8:59 The ultimate goal of…11:08 The entire fast is…
Ramadan & fastingFrom the masjid's own video, Feb 20, 2026.

True fasting cultivates taqwa in every part

Masjid Younis · Ismail Hamdi

“The ultimate goal of the fast is to have Allah in your life.”

The khateeb, at 8:59

Watch the khutbahFamily kit
In one sentence

True fasting is more than abstaining from food and drink: it cultivates taqwa by disciplining the body, conduct, desires, and heart toward Allah.

The khutbah in 6 steps

  1. Defines taqwa as the ultimate goal of fasting and urges reflection on the opening days of Ramadan.
  2. Explains fasting as continuous worship that disciplines desires and makes righteous actions easier.
  3. Uses hadith to describe Ramadan’s spiritual openings, fasting’s unique reward, protection from sin, and its two joys.
  4. Emphasizes guarding speech, anger, arguments, and bodily conduct while fasting.
  5. Presents al-Ghazali’s three levels of fasting: abstention, guarding the limbs, and freeing the heart for Allah.
  6. Concludes with supplications, Quran recitation, and a brief reminder to support the mosque.
Try this week
Fast with sincere intention and treat the entire fasting period as worship and remembrance of Allah.
Guard the tongue and limbs from lying, backbiting, lewd speech, arguing, anger, and other sinful behavior.
When provoked, say “I'm fasting” as a reminder to yourself and the other person, then disengage from the argument.
Attend the masjid sincerely, maintain Taraweeh and night worship, and deepen your relationship with the Quran.
Work toward the higher levels of fasting by reducing worldly distractions and directing the heart toward Allah.
Sources the khateeb cited
Quran 2:183Used to establish that fasting is prescribed so believers may attain taqwa.
Surah 59Used to encourage self-accountability and preparation for the Day of Judgment.
Surah 12Used to show that something undervalued by people may be greatly valued by Allah.
Jami` at-Tirmidhi
Quotes

In the khateeb's words

“The ultimate goal of the fast is to have Allah in your life. And to feel that Allah is watching you.”
Masjid Younis · Prospect Park, NJ
Play from 8:59
“The entire fast is worship. And the entire fast is increase of taqwa.”
Masjid Younis · Prospect Park, NJ
Play from 11:08
Talk about it at home

For the dinner table

Shaykh Ismail reminded us that fasting helps us grow in taqwa, which means being aware of Allah and remembering that He sees us. Every part of the fasting day can be worship and a chance to strengthen our relationship with Him. Going without food and drink teaches discipline, and that discipline should help us speak kindly, avoid wrongdoing, and respond calmly when someone upsets us. He described three levels of fasting: leaving food, drink, and marital relations; guarding our senses and actions from sin; and directing our hearts toward Allah. Ramadan is a gift and an opportunity to seek forgiveness, love the Quran, and become people of goodness.

  1. What could help you remember Allah during an ordinary day?
  2. What could you say or do to stay calm when someone annoys you?
  3. What is one kind habit our family could practice together this Ramadan?
Where it was given

The masjid

Masjid Younis (ICPC-Younis)190 Haledon Ave, Prospect Park, NJ 07508KhateebIsmail HamdiMore khutbahsArchiveAll khutbahs at Masjid Younis52 khutbahs
Keep listening

More on Ramadan & fasting

All on this topic
Fast the six days of Shawwal.20:06SALAM Arden · Sacramento, CA · Apr 3, 2026Six Shawwal fasts can earn a yearThe most valuable thing is time.16:36NWIIC · Crown Point, IN · Apr 3, 2026Carry Ramadan’s taqwa throughout the yearEvery single day you are doing something to make Allah happy.26:16ISGW · Worcester, MA · Apr 3, 2026Turn Ramadan’s remainder into lasting worship