Ramadan opens the door to taqwa
“Ramadan has always been the month of openings.”
Ramadan is a divinely blessed month of spiritual and historical openings in which believers should pursue taqwa through obedience, self-mastery, avoidance of sin, and forgiveness.
The khutbah in 6 steps
- Reflects on recent deaths and gratitude for still being alive to act.
- Defines taqwa as obeying Allah and avoiding disobedience.
- Explains Ramadan’s barakah as making good easier and harmful habits harder.
- Connects Ramadan with Qur’an revelation, Badr, the opening of Mecca, and Al-Andalus.
- Uses Mecca’s forgiveness and Qur’an 49:13 to emphasize taqwa over status and revenge.
- Links weakened shaytan and hunger with victory over the nafs and harmful habits.
In the khateeb's words
“But the basic, foundational, grassroots, Taqwa 101 definition of Taqwa is adhere to what Allah commanded and stay away from what He created it.”
“When you come in contact with that thing that has barakah, it is easy for good to come out. The good increases. It is more difficult to do those negative things.”
“Ramadan has always been the month of openings. Even before the fast was made obligatory. Because Allah put barakah in that time period.”
“Real, real forbearance and patience is when you have the ability to get revenge and you don't do it.”
For the dinner table
Imam Na'eem reminded us that reaching another Ramadan is a gift and an opportunity to do good. He remembered a brother who continued learning and supporting the community throughout his life. He explained taqwa through the picture of someone carefully avoiding thorns, encouraging us to guard against disobedience. He described Ramadan as a month of blessings and openings, when doing good and recognizing spiritual truths can become easier. Through the Prophet's forgiveness at the opening of Mecca, he emphasized the strength of choosing restraint when revenge is possible. He also encouraged us to see fasting as proof that we can practice self-control and work on harmful habits.
- What is one good thing you want to make time for this Ramadan?
- What could help you pause and respond kindly when you feel angry?
- How could our family help each other work on a habit during Ramadan?
More on Ramadan & fasting
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