Enter Ramadan alone, leave as an ummah
“You walk out of Ramadan as an umma.”
Ramadan should be practiced as a communal mission: believers should fast with the ummah, serve and invite others despite lacking power, and emerge more united and purposeful.
The khutbah in 6 steps
- Interprets the fasting hadith as linking Ramadan observance to the believing community.
- Sets two intentions for Ramadan: fulfilling the obligation and strengthening the ummah.
- Urges outreach through invitations, iftars, and da'wah despite Muslims' lack of power.
- Uses prophetic examples to show that effective service does not require political authority.
- Reframes power as belonging ultimately to Allah and calls believers to serve the deen.
- Closes by urging listeners to enter Ramadan individually and leave it as an ummah, followed by prayers for oppressed Muslims.
In the khateeb's words
“Today we have to think this Ramadan inshallah, we're going to fast with two intentions. Number one, I have to fast because it's faridah.”
“I want to do something different. I want to connect. I want to make da'wah. I want to host my co-workers for iftar.”
“So, it's not a prerequisite that for us, the believers, to do something good for the Muslim ummah, for our neighbors, for the society that we live in, for humanity.”
“You walk in as an individual. You walk out of Ramadan as an umma.”
For the dinner table
The khateeb reminded us that fasting connects us to the community of believers. He encouraged us to fast because Allah requires it and also to intend that our fasting strengthen the ummah, our wider Muslim community. He offered practical ways to connect, such as welcoming co-workers to iftar and inviting others to the masjid. He reminded us that we can serve our neighbors and humanity even when we do not hold power, and urged us not to let hardship leave us feeling helpless. His hope was that we would leave Ramadan more connected to one another, and he prayed for Muslims facing suffering around the world.
- Who could we welcome to an iftar, and how could we help them feel at home?
- How could our family help someone feel more connected to the community this Ramadan?
More on Ramadan & fasting
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