32:33 There is no other way…37:11 Ramadan only comes…
Ramadan & fastingFrom the masjid's own video, Feb 14, 2026.

Prepare your heart before Ramadan

MCMC

“Ramadan only comes once a year.”

The khateeb, at 37:11

Watch the khutbahFamily kit
In one sentence

To benefit fully from Ramadan, believers should prepare now by cleansing their hearts through repentance, setting ambitious worship goals, prioritizing obligations, avoiding distractions and disputes, and maintaining hope in Allah's mercy.

The khutbah in 6 steps

  1. Ramadan is approaching, so believers should prepare deliberately rather than enter it haphazardly.
  2. Fasting aims to produce taqwa, which concerns the heart; sins can harden and seal the heart.
  3. Repentance, seeking forgiveness, and returning to obedience cleanse the heart before Ramadan.
  4. Believers should set lofty goals, reject mediocrity, avoid distractions, and encourage one another.
  5. Preparation includes practicing fasting and Quran recitation while prioritizing obligatory prayers over optional worship.
  6. The community should avoid moon-sighting disputes, follow trusted scholarship, seek forgiveness, reconcile with others, and remain hopeful in dua.
Try this week
Seek forgiveness, repent sincerely, leave sinful habits, and return to obedience before Ramadan.
Set lofty, specific Ramadan goals rather than settling for minimal worship.
Practice fasting and Quran recitation before Ramadan to build consistency.
Prioritize obligatory prayers, especially in congregation when possible, before tarawih or other optional worship.
Avoid frivolous conversations, pointless entertainment, and unproductive gatherings.
Follow a trusted imam or scholar on moon-sighting decisions and avoid arguments or insults.
Ask Allah persistently in dua, reconcile with people one has wronged, and do not lose hope in divine mercy.
Sources the khateeb cited
Quran 7:100Used to explain that sins can bring punishment and seal the heart against beneficial guidance.
Sunan an-Nasa'iUsed to show that the Prophet announced Ramadan as a blessed month so the Companions would prepare.
Quotes

In the khateeb's words

“There is no other way to cleanse ourselves from the stains that we have placed on our hearts because of disobedience other than returning back to Allah, asking Allah to forgive us,”
MCMC · Piscataway, NJ
Play from 32:33
“Ramadan only comes once a year. Let us strive. Let us put in the work. Let us show Allah azawajal that we deserve His mercy.”
MCMC · Piscataway, NJ
Play from 37:11
Talk about it at home

For the dinner table

The khutbah reminded us that Ramadan is a blessed opportunity to grow closer to Allah, and preparing for it starts with our hearts. Fasting is meant to build taqwa, an awareness of Allah that shapes how we live. When we make mistakes, we can return to Allah, seek forgiveness, and leave those mistakes behind rather than lose hope. We were encouraged to set meaningful goals, help one another grow, and give obligatory prayers priority as we plan our worship. We can welcome Ramadan together with sincerity, kinder speech, fewer arguments, and steady hope in Allah’s mercy as we make dua.

  1. How could we encourage each other toward a Ramadan goal without making anyone feel compared or embarrassed?
  2. What could you say or do to step away kindly when an argument starts?
Where it was given

The masjid

Muslim Center of Middlesex County1000 Hoes Lane, Piscataway, NJ 08854Jumu'ah 1:10 PM & 2:15 PM & 3:30 PMArchiveAll khutbahs at MCMC7 khutbahs
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