Ramadan & fastingFrom the masjid's own video, Jan 31, 2026.

Prepare for Ramadan through small acts

“The deeds most beloved to Allah are those that are consistent even if they're small.”

The khateeb, at 7:53

In one sentence

A fruitful Ramadan begins now with sincere self-reform, consistent small acts of worship, and practical service to others rather than criticizing them.

The khutbah in 5 steps

  1. Emphasizes embodied practice through the Prophet’s consistent istighfar and participation in the hardship of the Battle of the Trench.
  2. Frames Ramadan preparation as planting, nourishing, and harvesting, urging small consistent habits beginning before Ramadan.
  3. Calls listeners to restrain judgment, purify inner attitudes, and rely on Allah’s forgiveness while repeatedly returning to repentance.
  4. Presents four practices from the Prophet’s arrival in Medina: spreading peace, feeding people, maintaining family ties, and praying at night.
  5. Encourages families and youth to turn these teachings into concrete plans, including service to hungry people.
Try this week
Begin preparing for Ramadan before it starts instead of waiting until the first day.
Reduce criticism and judgment of others, and focus on correcting personal shortcomings.
Start a small consistent istighfar practice, such as saying Astaghfirullah al-Azim once in the morning and once in the evening.
Spread peace, feed people, maintain family ties, and pray at night while others sleep.
Discuss with family members and youth how to turn these practices into concrete weekly actions.
Donate any amount toward the Uganda Ramadan meals project described in the khutbah.
Sources the khateeb cited
Surah 24Warns that seemingly minor slander can be a grave matter before Allah.
Surah 14Uses the image of a firmly rooted, fruitful tree as an analogy for the believer.
Quotes

In the khateeb's words

“the deeds most beloved to Allah are those that are consistent even if they're small”
Lighthouse · Temescal · North Oakland, CA
Play from 7:53
“it's much easier for me to go and zoom in on everyone else's shortcomings it's much harder for me to zoom out on their shortcomings and zoom in on my own”
Lighthouse · Temescal · North Oakland, CA
Play from 9:21