24:10 And these will be the…24:45 So we still have half…
Ramadan & fastingFrom the masjid's own video, Sep 3, 2025.

Use Sha'ban to prepare for Ramadan

Masjid ‘Eesa · Abu Ehsaan

“It's never too late to start to fast and to read Qur'an and to prepare yourself for Ramadan.”

The khateeb, at 24:45

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In one sentence

Sha'ban is a neglected but spiritually valuable month in which Muslims should increase fasting, worship, and self-accountability to prepare their bodies, minds, and hearts for Ramadan.

The khutbah in 6 steps

  1. Introduces Sha'ban through the Prophet's special care for Fajr's sunnah and the month's connection to Ramadan.
  2. Cites Aisha and Usama ibn Zayd to explain the Prophet's frequent fasting and three reasons for it.
  3. Argues that neglected times offer special opportunities for worship and that Sha'ban trains the body and nafs for Ramadan.
  4. Explains fasting's spiritual reward and cleansing effect on the heart.
  5. Uses a Qur'anic passage to classify believers as self-wronging, moderate, or foremost in good deeds.
  6. Calls listeners to self-accountability, sincere intention, fasting, Qur'an reading, and Ramadan preparation.
Try this week
Fast as much as possible during the remainder of Sha'ban.
Read as much Qur'an as possible to prepare for Ramadan.
Make a sincere intention to fast and read Qur'an, trusting that the intention is rewarded if prevented.
Audit your deeds and identify whether you are wronging yourself, doing the minimum, or rushing toward good.
Use neglected times, such as between Maghrib and Isha, for remembrance and worship.
Quotes

In the khateeb's words

“And these will be the ones in the akhira That will be closest to Allah subhanahu wa ta'ala They will be the first ones to go into Jannah”
Masjid ‘Eesa · Hollis, NY
Play from 24:10
“So we still have half of sha'aban left And it's never too late to start to fast And to read Qur'an And to prepare yourself for Ramadan”
Masjid ‘Eesa · Hollis, NY
Play from 24:45
Talk about it at home

For the dinner table

The khateeb reminded us that Sha'ban is a valuable month that people sometimes overlook while waiting for Ramadan. He explained that the Prophet fasted frequently in Sha'ban and loved for his deeds to be presented to Allah while he was fasting. Fasting in this month can help prepare our bodies, habits, and hearts for Ramadan. The khutbah also encouraged us to examine ourselves honestly, fulfill our obligations, and eagerly take opportunities to do extra good. As a family, we can begin with sincere intentions, time for Qur'an, and acts of worship that help us draw closer to Allah.

  1. What is one busy moment in your day when you could pause to remember Allah?
  2. What could our family begin doing together to get ready for Ramadan?
  3. What good deed would you like to make an intention to do this week?
Where it was given

The masjid

Masjid ‘Eesa ibn Maryam90-20 191st St, Hollis, NY 11423Jumu'ah 1:15 PMKhateebAbu EhsaanMore khutbahsArchiveAll khutbahs at Masjid ‘Eesa62 khutbahs
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