Ramadan fasting trains self-restraint and kindness
“A Muslim is the one from whose hands and tongue others are safe.”
Ramadan fasting is obligatory for eligible Muslims, but its deeper purpose is to cultivate God-consciousness, self-restraint, and compassionate conduct toward others.
The khutbah in 5 steps
- Ramadan's lunar calendar and the need to prepare in advance, including arranging work leave.
- What Muslim fasting entails and who is exempt or may make up missed days.
- Quranic and prophetic basis for fasting as an obligation aimed at righteousness and God-consciousness.
- Ihsan as worship with awareness of Allah and as excellence in relationships and service.
- Fasting trains restraint from sin and harm through speech and conduct.
In the khateeb's words
“Please take Fridays off during the month of Ramadan and maybe a few days towards the end of the month where we can concentrate on building a relationship with the month of Ramadan.”
“During Ramadan, if we cannot stay away from such acts then we get no reward. We are only starving ourselves with no purpose, no care.”
“you must become a source of comfort and joy for creation before you can ever plan to establish a bond with the creation.”
“A Muslim is the one from whose hands and tongue others are safe.”
For the dinner table
Ramadan is a special month when Muslims fast from before dawn until sunset and try to grow closer to Allah. The sermon reminded us that fasting is required for healthy adults, while illness and other situations bring reasonable exemptions, with missed days made up or charity given when appropriate. The goal is not simply to go without food and water, but to become more aware of Allah, resist wrongdoing, and grow in compassion. Ihsan means bringing that awareness into prayer and into how we treat spouses, children, relatives, friends, and everyone around us. We can prepare by arranging time off, guarding our words and actions, remembering Allah, and becoming a source of comfort and joy.
- What is one way our family could make special time for worship during Ramadan?
- How might fasting change the way we speak and treat people?
- Who could use comfort or kindness from us this week?
More on Ramadan & fasting
Fast the six days of Shawwal.20:06SALAM Arden · Sacramento, CA · Apr 3, 2026Six Shawwal fasts can earn a year
The most valuable thing is time.16:36NWIIC · Crown Point, IN · Apr 3, 2026Carry Ramadan’s taqwa throughout the year
Every single day you are doing something to make Allah happy.26:16ISGW · Worcester, MA · Apr 3, 2026Turn Ramadan’s remainder into lasting worship