6:05 all actions depend on…8:38 Shaitan works very…9:17 But the condition is…11:20 The true test is…
Ramadan & fastingFrom the masjid's own video, Mar 7, 2025.

Ramadan worship needs sincere intention

ISGL

“All actions depend on our intentions.”

The khateeb, at 6:05

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In one sentence

Ramadan worship benefits us only when it is performed with sincere intention for Allah, expressed through fulfilling obligations, avoiding harm and showing off, and learning from sincere people.

The khutbah in 6 steps

  1. Ramadan is a gift and an opportunity for extra worship.
  2. Ikhlas and niyyah determine whether deeds are accepted.
  3. Extra worship cannot compensate for neglecting obligations or burdening others.
  4. Sincerity is hardest to maintain in the heart and is tested outside the masjid.
  5. The example of Umar and Abu Musa illustrates humility about one's deeds.
  6. Sincerity grows through companionship with sincere people and is damaged by showing off or personal benefit.
Try this week
Renew the intention before acts of worship so they are directed toward Allah's pleasure.
Prioritize obligatory prayers, fasting, zakat, and hajj responsibilities before adding optional activities.
Examine conduct at work, malls, parks, and family outings as tests of sincerity.
Spend purposeful time with people whose sincerity appears in their behavior and self-control.
Avoid showing off and avoid making worship primarily about social approval or personal benefit.
Sources the khateeb cited
Sunan an-Nasa'iUsed to argue that Allah accepts deeds performed sincerely for His sake.
Quotes

In the khateeb's words

“all actions depend on our intentions. So, everyone will not get what the person intends.”
ISGL · Chelmsford, MA
Play from 6:05
“Shaitan works very hard to make us feel that everything we do is ibadah. Even though we break other rules.”
ISGL · Chelmsford, MA
Play from 8:38
“But the condition is that when there's sincerity, when there's pure ikhlas, then you will never break any rules.”
ISGL · Chelmsford, MA
Play from 9:17
“The true test is outside. At work, at the malls, at the parks.”
ISGL · Chelmsford, MA
Play from 11:20
Talk about it at home

For the dinner table

The khutbah reminded us that Ramadan is a blessing and that our worship should be done sincerely for Allah. Good actions are shaped by their intentions, so prayer, fasting, and service should not become ways to seek attention or personal benefit. The khateeb explained that guarding the heart is difficult and that our real test often comes outside the masjid in everyday life. He encouraged us to spend time with sincere people whose behavior, patience, and devotion can teach us. As a family, we can help one another quietly renew our intentions and keep our basic responsibilities strong.

  1. What is one good deed you could do quietly, without hoping anyone notices?
  2. Where do you find it hardest to behave according to your values?
  3. Who teaches you through their actions, and what have you learned from them?
Where it was given

The masjid

Islamic Society of Greater Lowell5 Courthouse Lane, Chelmsford, MA 01824Jumu'ah 1:00 PM & 2:00 PMArchiveAll khutbahs at ISGL4 khutbahs
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