Build good habits before Ramadan
“Ramadan is about acquiring good habits and getting rid of bad habits.”
Islamic character (akhlaq) is built through daily good habits and respectful treatment of people, animals, nature, and family, so believers should abandon bad habits and prepare for Ramadan.
The khutbah in 6 steps
- Good and bad habits are learned by observing family, friends, and neighbors.
- Akhlaq includes punctuality, truthfulness, honesty, compassion, and avoiding waste.
- Good manners extend to animals, nature, parents, pilgrims, charity recipients, and people of different backgrounds.
- Rajab and Sha'ban should prepare believers for Ramadan by replacing bad habits.
- Preparation includes repentance, settling debts, charity, dhikr, good companionship, mosque attendance, and fasting.
- Mercy, forgiveness, consultation, and bringing happiness to others reflect the Prophet's example.
In the khateeb's words
“Akhlaq is not only to be nice. Akhlaq is to be punctual. Akhlaq is to be truthful. Akhlaq is to be truthful. Akhlaq is to be, you know, honest. Akhlaq is to never cheat.”
“Ramadan is about acquiring good habits and getting rid of bad habits.”
“When you smile to a fellow Muslim, it's a charity. I know people are having problems. They're struggling with money, with problems. But at the end of the day, that smile would take you to Jannah.”
For the dinner table
The khutbah teaches that Islam calls us to develop good character, or akhlaq, through everyday habits. We learn habits by watching others, so we should greet people warmly, care for parents, animals, and nature, avoid waste and dishonesty, and treat people with dignity. Rajab and Sha'ban are presented as preparation for Ramadan: leave bad habits, sleep and rise earlier, control anger, repent, settle debts, give charity, remember Allah, and keep good company. The goal is to make worship visible in how we behave. Even a smile and bringing happiness to another Muslim are described as valuable deeds.
- Which good habit from the khutbah would make the biggest difference in our home?
- How can our family prepare for Ramadan before it arrives?
- Who helps you develop good habits, and how can you be that influence for someone else?
More on Character & conduct
The strong is the one who controls himself while in anger.10:16Masjid Al-Noor · Waterloo, IA · Oct 31, 2026Control anger before it causes harm
Peer pressure is an issue that is just as applicable to adults as it is to children.5:08The Rayyan Center · Plymouth, MI · Oct 31, 2026Adults must choose their influences
Lowering your gaze is cleaner to your heart and fulfilling the amanah that Allah gave you.1:03:23Rahma Center · Lake Forest, CA · Oct 30, 2026Every trust from Allah must be honored