Ramadan & fastingFrom the masjid's own video, Feb 3, 2026.

Ramadan trains the heart through fasting

In one sentence

Ramadan should be approached as deliberate spiritual training: by preparing now, correcting our intentions, and fasting for Allah's reward, we develop taqwa that reshapes our choices and actions.

The khutbah in 5 steps

  1. With Ramadan just over a month away, the khutbah asks listeners to examine why they fast.
  2. It defines taqwa as cautious, action-oriented awareness of Allah rather than mere fear or wishes.
  3. It presents Ramadan as structured training that disciplines desires, builds delayed gratification, and strengthens the heart.
  4. It argues that sincere intention, preparation, and planning distinguish a real Ramadan goal from wishful thinking.
  5. It urges immediate preparation through Sha'ban, then closes with prayers and community announcements.
Try this week
Examine and renew your intention for fasting, focusing on faith and hope for Allah's reward.
Begin preparing immediately instead of postponing preparation until Ramadan; create a concrete worship plan.
Use Sha'ban to practice fasting, following the Prophet's example of fasting much of that month.
Create a daily Ramadan checklist including fasting, suhoor, taraweeh, and steady self-improvement.
Use fasting to resist desires, delay gratification, and improve speech and actions.
Sources the khateeb cited
Surah 2Fasting is prescribed so believers may attain taqwa.
Quotes

In the khateeb's words

“Ramadan is a school. Ramadan is a university. Just think about it. You have a curriculum.”
JSMC · Tampa, FL
Play from 12:37
“So if you want to benefit from Ramadan, if you want to attain taqwa in the way that you speak, in the way that you act, then it starts with the heart.”
JSMC · Tampa, FL
Play from 19:57
“So the difference between wishful thinking and an intention is that the intention is coupled with action and planning.”
JSMC · Tampa, FL
Play from 21:59
Talk about it at home

For the dinner table

Ramadan is coming soon, and the khutbah reminds us that fasting is meant to grow taqwa: being careful to please Allah and turning that awareness into action. It is more than a cultural tradition, a month of dinners, or a health routine; it is training for the heart, desires, and willpower. We can prepare now by making a sincere intention, planning our worship, and practicing through Sha'ban. The goal is to enter Ramadan hopeful, disciplined, and ready to seek Allah's reward.

  1. What is one way we can prepare for Ramadan before it begins?
  2. What habit could fasting help us control?
  3. How can we make our Ramadan intentions become real actions?