4:48 If we did not increase…7:41 true righteousness is…20:29 the way that we should…
Ramadan & fastingFrom the masjid's own video, Apr 3, 2026.

Ramadan should transform how we live

ICCP

“Living our life in a way that is pleasing to Allah should be reflexive.”

The khateeb, at 20:29

Watch the khutbahFamily kit
In one sentence

The purpose of Ramadan fasting is to gain taqwa that transforms conduct and becomes a lasting, reflexive way of living, especially as the final nights approach.

The khutbah in 6 steps

  1. The khutbah opens with the hadith of a man told to repeat his rushed prayer, questioning whether Ramadan was truly completed.
  2. It defines fasting's goal as gaining taqwa and transforming the heart and behavior, not merely abstaining or checking boxes.
  3. It contrasts visible worship with the harder restraint of speech, senses, and reactions during communal Ramadan gatherings.
  4. It applies fasting to conflict by urging dignity, silence, and disengagement from provocation.
  5. It calls listeners to assess their progress on the 24th day and make worshipful habits reflexive beyond Ramadan.
  6. It urges intensified communal worship during the remaining nights, treating every night as Laylatul Qadr and seeking Allah's mercy.
Try this week
Assess whether Ramadan has increased taqwa rather than merely counting fasts and prayers.
Weigh your words and avoid lying, backbiting, gossip, and speech that harms others.
When provoked, say that you are fasting and disengage instead of escalating.
Carry Ramadan habits into daily life by making prayer, guarded senses, and beneficial speech automatic.
Use the remaining nights for focused worship, Qur'an, dua, forgiveness, and supportive community.
Seek opportunities for dua after the adhan and iqamah, after obligatory prayers, and at the end of the night.
Quotes

In the khateeb's words

“If we did not increase in taqwa, because the goal is not to abstain, the goal is to gain.”
ICCP · Potomac, MD
Play from 4:48
“true righteousness is in withholding ourselves from speaking poorly about others.”
ICCP · Potomac, MD
Play from 7:41
“the way that we should exit our month of Ramadan is that living our life in a way that is pleasing to Allah should be reflexive.”
ICCP · Potomac, MD
Play from 20:29
Talk about it at home

For the dinner table

The khutbah teaches that fasting is not only about staying hungry and thirsty; it is meant to grow taqwa, or awareness of Allah, in our hearts and actions. Ramadan should help us control our words, avoid hurting others, and respond to conflict with dignity. The goal is for prayer, kindness, and self-control to become natural habits that continue after Ramadan. As the month ends, every remaining night is an opportunity for worship, dua, forgiveness, and closeness to Allah. Being around sincere and encouraging people can help us keep that momentum.

  1. What is one Ramadan habit you would like to make part of your normal routine?
  2. How can we pause before saying something that might hurt another person?
  3. What could make one of the remaining Ramadan nights feel like an important meeting with Allah?
Where it was given

The masjid

Islamic Community Center of Potomac10601 River Rd, Potomac, MD 20854Jumu'ah Adhan 1:15 PMArchiveAll khutbahs at ICCP96 khutbahs
Keep listening

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Fast the six days of Shawwal.20:06SALAM Arden · Sacramento, CA · Apr 3, 2026Six Shawwal fasts can earn a yearThe most valuable thing is time.16:36NWIIC · Crown Point, IN · Apr 3, 2026Carry Ramadan’s taqwa throughout the yearEvery single day you are doing something to make Allah happy.26:16ISGW · Worcester, MA · Apr 3, 2026Turn Ramadan’s remainder into lasting worship