12:16 Allah has granted us…16:46 that's not a sign of…23:17 When you are not on…24:13 Allah doesn't care…
The Islamic calendarFrom the masjid's own video, May 3, 2026.

The sacred months restore spiritual momentum

ICCI

“Allah has granted us another opportunity to continue with that motivation that we had during Ramadan.”

The khateeb, at 12:16

Watch the khutbahFamily kit
In one sentence

The khutbah argues that the sacred months are a divine opportunity to restore post-Ramadan spiritual momentum by avoiding sin, increasing good deeds, honoring Allah’s rites, and cultivating taqwa.

The khutbah in 6 steps

  1. Explains the twelve lunar months and four sacred months, especially Dhul Qadah and its prohibition on offensive fighting.
  2. Presents Dhul Qadah as preparation for the ten best days of Dhul Hijjah and continued growth after Ramadan.
  3. Uses the hadith of Hanzala to normalize fluctuating iman and relieve post-Ramadan guilt.
  4. Explains honoring Allah’s sacred rites through mosque conduct, family respect, traffic obedience, and avoiding phones during khutbah.
  5. Connects fasting, sacrifice, and charity to taqwa and sincere intention rather than outward amounts.
  6. Calls listeners to treat the sacred months urgently, teach children the lunar calendar, and regain spiritual momentum.
Try this week
Use Dhul Qadah to prepare spiritually for Dhul Hijjah and increase good deeds while reducing sin.
Fast the day of Arafah and pursue fasting in Muharram outside Ramadan.
Learn and teach children all twelve lunar months.
Honor the mosque by dressing respectfully, obeying traffic and parking rules, following security and volunteers, and avoiding phone use during khutbah.
Respect parents by letting go of arguments when appropriate.
Examine sincerity and taqwa when giving charity or performing sacrifice.
Sources the khateeb cited
Surah 9Defines twelve lunar months, identifies four sacred months, and warns against wronging oneself in them.
Surah 22Connects honoring Allah’s rites and sacrifice to taqwa rather than meat, blood, or donation amount.
Quotes

In the khateeb's words

“Allah has granted us another opportunity to continue with that motivation that we had during Ramadan”
ICCI · Dunning, IL
Play from 12:16
“that's not a sign of hypocrisy it's not a sign of weak faith it's just practicality it's just the reality of the world that we live in”
ICCI · Dunning, IL
Play from 16:46
“When you are not on your cell phone In the middle of the khutbah in Jum'ah That is part of Ta'zim Sha'air Allah”
ICCI · Dunning, IL
Play from 23:17
“Allah doesn't care whether you gave One dollar or a hundred dollars Or ten thousand dollars in sadaqah He cares about what your state of mind was Where your heart was”
ICCI · Dunning, IL
Play from 24:13
Talk about it at home

For the dinner table

The khateeb reminded us that Allah gives us more opportunities after Ramadan to renew our faith and do good. He encouraged us to use Dhul Qada to prepare for the first ten days of Dhul Hijjah, while treating the sacred months with care and respect. Through the story of Hanzala, he explained that changes in spiritual energy are part of life and do not automatically mean we are hypocrites. We can honor Allah through everyday choices, such as speaking respectfully to parents, cooperating with mosque volunteers, and paying attention during the khutbah. When we give or worship, the awareness of Allah in our hearts matters more than how impressive our actions look.

  1. What is one good habit from Ramadan you would like to start again this week?
  2. How could you show respect at the mosque the next time we go?
  3. What could help you give or help someone with a sincere heart?
Where it was given

The masjid

Islamic Community Center of Illinois6435 W Belmont Ave, Chicago, IL 60634Jumu'ah 1st prayer 12:15 PM · 2nd prayer 1:30 PMArchiveAll khutbahs at ICCI7 khutbahs
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