21:47 We need to realize as…22:14 But where we lack…
Character & conductFrom the masjid's own video, Feb 20, 2026.

Ramadan should change how we treat others

TARIC

“Although we fast during the day and we pray during the night, when we interact with each other, we're not on the best behavior.”

The khateeb, at 22:14

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In one sentence

Ramadan fasting should produce not only forgiveness and worship, but a deliberate transformation of one's character, relationships, and everyday behavior.

The khutbah in 6 steps

  1. Ramadan offers three opportunities for forgiveness through fasting, night prayer, and Laylat al-Qadr.
  2. Fasting's third essential element is akhlaq: behavior, attitude, manners, and character.
  3. Hadiths describe fasting as a shield against obscenity, ignorance, quarrelling, and useless speech.
  4. The bankrupt Muslim may arrive with worship yet lose deeds through harming others.
  5. Listeners are urged to choose one behavior to change and repair relationships during Ramadan.
  6. Personal worship habits, including Quran reading and voluntary prayers, should also improve.
Try this week
Choose one specific behavior to change during Ramadan.
Practice controlling anger and avoiding harsh words, insults, and name-calling.
Repair strained relationships with parents, children, spouses, relatives, colleagues, or mosque members.
Read more Quran or read its translation to understand its message.
Establish sunnah and nafil prayers as lasting habits.
When insulted or provoked, say, "I am fasting" twice as a reminder not to retaliate.
Respond gently, kindly, and forgivingly when others behave poorly.
Sources the khateeb cited
Sahih al-BukhariFasting is a shield against obscenity, ignorant behavior, and quarrelling.
Sahih al-BukhariGiving up useless speech and evil behavior is necessary for fasting to provide more than hunger and thirst.
Sunan Ibn MajahSome people gain only hunger from fasting and sleeplessness from night prayer.
Quotes

In the khateeb's words

“We need to realize as Muslims that Islam is not only about the ibadah.”
TARIC · Downsview, ON
Play from 21:47
“But where we lack sometimes is in our behavior. So although we fast during the day and we pray during the night, when we interact with each other, we're not on the best behavior.”
TARIC · Downsview, ON
Play from 22:14
Talk about it at home

For the dinner table

The khateeb reminded us that Ramadan offers wonderful opportunities for Allah’s forgiveness and for becoming better people. Alongside fasting and praying at night, we need to work on our manners, words, and treatment of others. He warned that harming people has serious consequences, even when we have prayed, fasted, and given charity. He encouraged each of us to choose one habit to improve this Ramadan, such as controlling anger, avoiding harsh words, or spending more time understanding the Quran. When someone upsets us, remembering “I am fasting” can help us stay gentle, and Ramadan is a good time to begin repairing relationships.

  1. What is one kind habit you would like to practice this Ramadan?
  2. When someone annoys you, what could help you pause before answering?
  3. What could we do as a family to make our words gentler?
Where it was given

The masjid

TARIC Islamic Centre99 Beverly Hills Drive, Toronto, ON M3L 1A2ArchiveAll khutbahs at TARIC39 khutbahs
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