Use Sha'ban to prepare for Ramadan
“We should avoid all forms of deeds that would sabotage our fasting and would take away from our deeds.”
Sha'ban should be used intentionally to prepare the heart, body, habits, and conscience for Ramadan through worship, planning, reconciliation, and self-accountability.
The khutbah in 6 steps
- Introduces Sha'ban as the month before Ramadan and calls for deliberate preparation.
- Emphasizes purifying the heart, avoiding envy, and setting clear Ramadan intentions.
- Recommends preparatory fasting, making up missed fasts, and observing limits before Ramadan.
- Encourages Quran recitation, dua, Islamic study, tafsir, and Ramadan fiqh learning.
- Uses public wrongdoing and released files to teach divine justice and private accountability.
- Closes with nightly self-review, responding appropriately to wrongdoing, and supplication for reaching Ramadan.
In the khateeb's words
“We should avoid all forms of deeds that would sabotage our fasting and would take away from our deeds.”
“So as Muslims, we should be wary of our actions and we should be accountable for ourselves. You know, every night we do muhasabah.”
For the dinner table
The khateeb reminded us that Sha'ban is a time to prepare for Ramadan by caring for our hearts and building good habits. He encouraged us to set Quran goals within our abilities, learn more about our faith, and ask Allah to let us reach Ramadan. Preparing also means turning away from envy, seeking forgiveness, and working to repair relationships. He reminded us that wealth and influence do not put anyone above Allah's justice, and that news of wrongdoing should lead us to reflection rather than gossip. We can begin with a small daily review of our actions and ask Allah to help us be truthful, just, and a source of good.
- What small Quran or learning habit could we start together before Ramadan?
- What might a sincere apology sound like when we have hurt someone?
- When you think back on today, what would you like to do better tomorrow?
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