2:23 the one who is able to…13:54 the best fasting after…
Repentance & taqwaFrom the masjid's own video, Jun 20, 2026.

True striving starts with self-control

Danforth Islamic Centre

“The best fasting after Ramadan is in the month of Allah, the month of Muharram.”

The khateeb, at 13:54

Watch the khutbahFamily kit
In one sentence

True striving begins with mastering one’s desires and obedience to Allah, which enables believers to face external challenges and seize opportunities such as fasting Muharram.

The khutbah in 6 steps

  1. Taqwa and striving bring guidance and success.
  2. Self-control is the first form of jihad.
  3. A true Muslim protects others from harm.
  4. The Farewell Hajj defines the mujahid as one who struggles against the self.
  5. Fasting Muharram, especially Ashura and the preceding day, is encouraged.
  6. The khutbah closes with prayers for forgiveness, Palestine, and the Muslim community.
Try this week
Strive against personal desires and leave sins.
Perform acts of worship even when they require sacrifice or leaving one’s comfort zone.
Fast the tenth of Muharram, Ashura, and preferably the ninth as well.
Keep others safe from one’s tongue and hand.
Be trustworthy with people’s wealth and lives.
Sources the khateeb cited
Quran 29:69Used to teach that striving for Allah brings guidance and divine support.
Quran 30:1-4Used alongside al-Ankabut to connect inner victory with overcoming external enemies.
Sahih al-BukhariUsed to emphasize that self-striving is obedience to Allah.
Quotes

In the khateeb's words

“the one who is able to conquer himself and overcome it through striving is able to overcome the enemy”
Danforth Islamic Centre · Toronto, ON
Play from 2:23
“the best fasting after Ramadan is in the month of Allah the month of Muharram”
Danforth Islamic Centre · Toronto, ON
Play from 13:54
Talk about it at home

For the dinner table

The khutbah teaches that the most important struggle is the struggle to control our own desires and obey Allah. A strong Muslim is someone whose words and actions make other people feel safe. The speaker encouraged worship that requires effort, including fasting during Muharram, especially Ashura and the day before it. The sermon also reminded us to leave sins, protect others from harm, and become trustworthy. It ended by praying for forgiveness, guidance, and relief for oppressed Muslims, especially in Palestine.

  1. What is one desire you could practice controlling this week?
  2. How can our family make others feel safe through our words and actions?
  3. What would make fasting a meaningful act of self-discipline for you?
Where it was given

The masjid

Danforth Islamic Centre3018 A Danforth Ave, East York, ON M4C 1M7Jumu'ah Friday prayers to 1:15 PM, 2:00 PM, and 2:45 PMArchiveAll khutbahs at Danforth Islamic Centre11 khutbahs
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