Prepare for Ramadan with taqwa and good character
“Always know that Allah subhanahu wa ta'ala is watching you.”
As Ramadan approaches, Muslims should follow the Prophet’s three-part counsel by remaining mindful of Allah, responding to sin with hopeful good deeds, and showing excellent character toward others.
The khutbah in 6 steps
- Introduces the Prophet’s advice to Mu'adh ibn Jabal.
- Frames Ramadan preparation around relationships with Allah, oneself, and other people.
- Explains taqwa as mindfulness of Allah in every circumstance.
- Urges sincere regret, istighfar, hope, and immediate good deeds after sin.
- Emphasizes good manners as central to faith and especially important in Ramadan.
- Concludes that taqwa and good conduct lead toward Jannah and carry great weight on Judgment Day.
In the khateeb's words
“and follow a bad deed with a good deed and it will erase it”
“yes we should feel guilty and have a level of regret”
“people use their sins as an excuse to stay behind”
“always know that Allah subhanahu wa ta'ala is watching you”
For the dinner table
The khutbah centers on the Prophet’s advice to Mu'adh ibn Jabal: be mindful of Allah wherever you are, answer a bad deed with a good one, and treat people with good character. As Ramadan approaches, we are asked to prepare both our relationship with Allah and our relationships with people. When we slip, we should feel sincere regret and make istighfar, but not let shame trap us; we should quickly return to good deeds and hope in Allah’s mercy. Good manners are not a small extra: they are part of strong faith and can carry great weight on the Day of Judgment. Our family can begin by remembering Allah in private and public, repairing mistakes, and making kindness visible at home.
- What is one good deed you could do after making a mistake?
- Where do you find it hardest to remember that Allah is watching?
- What would showing your best manners look like at home this week?
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