19:24 freedom is not freeing…20:31 We are able to build a…22:17 The believer is not…
Ramadan & fastingFrom the masjid's own video, Feb 7, 2026.

Prepare for Ramadan before it begins

Masjid Fatima

“Freedom is not freeing the desires to take control, but rather it is freeing ourselves from the control of the desires.”

The khateeb, at 19:24

Watch the khutbahFamily kit
In one sentence

Believers should use Sha'ban to prepare for Ramadan through voluntary fasting, Qur'an engagement, and disciplining desires so they can grow closer to Allah and sustain lasting change.

The khutbah in 6 steps

  1. The khateeb thanks Allah for Islam, faith, the Qur'an, and the Prophet's example.
  2. Ramadan's importance is established through fasting and the Qur'an's revelation during the month.
  3. Sha'ban is presented as a preparation period, using the planting, watering, and harvesting analogy.
  4. Fasting is explained as training restraint and freedom from the control of desires.
  5. Listeners are urged to begin voluntary fasting and Qur'an engagement before Ramadan.
  6. The khutbah closes with a prayer to reach Ramadan in faith and carry its transformation beyond the month.
Try this week
Make voluntary (nafil) fasts during Sha'ban.
Begin building a relationship with the Qur'an before Ramadan.
Practice restraint from desires and distractions.
Start Ramadan habits early so their benefits continue beyond the month.
Sources the khateeb cited
Quran 2:183-185Fasting is prescribed and Ramadan is the month in which the Qur'an was revealed; used to establish Ramadan's importance.
Quran 33:21
Quotes

In the khateeb's words

“freedom is not freeing the desires to take control, but rather it is freeing ourselves from the control of the desires.”
Masjid Fatima · Catonsville, MD
Play from 19:24
“We are able to build a better relationship with the Qur'an that Allah revealed in this month.”
Masjid Fatima · Catonsville, MD
Play from 20:31
“The believer is not going to be gullible the believer is going to be prepared.”
Masjid Fatima · Catonsville, MD
Play from 22:17
Talk about it at home

For the dinner table

Ramadan is approaching, and the khutbah invites us to use Sha'ban as a season of preparation. Fasting is more than going without food and drink: it trains us not to let our desires control us and turns our hearts toward Allah. We can begin with optional fasts and by building a steady relationship with the Qur'an before Ramadan arrives. The goal is to taste the sweetness of worship and carry a lasting change beyond the month. The speaker closes by asking Allah to let us reach Ramadan with faith and readiness.

  1. What does it mean to be free from the control of our desires?
  2. What is one small way we can prepare for Ramadan this week?
  3. What change would you like Ramadan to help you keep afterward?
Where it was given

The masjid

Masjid Fatima1928 Powers Ln, Catonsville, MD 21228Jumu'ah 1:20 PM & 2:00 PMArchiveAll khutbahs at Masjid Fatima27 khutbahs
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