Use Sha'ban to prepare for Ramadan
“If we don't do it now, it's not going to happen in Ramadan.”
Everyday signs, including an approaching storm, should awaken conscious worship, gratitude, and preparation in Sha'ban so Muslims draw closer to Allah and become ready for Ramadan.
The khutbah in 6 steps
- Community reminders about the sick, deceased, food sale, and madrasah
- A bird finding food illustrates reflecting on Allah's creation
- Prayer and daily blessings should be approached with conscious gratitude
- The approaching storm is presented as a warning and opportunity to return to Allah
- Sha'ban should be used to increase Quran recitation, tahajjud, dhikr, and timely prayer
- Closing supplications and community announcements about donations, iftar, utilities, and parking
In the khateeb's words
“When we pray, we pray to Allah. When we reflect, we reflect on His creations, on ourselves.”
“Let this storm that is coming, let it not just be something is happening. But it be something that bring us closer to Allah.”
“This is the month because brothers and sisters, if we don't do it now, it's not going to happen in Ramadan.”
“The days are shorter. The night is longer so we can stand in tarawih longer. These are all bounties of Allah subhanahu wa ta'ala.”
For the dinner table
The khateeb reminded us that ordinary moments, even a bird finding food, can help us notice Allah's wisdom and care. An approaching storm should make us prepare wisely, but also remember that Allah is in control and turn to Him for protection and good. He encouraged us to use Sha'ban to build habits of Quran recitation, tahajjud, dhikr, and prayer on time before Ramadan. He also urged us to make our duas and prayers conscious rather than automatic, and to remember the sick and deceased in our community. The khutbah closed with prayers for forgiveness, guidance, and Paradise, followed by community announcements.
- What is one everyday thing that reminds you of Allah?
- How can we prepare our hearts for Ramadan during Sha'ban?
- What would it mean to pray with more attention this week?
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