Measure spiritual growth like worldly success
“Am I meeting the milestones in relation to my religion or not?”
Muslims should treat spiritual growth and closeness to Allah as seriously as worldly milestones, using Ramadan obligations and voluntary worship to measure and improve their faith.
The khutbah in 6 steps
- Contrasts society’s worldly milestones with the spiritual milestones people often neglect.
- Urges listeners to prioritize fulfilling Allah’s rights and aspiring to become awliya of Allah.
- Explains that sainthood is attainable through sincere devotion, unlike prophethood.
- Uses Quranic and hadith-based reminders about fearing Allah and drawing closer through obligatory deeds.
- Reframes prayer, fasting, and zakat as opportunities for closeness rather than burdens.
- Encourages voluntary night prayer, Quran recitation, dhikr, and evaluating spiritual growth each Ramadan.
In the khateeb's words
“The last thing that we'll think about is, am I meeting the milestones in relation to my religion or not?”
“Becoming a Wali of Allah is not something that is unattainable.”
“Zakat is not like that. Zakat is a ibadah. It is one of the pillars of faith. Sohm is not a burden. Sohm is a pillar of faith.”
“We are ready to sacrifice our sleep for work. We are ready to sacrifice our energy, our wealth for our worldly desires. Why not sacrifice that for the sake of Allah?”
For the dinner table
The khateeb reminded us that we carefully track worldly goals such as education, careers, homes, and retirement. We should also ask whether we are growing closer to Allah and fulfilling the rights He has placed upon us. Prayer, fasting, and zakat are not burdens but beloved opportunities to draw near to Allah. Extra worship such as night prayer, Quran recitation, and remembrance can deepen that connection. Ramadan can become our yearly spiritual checkup as we ask whether we are more conscious of Allah and living with greater taqwa.
- What is one worldly goal and one spiritual goal you would like to work on?
- Which act of worship helps you feel closest to Allah?
- How could you tell whether this Ramadan helped you grow?
The masjid
More on Prayer & worship
The remembrance of Allah subhanahu wa ta'ala is something very powerful.9:18ISCN · Corona, CA · Oct 24, 2026Knowing Allah makes worship joyful
Ali Khan Center · Suitland, MD · Oct 10, 2026Give the weekly prayer your full attention“Don't just time it so you get maybe five-minute kutbah and a five-minute salat, and you're out in 10 minutes.”
Don't set your floor at your peak time, like in Ramadan.19:52Al-Noor · Santa Clara, CA · Oct 24, 2026Build a sustainable spiritual floor