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.”
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
- Introduces the Rajab-Sha'ban-Ramadan preparation theme through a seed, watering, and harvest analogy.
- Calls for self-reflection, sincere repentance, and setting Ramadan goals.
- Urges listeners to build worship stamina now while balancing prayer with school and work.
- Addresses delayed prayer and inconsistent character, encouraging replacement of bad habits with good ones.
- Encourages fasting in Sha'ban and reconciling with people through forgiveness.
- Concludes with a preparation checklist and prayers for Muslims suffering around the world.
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.”
“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”
“And by planting these seeds now we build habits and intentions that will flourish during this holy month of Ramadan”
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.
- What is one good habit you could start before Ramadan?
- How can we make peace with someone we may have hurt?
- What helps you remember Allah during school, work, or busy days?
More on Ramadan & fasting
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