Ramadan fasting should build taqwa
“The major goal and the major objective is la'allakum tattaqun, so you are people of taqwa.”
The true purpose of Ramadan fasting is to develop taqwa, shown through remembrance, gratitude, obedience, forgiveness, patience, truthfulness, charity, justice, and humility.
The khutbah in 6 steps
- Announces Ramadan schedules, i'tikaf, nightly qiyam, and a masjid expansion appeal.
- Calls for midpoint Ramadan self-accountability and identifies taqwa as fasting's primary purpose.
- Defines taqwa through remembrance of Allah, gratitude, and obedience.
- Uses Quranic descriptions of the muttaqeen to emphasize forgiveness, patience, truthfulness, contentment, charity, and pre-dawn istighfar.
- Explains that people of taqwa control anger, forgive others, practice justice, maintain relationships, and avoid arrogance.
- Urges private reflection, repentance, and renewed effort during the remaining days of Ramadan before closing with supplications and recitation.
In the khateeb's words
“The major goal and the major objective is la'allakum tattaqun, so you are people of taqwa.”
“the remembrance of Allah leads a person to gratitude. And the gratitude leaves a person to a stage of obedience.”
“You want Allah's forgiveness? Forgive people. You want Allah to give you rizq? Start spending charity.”
“Just you and Allah. There are no filters. There are no barriers.”
For the dinner table
The khutbah reminded us that the main purpose of fasting is to grow in taqwa, or awareness of Allah. This awareness should appear in our actions through gratitude, obedience, forgiveness, patience, honesty, charity, and control over anger. The middle of Ramadan is a good time to ask whether fasting is changing our character. We can spend quiet time with Allah, seek forgiveness, and try to treat people with more mercy and kindness. The remaining days are an opportunity to renew our intentions and become better servants of Allah.
- What is one way you can show taqwa in your home this week?
- Who could you forgive or show more kindness to?
- What would you talk to Allah about during quiet time alone?
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