8:24 Whatever I heard, I…15:01 If we truly want to…24:45 Get in the habit of…
Ramadan & fastingFrom the masjid's own video, Feb 4, 2026.

Sha'ban prepares you for Ramadan

OBKIC · Abdullahi Jaranow

“If we truly want to take advantage of Ramadan.”

The khateeb, at 15:01

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In one sentence

Sha'ban should be used for repentance, steady worship, and preparation for Ramadan, while worship and reliance on Allah provide spiritual grounding during turmoil and anxiety.

The khutbah in 7 steps

  1. The khutbah opens with praise of Allah, testimony, and a reminder to live with taqwa.
  2. The story of Usama ibn Zayd introduces Sha'ban fasting and the importance of curiosity in learning religion.
  3. Sha'ban is described as a neglected month when deeds are raised, with emphasis on repentance, forgiveness, and reconciliation.
  4. The planting, watering, and harvesting analogy presents Sha'ban as preparation for Ramadan through gradually increased worship.
  5. Listeners are urged to abandon distraction, develop consistent practices, and avoid Ramadan burnout.
  6. Amid social turmoil and widespread worry, worship, prayer, dhikr, Quran, and trust in Allah are presented as sources of steadiness.
  7. The khutbah closes with practical exhortations and prayers for relief, including for Gaza, Sudan, and oppressed people worldwide.
Try this week
Fast more often during Sha'ban, following the Prophet's practice.
Ask questions and actively seek deeper religious understanding.
Repent, make istighfar and tawbah, and abandon sinful habits and distracting excess.
Attend the masjid regularly and increase Quran recitation and dhikr before Ramadan.
Reconcile with people, resolve grudges, prolong dua, and bring fears and complaints to Allah in prayer.
Recite Quran daily with a beautiful voice during prayer.
Sources the khateeb cited
Surah 1Recited during the closing supplication.
Quotes

In the khateeb's words

“Whatever I heard, I inquired about. And I sought deep understanding.”
OBKIC · Skyway, South Seattle, WA
Play from 8:24
“If we truly want to take advantage of Ramadan. And we want to be in a state where we are ready to receive the Rahmah of Ramadan. and the forgiveness and the blessings of Ramadan. It starts now!”
OBKIC · Skyway, South Seattle, WA
Play from 15:01
“Get in the habit of prolonging your dua and making dua to Allah .”
OBKIC · Skyway, South Seattle, WA
Play from 24:45
Talk about it at home

For the dinner table

Imam Abdullahi reminded us that Sha'ban is a special opportunity to draw closer to Allah and prepare for Ramadan. He encouraged us to stay curious about Islam, ask questions, and think deeply about what we learn. Like watering seeds before a harvest, small, regular acts of worship can help us enter Ramadan ready to continue them. He also urged us to seek forgiveness, repair strained relationships, and make room for worship by reducing distractions. When life feels frightening or uncertain, he reminded us to turn to Allah through prayer, Quran, remembrance, and honest dua about our fears.

  1. What is one question about Islam you would enjoy exploring together?
  2. What could we spend a little less time on so we have more time for Quran or prayer?
  3. What worry would you like to bring to Allah in dua tonight?
Where it was given

The masjid

Omar Bin Al-Khattab Islamic Center12622 Renton Ave S, Seattle, WA 98178KhateebAbdullahi JaranowMore khutbahsArchiveAll khutbahs at OBKIC106 khutbahs
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