Ramadan fasting builds taqwa through self-restraint
“Fasting is not prescribed for us to lose weight.”
Ramadan fasting is meant to cultivate taqwa, self-restraint and protective awareness of Allah, by disciplining desire and anger while increasing Quran, prayer, dua, charity, community service, and preparation for death.
The khutbah in 7 steps
- Introduces fasting as prescribed to cultivate taqwa, explaining taqwa as protection, obedience, and self-restraint.
- Explains ruh and nafs through al-Ghazali and Shah Waliullah, distinguishing appetite, anger, reason, and the divine spark.
- Argues that fasting disciplines appetite, anger, and sexual desire rather than serving mainly as weight loss.
- Connects Ramadan with communal prayer, family participation, zakat, and iftar support.
- Recommends Quran reading and study, especially at Fajr, alongside dua, istighfar, dhikr, and seeking beneficial knowledge.
- Encourages Taraweeh, generous charity, kindness, and practical service to others.
- Urges burial and estate planning, then closes with prayers for the sick, oppressed, families, and guidance.
In the khateeb's words
“the purpose of song is not being hungry not to lose weight not to have some sort of deep dietary modification which are all good for health reasons but fasting is not prescribed for us to lose weight”
“so read the quran the prophet would read the complete one reading of the quran every ramadan and in the last year he did it twice”
“it is everybody's personal responsibility not to live behind their family who are who don't even know what to do now they don't have the money”
For the dinner table
Ramadan fasting is not mainly about going hungry or losing weight; it is meant to help us grow in taqwa, which means guarding ourselves and becoming more aware of Allah. We can strengthen that awareness by fasting with self-control, reading and understanding the Quran, praying at night, making dua and istighfar, and remembering Allah. Ramadan should also draw families and communities together through mosque prayer, charity, kindness, helping others, and supporting people who are needy. The khateeb reminded us to prepare responsibly for death by making burial wishes, paperwork, and funds clear to our families. He closed by asking Allah to heal the sick, help people suffering in Gaza, Pakistan, and Palestine, and guide our children and grandchildren.
- What is one thing fasting can teach us besides being hungry?
- How could we turn one ordinary act of kindness into charity this week?
- What would make our suhoor time peaceful and meaningful?
- How can preparing responsibly help our family care for one another?
- What should we ask Allah for during Ramadan?
More on Ramadan & fasting
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