7:54 the human being…17:24 Repent and ask Allah…22:32 We got to get the…
Repentance & taqwaFrom the masjid's own video, Jan 24, 2026.

Use Sha'ban to prepare through repentance

Middle Ground

“Repent and ask Allah ta'ala for forgiveness.”

The khateeb, at 17:24

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In one sentence

Believers should use Sha'ban to cultivate ongoing repentance, gratitude, awe of Allah, and rightly ordered priorities so Ramadan becomes a continuation of sincere worship rather than a delayed reset.

The khutbah in 6 steps

  1. Uses Surah Nuh to present prophetic warning, obedience, and persistent preaching.
  2. Explains istighfar as lifelong repentance and a way to acknowledge personal faults.
  3. Connects Sha'ban preparation to gratitude for Allah's blessings and mortality before Ramadan.
  4. Argues that believers must correct their priorities by pursuing the akhirah over dunya distractions.
  5. Develops waqar, awe, shame, and reflection as ways to respect and recognize Allah.
  6. Ends with heartfelt qunut, repentance, kindness toward family and friends, and encouragement toward good.
Try this week
Use Sha'ban now, not only Ramadan, to make regular istighfar and turn honestly to Allah.
Practice muhasaba by naming mistakes, feeling appropriate shame, and asking Allah for forgiveness.
Make heartfelt qunut or dua in your own words; even simple repeated istighfar after salah counts.
Correct your priorities by learning and practicing deen at home while keeping worldly pursuits in their proper place.
Be kind to family and friends and encourage good without excusing bad behavior.
Sources the khateeb cited
Surah 71Uses Nuh's preaching, his people's stubbornness, istighfar, Allah's blessings, and waqar to frame repentance and reverence.
Surah 51Uses Nuh's people as an example of deviation and cites the command to run toward Allah.
Surah 75Uses the impossibility of escaping Allah to emphasize accountability and return to Him.
Surah 95Uses ahsani taqwim to argue that people should strive to live up to Allah's excellent creation.
Quotes

In the khateeb's words

“the human being doesn't change very much. So there is something in them that we can relate to.”
Middle Ground · Upland, CA
Play from 7:54
“Repent and ask Allah ta'ala for forgiveness. Have some shame. Look at yourself.”
Middle Ground · Upland, CA
Play from 17:24
“We got to get the order of operation correct. And there's no better time.”
Middle Ground · Upland, CA
Play from 22:32
Talk about it at home

For the dinner table

The khutbah reminds us that Sha'ban is already a valuable time to turn back to Allah, not merely a waiting room for Ramadan. Through the story of Nuh, we are encouraged to admit our mistakes, make istighfar, and remember Allah's many blessings. We should put our priorities in the right order by giving the akhirah more attention than worldly distractions. Our dua should come from a sincere and humble heart, and our relationships should be marked by kindness and encouragement. If we begin these habits now, Ramadan can become a season of growth built on preparation.

  1. What is one blessing from Allah that we can consciously thank Him for today?
  2. What is one small mistake we can ask forgiveness for or make right this week?
  3. How can we encourage someone kindly without shaming them?
Where it was given

The masjid

Middle Ground Muslim Center870 N Mountain Ave, Suite 102, Upland, CA 91786Jumu'ah Khutbah 1:00 PMArchiveAll khutbahs at Middle Ground29 khutbahs
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