Ramadan should change how we live
“We miss the great reward from Allah subhanahu wa ta'ala.”
Ramadan is a foundational pillar and divine training period meant to cultivate taqwa, forgiveness, salvation, and lasting behavioral change through fasting, prayer, and abstaining from sin.
The khutbah in 6 steps
- Establishes fasting Ramadan as a foundational pillar alongside the other four pillars.
- Explains Ramadan’s special blessings: Quran revelation, Laylatul Qadr, forgiveness, answered prayers, and freedom from the Fire.
- Prioritizes the five daily prayers over optional taraweeh while encouraging night prayer wherever possible.
- Defines fasting’s deeper purpose as cultivating taqwa, gratitude, and closeness to Allah rather than merely experiencing hunger.
- Explains taqwa as a protective, watchful stance against sin through the thorny-path analogy.
- Calls listeners to treat Ramadan as possibly their last, abandon harmful speech and one persistent struggle, and carry the change forward.
In the khateeb's words
“The most important thing is what? That we save ourselves from the hellfire.”
“If we're just not eating or drinking this Ramadan, we miss the great reward from Allah subhanahu wa ta'ala. We miss the purpose of this month.”
“Let's focus on one thing we've been struggling with. And let's leave it in this month. Let's use this month to gain more taqwa of Allah subhanahu wa ta'ala.”
For the dinner table
Br. Omar reminded us that Ramadan is a precious gift and that fasting is one of the five pillars of Islam, with allowances for those who have valid excuses. He explained that fasting is about more than missing food and drink: it helps us develop taqwa, remembering Allah and carefully avoiding what displeases Him. That includes caring about our words, avoiding gossip, and treating people well. He encouraged us to protect our five daily prayers first, then add night prayers as we are able, even at home. Ramadan offers many opportunities to seek Allah’s forgiveness, and we can begin by choosing one harmful habit to leave behind and carrying that change beyond the month.
- What would walking carefully around “thorns” look like in the choices you make with friends?
- How could we help each other speak kindly when we feel hungry or tired?
More on Ramadan & fasting
Fast the six days of Shawwal.20:06SALAM Arden · Sacramento, CA · Apr 3, 2026Six Shawwal fasts can earn a year
The most valuable thing is time.16:36NWIIC · Crown Point, IN · Apr 3, 2026Carry Ramadan’s taqwa throughout the year
Every single day you are doing something to make Allah happy.26:16ISGW · Worcester, MA · Apr 3, 2026Turn Ramadan’s remainder into lasting worship