21:23 Guard our tongues.…32:22 Pray that Allah…
Ramadan & fastingFrom the masjid's own video, Jan 30, 2026.

Prepare for Ramadan through Sha'ban

Community Mosque · Khalid Griggs

“Pray that Allah subhanahu wa ta'ala unlock our tongues, unlock our hands to be able to do something when we recognize conditions of oppression.”

The khateeb, at 32:22

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In one sentence

Sha'ban should be used as active spiritual preparation for Ramadan, deepening worship and producing consistent concern and action against oppression.

The khutbah in 7 steps

  1. Sha'ban is not a passive waiting period before Ramadan, since life is not guaranteed.
  2. Hadith about the Prophet's fasting in Sha'ban show its importance as preparation.
  3. The change of qibla established Muslim identity and a distinctive responsibility toward justice.
  4. Fasting must discipline speech and conduct, not merely produce hunger.
  5. Ramadan preparation should awaken concern about food waste and oppressed neighbors.
  6. Muslims should reject selective outrage and act compassionately toward vulnerable people.
  7. Believers should pray for courage to speak and act against oppression.
Try this week
Increase voluntary fasting and worship during Sha'ban before Ramadan.
Guard the tongue by avoiding backbiting and slander.
Conduct business and relationships in ways pleasing to Allah.
Reduce iftar food waste and arrange surplus food for shelters or vulnerable children.
Notice oppression consistently and speak or act to help affected people.
Quotes

In the khateeb's words

“Guard our tongues. What good will it be to go hungry all day, break our fast, maybe even break it at a collective gift talk?”
Community Mosque · Winston-Salem, NC
Play from 21:23
“Pray that Allah subhanahu wa ta'ala Unlock our tongues, unlock our hands to be able to do something when we recognize conditions of oppression.”
Community Mosque · Winston-Salem, NC
Play from 32:22
Talk about it at home

For the dinner table

The khateeb reminded us that Sha'ban is not just a waiting room before Ramadan; it is a chance to prepare now, because none of us is promised another Ramadan. He pointed to the Prophet's fasting in Sha'ban and taught that fasting should change our tongues, relationships, generosity, and conduct. He also connected Muslim identity with a responsibility to notice injustice and care about people beyond our immediate circle. As Ramadan approaches, he urged us to reduce food waste and share extra meals with shelters and vulnerable children. We can ask Allah to give us the courage to speak and help when we see oppression.

  1. What is one habit you could start in Sha'ban before Ramadan begins?
  2. How can we make sure our fasting changes the way we speak to people?
  3. What could our family do with extra food or resources to help neighbors?
Where it was given

The masjid

Community Mosque of Winston Salem1419 Waughtown Street, Winston-Salem, NC 27107Jumu'ah Adhan 1:30 PM · Khutbah 1:45 PMKhateebKhalid GriggsMore khutbahsArchiveAll khutbahs at Community Mosque37 khutbahs
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