that you've done would it be considered a profit or would it be considered a loss”
“Al-Taqwa is linguistically placing a barrier between you and that which you fear”
“Ramadan is supposed to be a month in which I get closer to Allah Azza wa Jal and not come with aspirations of I'm going to lose weight”
“Shahru Al-Qurra is a month in which you train yourself”
Talk about it at home
For the dinner table
The khutbah reminds us that time is precious and that our lives will ultimately show either spiritual profit or loss. Sha'ban is a valuable month to review the promises we made last Ramadan and honestly assess how we have grown. We can prepare by fasting, reading Quran, giving charity, honoring our parents, and increasing other good deeds. Taqwa means building protection between ourselves and what displeases Allah. The speaker also cautions us not to invent special religious practices around the fifteenth of Sha'ban or the day before Ramadan without an established fasting habit.
- What is one good habit you could practice before Ramadan begins?
- When has a small act helped you feel closer to Allah?
- What promise would you like to revisit from last Ramadan?
Keep listening
More on Ramadan & fasting
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Every single day you are doing something to make Allah happy.26:16ISGW · Worcester, MA · Apr 3, 2026Turn Ramadan’s remainder into lasting worship