3:47 Now, if you don't…25:16 If you want Allah to…
Ramadan & fastingFrom the masjid's own video, Feb 28, 2026.

Ramadan fasting should change our behavior

Waritheen

“If you don't change your behavior, if I don't change my behavior, if we don't change our behavior during the month, then we're not fasting.”

The khateeb, at 3:47

Watch the khutbahFamily kit
In one sentence

Ramadan fasting is meant to cultivate mastery of taqwa, God-consciousness that transforms behavior and brings guidance, mercy, protection, provision, and spiritual success.

The khutbah in 6 steps

  1. Defines fasting as a means of developing taqwa rather than merely experiencing hunger and thirst.
  2. Presents Ramadan as a spiritual training camp involving punctual fasting, prayer, restraint, and worship.
  3. Explains taqwa as reflective awareness that protects people from harmful thinking and behavior.
  4. Connects taqwa with certainty, divine teaching, obedience, guidance, and success.
  5. Uses everyday provisions such as food, water, and fire to encourage gratitude toward Allah.
  6. Concludes that trusting and obeying Allah brings mercy, protection, provision, and sufficiency.
Try this week
Eat suhoor, begin the fast on time, and break it at Maghrib.
Pray salat on time and add extra prayers during Ramadan.
Abandon false speech, ignorance, and unlawful behavior while fasting.
Notice Allah’s provision in ordinary things such as food and water, and respond with gratitude.
Obey and trust divine guidance, acting on it instead of remaining trapped in insecurity.
Make dua for forgiveness, mercy, guidance, and a life pleasing to Allah.
Sources the khateeb cited
Quran 2:183Fasting is prescribed so believers may develop taqwa.
Quran 59:18-24Believers should practice God-consciousness, examine their deeds, and prepare for resurrection.
Quotes

In the khateeb's words

“Now, if you don't change your behavior, if I don't change my behavior, if we don't change our behavior during the month, then we're not fasting. We're only hungry and thirsty.”
Waritheen · East Oakland · 47th Avenue, CA
Play from 3:47
“If you want Allah to be with you, if you want success and prosperity, if you want the mercy of God with you”
Waritheen · East Oakland · 47th Avenue, CA
Play from 25:16
Talk about it at home

For the dinner table

The khateeb reminded us that Ramadan helps us grow in taqwa, or awareness of Allah that guides our choices. Fasting is about more than hunger and thirst: it should help us speak truthfully, follow Allah’s instructions, and develop good habits for the whole year. He encouraged us to notice Allah’s gifts in ordinary things like our food and water and respond with gratitude. He described taqwa as the best clothing we can wear, reminding us that our character matters in how we live. He also encouraged us to make an effort in Allah’s cause and trust Him for support, guidance, and provision.

  1. What good habit would you like to keep after Ramadan?
  2. What did you eat or drink today that reminded you of Allah’s gifts?
  3. What could wearing the “best dress” of taqwa look like with your friends tomorrow?
Where it was given

The masjid

Masjidul Waritheen1700 47th Ave, Oakland, CA 94601ArchiveAll khutbahs at Waritheen44 khutbahs
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