Repentance & taqwaFrom the masjid's own video, Jan 30, 2026.

Renew faith before Ramadan

“If you're experiencing any anxiety, say la ilaha illallah.”

The khateeb, at 28:16

In one sentence

Believers should renew their commitment to la ilaha illallah during Sha'ban so they enter Ramadan with pure hearts, proper worship, and freedom from worldly idols.

The khutbah in 6 steps

  1. The khutbah opens with a story illustrating the supreme value of dying upon la ilaha illallah.
  2. It presents la ilaha illallah as the heaviest statement on the scale and explains how it overcomes worldly idols.
  3. It connects the statement to the steadfastness of prophets and companions, and to remembrance during hardship.
  4. It urges listeners to use Sha'ban to prepare spiritually for Ramadan.
  5. It calls for Quran reading, charity, patience, reconciliation, renewed kinship, and a sound heart before Ramadan.
  6. It closes with prayers for purification, healing, respect, and relief for suffering Muslims worldwide.
Try this week
Repeat la ilaha illallah regularly as dhikr, especially during anxiety, loss, or hardship.
Use Sha'ban to read the Quran and become familiar with it before Ramadan.
Prepare to fast with the intention of developing taqwa and worshipping Allah sincerely.
Give charity or sadaqah during Ramadan.
Give up grudges and bad dealings with others.
Renew family ties and mend relationships with your mother and spouse.
Quotes

In the khateeb's words

“why is it so heavy? Because this is the statement that crushed idols, it crushed idols, and idols aren't just material objects”
MCC · North Park, IL
Play from 23:21
“if you're experiencing any depression, say la ilaha illallah, if you're experiencing any anxiety, say la ilaha illallah”
MCC · North Park, IL
Play from 28:16
“It's a golden opportunity for us that Allah subhanahu wa ta'ala is coming, is knocking.”
MCC · North Park, IL
Play from 32:55
Talk about it at home

For the dinner table

The khutbah teaches that la ilaha illallah, the declaration that only Allah deserves worship, is the believer's greatest statement. As Ramadan approaches, we should renew this covenant and remember that fasting is meant to grow taqwa, or God-consciousness. Preparation includes reading the Quran, giving charity, releasing grudges, and repairing family relationships. The goal is to enter Ramadan with a sound heart and worship that places Allah above worldly attachments.

  1. What is one distraction or attachment you want to put into better perspective before Ramadan?
  2. What Quran, prayer, or charity habit could you begin during Sha'ban?
  3. Which family relationship could you strengthen this month, and what first step would help?