30:25 Point being, she was…38:42 This isn't just about…44:40 Reach out to others.…
The Islamic calendarFrom the masjid's own video, Jan 23, 2026.

Sha'ban prepares us for Ramadan

ICGC · Hossam Musa

“Come together in the most dignified way which is the marriage.”

The khateeb, at 44:40

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In one sentence

Sha'ban's lessons from migration, fasting, the qibla, and community care call Muslims to prepare for Ramadan through obedience, sacrifice, repentance, and service.

The khutbah in 6 steps

  1. Introduces Sha'ban as the eighth Hijri month and a time to prepare for Ramadan.
  2. Draws lessons from the Hijrah, Asma's sacrifice, and Abdullah ibn al-Zubayr's birth.
  3. Explains that mandatory fasting was prescribed in Sha'ban before Ramadan.
  4. Uses the change of qibla to teach obedience and submission to Allah.
  5. Calls listeners to lead toward truth, support single people, and facilitate dignified marriage.
  6. Offers condolences, announces community programs, mentions Hajj registration and donations, and closes with supplication.
Try this week
Seek Allah's forgiveness and repent.
Align your life and choices more closely with Allah's guidance.
Reach out to and support single men and women in the community toward dignified marriage.
Prepare for Hajj and check Nusuk registration when packages open February 3.
Attend the announced youth and parenting programs.
Attend Yahya's janazah and extend condolences to his family.
Support the mosque generously before leaving.
Sources the khateeb cited
Surah 2The qibla verses are used to explain obedience and submission to Allah's command.
Quotes

In the khateeb's words

“Point being, she was nine months pregnant, carrying a fully grown baby in her womb. And she would go and climb this mountain, I kid you not”
ICGC · West Chester, OH
Play from 30:25
“This isn't just about direction of prayer, this is about direction of obedience and submission to Allah and His command.”
ICGC · West Chester, OH
Play from 38:42
“Reach out to others. Think about others. Support others. Help others. Come together in the most dignified way which is the marriage.”
ICGC · West Chester, OH
Play from 44:40
Talk about it at home

For the dinner table

Imam Hossam reminded us that Sha'ban is a chance to prepare for Ramadan, the month of fasting and Qur'an. He shared the example of Asma' bringing food and water to the Prophet and her father, showing how caring for others can require real effort. He explained that the change in prayer direction teaches us to follow Allah and bring our lives into closer obedience to Him. He also encouraged us to notice other people's needs and help single members of our community find support and companionship through marriage. We can take these lessons home by preparing for worship, helping someone with care, and asking Allah for forgiveness and guidance.

  1. What small habit could help you get ready for Ramadan?
  2. What stands out to you about Asma' making the climb to bring food and water?
  3. Who could our family support this week, and how could we find out what they need?
Where it was given

The masjid

Islamic Center of Greater Cincinnati8092 Plantation Drive, West Chester, OH 45069Jumu'ah Three services · 1:30 PM, 2:45 PM & 4:00 PMKhateebHossam MusaMore khutbahsArchiveAll khutbahs at ICGC26 khutbahs
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