11:47 much of the moral…20:52 When we fast for 30…22:30 anything halal and…
Ramadan & fastingFrom the masjid's own video, Feb 6, 2026.

Ramadan teaches discipline over desire

ICPC Clifton · Yasir Fahmy

“When we fast for 30 days straight, Allah teaches us that we have the capacity to be disciplined.”

The khateeb, at 20:52

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In one sentence

As Ramadan approaches, Muslims must discipline the lower self through submission to Allah’s moral boundaries, Prophetic practice, and wholesome routines so they choose halal morality over depravity.

The khutbah in 6 steps

  1. Ramadan develops and controls the carnal nature and lower self.
  2. Public revelations about powerful people illustrate the danger of an unrestrained lower self.
  3. Islam provides divine moral authority, boundaries, and the discipline to say no.
  4. Fasting demonstrates that human beings can control even their most basic needs.
  5. Listeners are urged to follow Prophetic routines and cultivate wholesome environments.
  6. The khutbah closes by urging a life of halal, tayyib choices and moral steadfastness.
Try this week
Wake up for Salatul Fajr.
Make morning dhikr, dua, salawat, istighfar, and recite the Quran.
Perform the five daily prayers and pray the sunnah.
Eat, sleep, and structure the day according to the Prophetic way.
Sleep early and wake early.
Read the Shama'il of Sayyidina Muhammad.
Attend the masjid for Fajr and Isha.
Build wholesome companionship, activities, and environments.
Avoid nightlife, clubs, and settings that encourage debauchery.
Leave haram relationships and other access points to sinful behavior.
Quotes

In the khateeb's words

“much of the moral bankruptcy and the decay that you're seeing is a function of unrequited self. No one is saying no. That's the thing. There's no guardrails, there's no boundaries.”
ICPC Clifton · Clifton, NJ
Play from 11:47
“When we fast for 30 days straight, Allah teaches us that we have the capacity to be disciplined.”
ICPC Clifton · Clifton, NJ
Play from 20:52
“anything halal and tayyib will bring blessings into your life. Anything that is haram and khabith will bring wretchedness into the life.”
ICPC Clifton · Clifton, NJ
Play from 22:30
Talk about it at home

For the dinner table

The khateeb taught that Ramadan is a school for disciplining the lower self. Allah gives us moral boundaries so our desires do not control our choices, relationships, money, or habits. Fasting shows that we can say no even to basic needs, and that strength can carry into the rest of life. He encouraged prayer, Quran, dhikr, early sleep, good company, and wholesome places that make obedience easier. We should seek our needs through halal and tayyib paths, asking Allah to refine us and bless our lives.

  1. What is one desire or habit you would like Ramadan to help you discipline?
  2. What kind of environment makes it easier for you to make good choices?
  3. What is a halal and wholesome way to meet a need or desire?
Where it was given

The masjid

Islamic Center of Passaic County, Clifton259 Pershing Rd, Clifton, NJ 07013KhateebYasir FahmyMore khutbahsArchiveAll khutbahs at ICPC Clifton76 khutbahs
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