7:41 my advice to myself…8:52 if you get up in the…12:20 when we perform our…12:56 if you really know…
The Islamic calendarFrom the masjid's own video, Jan 24, 2026.

Use Sha'ban to prepare for Ramadan

ICI

“My advice to myself and to all of you is to utilize this beautiful month of Shaaban to get ready for Ramadan.”

The khateeb, at 7:41

Watch the khutbahFamily kit
In one sentence

Muslims should use Sha'ban intentionally to prepare for Ramadan by increasing worship, focusing sincerely, and correcting themselves rather than criticizing others.

The khutbah in 5 steps

  1. Frames awareness of worship's timing and place as a blessing, asking whether Sha'ban is being used well.
  2. Presents four preparation practices: worship when others neglect it, gradually increase worship, maintain sincere concentration, and act with vigor and love.
  3. Applies Ibn Qayyim's advice to self-improvement instead of focusing on others' shortcomings.
  4. Uses marriage advice to illustrate the danger of trying to change other people while neglecting oneself.
  5. Closes with a hadith describing Sha'ban as overlooked and emphasizing that deeds are raised during the month.
Try this week
Use Sha'ban as a deliberate preparation period for Ramadan.
Gradually increase night prayer, such as moving from two rakahs to four or six.
Increase Quran reading before Fajr from one or two pages to four, six, or ten pages.
Pray with sincere concentration and avoid distractions such as checking the time or adjusting clothing.
Approach worship with vigor, dedication, excitement, and love for Allah.
Focus on improving your own conduct and responsibilities instead of criticizing others.
Quotes

In the khateeb's words

“my advice to myself and to all of you is to utilize this beautiful month of shaaban to get ready for Ramadan”
ICI · Irving, TX
Play from 7:41
“if you get up in the middle of the night to pray two rakahs start by getting up in the middle of the night to pray four rakahs six rakahs”
ICI · Irving, TX
Play from 8:52
“when we perform our ibadah in shaaban to prepare for Ramadan we should do it with vigor and excitement and dedication and love for Allah subhanahu wa ta'ala”
ICI · Irving, TX
Play from 12:20
“if you really know yourself you should be preoccupied with correcting oneself and making yourself a better Muslim don't pay attention to the shortcomings of others don't criticize others”
ICI · Irving, TX
Play from 12:56
Talk about it at home

For the dinner table

The khutbah encourages us to treat Sha'ban as a preparation month for Ramadan. We can slowly increase our night prayer and Quran reading instead of waiting until Ramadan begins. The speaker also reminds us to pray with focus, sincerity, energy, and love for Allah. Most importantly, we should work on improving ourselves rather than spending our time criticizing other people. When each person takes responsibility for becoming better, the whole family and community can improve.

  1. What is one worship habit you could gently increase before Ramadan?
  2. What helps you concentrate when you pray?
  3. How can we improve ourselves without criticizing other people?
Where it was given

The masjid

Islamic Center of Irving2555 N Esters Rd, Irving, TX 75062Jumu'ah First khutbah 2:00 PM, salah 2:25 PM · second khutbah 3:15 PM, salah 3:40 PMArchiveAll khutbahs at ICI95 khutbahs
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