Fasting reveals our need for Allah
“Every single change that happens within ourselves should remind us that everything about us is fleeting.”
Ramadan’s hunger, thirst, and fatigue should awaken us to our human dependence and Allah’s perfect permanence, prompting active taqwa, self-improvement, and commitment to truth.
The khutbah in 6 steps
- Contrasts subjective judgments of outward beauty with the shared human experience of fasting, arguing that actions reveal character.
- Identifies taqwa as the Quranic measure of nobility and explains it as protection from harm.
- Compares taqwa to a shield that only helps when actively used.
- Uses fasting’s discomfort and Ayat al-Kursi to emphasize human deficiency, Allah’s perfection, and reliance upon Him.
- Urges listeners to improve themselves, speak against wrongdoing within their limits, and pray for the oppressed.
- Closes with prayers for deceased scholars and a reminder to pay Sadaqat al-Fitr before Eid prayer.
In the khateeb's words
“We should take the shield. That Allah subhanahu wa ta'ala has. Given to us. And actually utilize it in the way. That we're supposed to.”
“Allah subhanahu wa ta'ala doesn't require those things. Allah is sahibul kamal and al-kamalulillah. That Allah is the being that is possessing of complete and utter perfection.”
“And it should be an evidence for us, our own pains of hunger, every single change in emotion, every single change that happens within ourselves should remind us that everything about us is fleeting.”
For the dinner table
The khateeb reminded us that our actions show our character, and that God consciousness matters in Allah's sight. He compared taqwa to a shield: it helps us when we carry it with us and actually use it. As Ramadan approaches its finish line, our hunger, thirst, and tiredness can remind us that we depend on Allah, who never grows tired or needs rest. These moments can help us know Him better, grow closer to Him, and work on improving ourselves. He also encouraged us to speak against wrongdoing, pray for people who are suffering, and help bring change through our actions, words, and du'a.
- What action today showed the kind of person you want to become?
- When could you use the shield of taqwa tomorrow?
- Who could we help and make du'a for together this week?
More on Ramadan & fasting
Fast the six days of Shawwal.20:06SALAM Arden · Sacramento, CA · Apr 3, 2026Six Shawwal fasts can earn a year
The most valuable thing is time.16:36NWIIC · Crown Point, IN · Apr 3, 2026Carry Ramadan’s taqwa throughout the year
Every single day you are doing something to make Allah happy.26:16ISGW · Worcester, MA · Apr 3, 2026Turn Ramadan’s remainder into lasting worship