The Islamic calendarFrom the masjid's own video, Jan 26, 2026.

Prepare for Ramadan with small deeds

“The most beloved deeds to Allah are those that are consistent.”

The khateeb, at 24:47

In one sentence

Believers should use simple, consistent acts of peace, generosity, family care, night prayer, and preparation during Sha'ban to strengthen worship and enter Ramadan ready.

The khutbah in 6 steps

  1. Emphasizes Friday's sacredness and the importance of taking Jumu'ah seriously.
  2. Introduces the hadith of Abdullah ibn Salaam and its four deeds leading to Paradise.
  3. Explains spreading salam as a commitment to safety, kindness, and avoiding harm.
  4. Encourages feeding those in need and keeping charitable deeds sincere and private.
  5. Calls for maintaining family ties and developing private night prayer and dua.
  6. Presents Sha'ban as Ramadan practice through consistent prayer, Quran, dua, repentance, and masjid attendance.
Try this week
Respond fully to salam and spread it throughout the community.
Share extra food with people in need without seeking fame.
Call parents or send a message to maintain family communication.
Pray extra rak'ahs or qiyam during the night.
Begin a small, regular Quran-reading habit before Ramadan.
Make dua regularly, especially on Fridays and in sujood.
Work on leaving a particular sinful habit before Ramadan.
Visit the masjid frequently so it becomes part of the routine.
Sources the khateeb cited
Surah 62Used to emphasize hastening to Friday prayer, then seeking Allah's bounty while remembering Him.
Surah 76Used to encourage feeding the needy, orphans, and captives solely for Allah's sake.
Sahih al-BukhariUsed to teach that Allah loves consistent deeds, even when they are small.
Quotes

In the khateeb's words

“we're actually telling him that you're safe from any harm that I may cause I won't steal from you I won't harm you physically even verbally you're fine with me”
ICNYU · Greenwich Village, NY
Play from 8:31
“the most beloved deeds to Allah are those that are consistent even if it's small”
ICNYU · Greenwich Village, NY
Play from 24:47
Talk about it at home

For the dinner table

Friday is a special day, and Jumu'ah deserves our full attention. The khutbah teaches four simple deeds: spread peace, feed people, keep family ties, and pray at night when others sleep. It also reminds us to keep some good deeds private for Allah and to trust Him when life feels uncertain. Because Sha'ban comes before Ramadan, we should begin practicing now with small, steady habits such as Quran, dua, extra prayer, leaving a sin, and returning to the masjid. Small deeds done consistently can prepare our hearts for Ramadan and bring lasting reward.

  1. How can we show our family that they matter to us this week?
  2. What does it mean to make someone feel safe when we greet them?