11:35 Ramadan will not…17:01 If we can control our…18:00 The problem is that we…
Ramadan & fastingFrom the masjid's own video, Feb 21, 2026.

Ramadan demands more worship, less distraction

ISCNY

“If we can control our stomach, we can control our screens.”

The khateeb, at 17:01

Watch the khutbahFamily kit
In one sentence

Ramadan is a sacred, limited opportunity to build taqwa by guarding our time and replacing distraction with Quran, prayer, repentance, charity, and lasting change.

The khutbah in 5 steps

  1. Ramadan’s limited time and blessings require urgency.
  2. Entertainment and scrolling can displace Quran, prayer, and taqwa.
  3. Families should set boundaries to protect Ramadan from distracting content.
  4. Fasting’s discipline should extend to screens, speech, and daily routines.
  5. Ramadan’s success should be measured by stronger worship and changed behavior afterward.
Try this week
Discuss Ramadan’s purpose and limited time honestly with family members.
Set clear limits on distracting shows and unnecessary programming.
Turn off the television and reduce entertainment during Ramadan.
Replace distractions with Quran, dhikr, charity, family reminders, and sincere dua.
Guard the eyes, ears, tongue, heart, and time.
Hold yourself accountable for what you are sending forward after death.
Quotes

In the khateeb's words

“Ramadan will not protect itself, but we must protect it.”
ISCNY · University Hill, NY
Play from 11:35
“If we can control our stomach, we can control our screens.”
ISCNY · University Hill, NY
Play from 17:01
“The problem is that we lack urgency. We plan our evening around shows, but not around Quran.”
ISCNY · University Hill, NY
Play from 18:00
Talk about it at home

For the dinner table

Ramadan is a precious month for forgiveness, mercy, Quran, prayer, and growing closer to Allah. The khateeb reminded us that our time is limited, so we should not allow shows, scrolling, gossip, or other distractions to take over our evenings. Families can protect Ramadan by setting thoughtful boundaries and replacing distractions with worship, charity, reminders, and sincere dua. Fasting teaches us that if we can leave halal food and drink for Allah, we can also leave harmful entertainment and habits. The real goal is to leave Ramadan with stronger worship, cleaner hearts, and better behavior.

  1. What is one distraction our family could reduce this Ramadan?
  2. Which worship habit would you like to strengthen this week?
  3. How might we tell whether Ramadan is changing our character?
Where it was given

The masjid

Islamic Society of Central New York925 Comstock Ave, Syracuse, NY 13210Jumu'ah Khutbah starts 1:00 PMArchiveAll khutbahs at ISCNY15 khutbahs
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Fast the six days of Shawwal.20:06SALAM Arden · Sacramento, CA · Apr 3, 2026Six Shawwal fasts can earn a yearThe most valuable thing is time.16:36NWIIC · Crown Point, IN · Apr 3, 2026Carry Ramadan’s taqwa throughout the yearEvery single day you are doing something to make Allah happy.26:16ISGW · Worcester, MA · Apr 3, 2026Turn Ramadan’s remainder into lasting worship