Ramadan & fastingFrom the masjid's own video, Sep 3, 2025.

Prepare your heart and habits for Ramadan

“By planting these seeds now we build habits and intentions that will flourish during this holy month of Ramadan.”

The khateeb, at 15:19

In one sentence

Muslims should use Rajab and Sha'ban to prepare intentionally for Ramadan by purifying themselves, building worship habits, correcting character, and reconciling with others.

The khutbah in 6 steps

  1. Introduces the Rajab-Sha'ban-Ramadan preparation theme through a seed, watering, and harvest analogy.
  2. Calls for self-reflection, sincere repentance, and setting Ramadan goals.
  3. Urges listeners to build worship stamina now while balancing prayer with school and work.
  4. Addresses delayed prayer and inconsistent character, encouraging replacement of bad habits with good ones.
  5. Encourages fasting in Sha'ban and reconciling with people through forgiveness.
  6. Concludes with a preparation checklist and prayers for Muslims suffering around the world.
Try this week
Reflect on personal sincerity, conduct, and spiritual readiness.
Seek Allah's forgiveness and ask forgiveness from people one may have wronged.
Set Ramadan goals and build stamina through tahajjud, sunnahs, nawafil, and voluntary fasting.
Avoid delaying salah and replace bad habits such as profanity with good character.
Reconcile with estranged friends or family members.
Give charity and make up missed obligatory fasts.
Sources the khateeb cited
Jami` at-TirmidhiUses the report that all children of Adam err and the best are those who repent.
Sunan an-Nasa'iUses the report about frequent fasting in Sha'ban and deeds being presented while fasting.
Quotes

In the khateeb's words

“we need to start acting upon our goals for Ramadan today if we want to maximize our benefit and what we want to achieve out of this month of Ramadan.”
Masjid Jafar Community · Johns Creek, GA
Play from 8:54
“It's our duty and our responsibility to replace these bad habits with good ones and with that we can improve ourselves, improve our relations within our community”
Masjid Jafar Community · Johns Creek, GA
Play from 11:05
“And by planting these seeds now we build habits and intentions that will flourish during this holy month of Ramadan”
Masjid Jafar Community · Johns Creek, GA
Play from 15:19
Talk about it at home

For the dinner table

The khateeb compared Rajab to planting seeds, Sha'ban to watering them, and Ramadan to harvesting their fruit. He encouraged us to begin preparing now through reflection, repentance, prayer, fasting, and better character. We should avoid delaying salah, replace bad habits with good ones, and forgive or seek forgiveness from people we have hurt. He also asked Allah to ease the suffering of Muslims around the world and help us enter Ramadan with strong faith and readiness.

  1. What is one good habit you could start before Ramadan?
  2. How can we make peace with someone we may have hurt?
  3. What helps you remember Allah during school, work, or busy days?