21:08 we need to follow the…21:35 if we start doing them…27:06 take a step towards…
Ramadan & fastingFrom the masjid's own video, Jan 23, 2026.

Use Sha'ban to prepare for Ramadan

FMCCNJ · Muhammad Ali Merchant

“Take a step towards Allah subhanahu wa ta'ala and He will run towards you.”

The khateeb, at 27:06

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In one sentence

Because time and the chance to reach Ramadan are uncertain, Muslims should use the often-neglected month of Sha'ban to repair worship, build good habits, and prepare spiritually for Ramadan.

The khutbah in 6 steps

  1. Warns that time is limited and Sha'ban should not be overshadowed by anticipation of Ramadan.
  2. Uses hadith about the Prophet's fasting in Sha'ban and the value of worship during neglected times.
  3. Presents Rajab, Sha'ban, and Ramadan as planting, watering, and harvesting spiritual habits.
  4. Explains Sha'ban's historical and spiritual significance, including fasting, Qur'an, forgiveness, and making up missed worship.
  5. Urges listeners to perfect obligatory prayer and Qur'an recitation before merely adding voluntary acts.
  6. Closes by urging immediate action, trust in Allah's mercy, and preparation for Ramadan.
Try this week
Fast voluntarily during Sha'ban as preparation for Ramadan.
Make up missed fasts and missed prayers.
Improve obligatory salah, pronunciation, tajweed, and focus.
Read more Qur'an and establish habits before Ramadan begins.
Use neglected times for private dhikr and worship.
Begin good habits immediately instead of waiting for Ramadan.
Sources the khateeb cited
Quran 2:185Used to explain Ramadan's Qur'anic revelation, fasting obligation, and Allah's intention of ease.
Quotes

In the khateeb's words

“we need to follow the Qur'an and Sunnah of our beloved Prophet Muhammad sallallahu alayhi wa sallam and take advantage of this blessed month”
FMCCNJ · Paramus, NJ
Play from 21:08
“if we start doing them today then they will only be more perfect and greater when we do them in Ramadan”
FMCCNJ · Paramus, NJ
Play from 21:35
“take a step towards Allah subhanahu wa ta'ala and He will run towards you”
FMCCNJ · Paramus, NJ
Play from 27:06
Talk about it at home

For the dinner table

This khutbah reminded us that time is limited and none of us knows whether we will reach the next Ramadan. Sha'ban is often overlooked, but the Prophet Muhammad is described as fasting in it more than any month besides Ramadan, making it a chance to prepare our hearts and habits. We can begin now by improving our obligatory prayers and Qur'an recitation, making up missed worship, fasting voluntarily, and leaving bad habits. Small, steady steps in Sha'ban can help us enter Ramadan ready to worship with focus and gratitude.

  1. What is one good habit you could start before Ramadan?
  2. Which part of prayer or Qur'an reading would you like to practice?
  3. What does taking the next step toward Allah look like this week?
Where it was given

The masjid

Fusion Muslim Community Center of North Jersey650 Pascack Rd, Paramus, NJ 07652Jumu'ah 1:10 PM & 2:30 PMKhateebMuhammad Ali MerchantMore khutbahsArchiveAll khutbahs at FMCCNJ70 khutbahs
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