Ramadan & fastingFrom the masjid's own video, Jan 24, 2026.
Fasting in Sha'ban prepares you for Ramadan
“I'm going to fast seven days.”
In one sentence
Fasting beyond Ramadan, especially during Sha'ban, builds discipline, resists temptation, and prepares Muslims spiritually and physically for Ramadan.
The khutbah in 6 steps
- Connects Ashura fasting with Musa's deliverance from Pharaoh.
- Presents Sha'ban as a neglected month for increasing worship before Ramadan.
- Uses the presentation of deeds to encourage fasting on Mondays, Thursdays, and during Sha'ban.
- Frames fasting as resistance to Shaytan's persuasion and overconsumption.
- Urges listeners to reduce caffeine, sugar, smoking, and marijuana before Ramadan.
- Ends with communal prayer for Asil, a young brother critically injured in a car accident.
Try this week
Fast more during Sha'ban; if needed, begin with seven days.
Fast every Monday and Thursday until Ramadan.
Reduce caffeine, sugar, and other habits that make fasting harder.
Stop smoking cigarettes and marijuana during Sha'ban, aiming for zero.
Eat only when hungry on nonfasting days.
Quotes
In the khateeb's words
“And this fasting is a training for us. It's a discipline for us.”
“You say, I'm going to fast seven days. And shabban, I'm going to fast seven days. I'm following the Sunnah of the Prophet.”
“Make it easy on yourself. Say Shabban, I'm going to start cutting back. I'm going to cut back to zero though.”
Talk about it at home
For the dinner table
The khateeb reminded us that preparing for Ramadan begins before the month arrives. He encouraged extra worship and voluntary fasting in Sha‘ban so that we enter Ramadan with greater discipline and readiness. He described fasting as training that helps us handle our desires and resist pressure to do wrong. He also shared how feeding a fasting friend can make worship an opportunity for generosity and connection. As a family, we can prepare together by looking at our habits, making room for worship, and helping one another follow through.
- What is one way you could practice patience when you really want something?
- How could we help someone who is fasting feel cared for?
- What is one habit our family could work on together before Ramadan?
Where it was given
The masjid
Keep listening
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