5:42 the fasting will help…9:48 But, if we don't…16:34 whatever good things…37:45 We can grasp that ease…
Ramadan & fastingFrom the masjid's own video, Feb 20, 2026.

Ramadan's lessons should last a lifetime

Al-Khoei

“Whatever good things we are doing in this month, it's supposed to continue for the rest of our life, inshallah.”

The khateeb, at 16:34

Watch the khutbahFamily kit
In one sentence

Ramadan is a month-long course in fasting, self-control, and taqwa whose lessons should continue throughout life.

The khutbah in 6 steps

  1. Distinguishes sawum, restraint of speech, from siyam, ritual fasting, and explains fasting was prescribed for earlier communities too.
  2. Defines taqwa as avoiding forbidden settings while fulfilling obligatory worship.
  3. Presents Ramadan as a course of fasting, Quran recitation, reflection, and behavioral practice whose benefits should continue after Eid.
  4. Explains fasting as a means of controlling the commanding soul and developing self-accountability and inner peace.
  5. Offers prayers for steadfastness, Ramadan, the deceased, the ill, and the wider community.
  6. Includes reflections on shared hardship and solidarity in New York, followed by school tributes and Ramadan-program announcements.
Try this week
Avoid gatherings involving ghiba, backbiting, or other forbidden behavior.
Attend obligatory prayers and maintain recommended acts of worship.
Fast, recite Quran, avoid bad behavior, and continue these habits after Ramadan.
Support the center's Ramadan programs through a donation or by sponsoring a night.
Attend the center's daily Quran recitation, fiqh session, prayers, iftar, and majalis when possible.
Sources the khateeb cited
Quran 2:183Used to explain fasting as a path toward taqwa.
Quran 2:185Used to emphasize that Allah intends ease during Ramadan.
Quotes

In the khateeb's words

“the fasting will help us to achieve this goal, insha'Allah.”
Al-Khoei · Jamaica, NY
Play from 5:42
“But, if we don't practice and if we don't gain benefit from the month of Ramadan, it is really kind of useless.”
Al-Khoei · Jamaica, NY
Play from 9:48
“whatever good things we are doing in this month, it's supposed to continue for the rest of our life, inshallah.”
Al-Khoei · Jamaica, NY
Play from 16:34
“We can grasp that ease ourselves. We can deliver ease to one another.”
Al-Khoei · Jamaica, NY
Play from 37:45
Talk about it at home

For the dinner table

The khateeb explained that fasting can help us grow in taqwa: avoiding what Allah forbids and showing up for what He asks of us, especially our prayers. He reminded us that earlier communities also fasted, so we are not alone in finding it difficult. He compared Ramadan to a month-long course where we practice fasting, read Quran, and work on our behavior. He also described this month as an invitation to be Allah's guests. The lesson is to keep practicing what we learn after Ramadan ends, letting worship help us control harmful impulses and build lasting good habits.

  1. How could you help a conversation become kinder when someone starts talking badly about another person?
  2. If Ramadan is a course, what is one thing you hope to learn or practice?
  3. Which Ramadan habit would you like us to keep together after Eid?
Where it was given

The masjid

Imam Al-Khoei Islamic Center89-89 Van Wyck Expressway, Jamaica, NY 11435ArchiveAll khutbahs at Al-Khoei20 khutbahs
Keep listening

More on Ramadan & fasting

All on this topic
Fast the six days of Shawwal.20:06SALAM Arden · Sacramento, CA · Apr 3, 2026Six Shawwal fasts can earn a yearThe most valuable thing is time.16:36NWIIC · Crown Point, IN · Apr 3, 2026Carry Ramadan’s taqwa throughout the yearEvery single day you are doing something to make Allah happy.26:16ISGW · Worcester, MA · Apr 3, 2026Turn Ramadan’s remainder into lasting worship