Repentance & taqwaFrom the masjid's own video, Mar 13, 2026.

Fasting's greatest benefit is taqwa

“The meaning of taqwa is to follow the orders of Allah.”

The khateeb, at 10:23

In one sentence

The ultimate benefit of fasting is taqwa, obeying Allah, avoiding wrongdoing, and gaining guidance, protection, ease, and spiritual purification.

The khutbah in 5 steps

  1. Introduces taqwa as the greatest fruit and purpose of Ramadan fasting.
  2. Defines taqwa through the metaphor of avoiding thorns and obeying traffic laws.
  3. Explains taqwa through Quranic guidance, warnings about Hell, charity, repentance, and good character.
  4. Describes taqwa's benefits, including discernment, forgiveness, relief, and ease during trials.
  5. Reminds worshippers to complete Ramadan with zakat al-fitr for every family member.
Try this week
Follow Allah's commands and the Prophet's guidance while avoiding sinful obstacles.
Respond to wrongdoing with a good deed and treat people with good character.
Give charity, even a small amount, to seek protection from the Fire.
Continue obligatory prayer, taraweeh, fasting, and Quran recitation through Ramadan.
Give zakat al-fitr for every family member, including infants, at the stated amount.
Quotes

In the khateeb's words

“So the meaning of taqwa is to follow the orders of Allah. And the prophet Muhammad peace be upon him.”
ICCNY Stamford · Stamford, CT
Play from 10:23
“Protect yourselves from the fire with a half of a dead fruit.”
ICCNY Stamford · Stamford, CT
Play from 11:12
“Allah will give him, pay for him a way out that in difficult times Allah support him”
ICCNY Stamford · Stamford, CT
Play from 18:59
Talk about it at home

For the dinner table

The khateeb reminded us that the greatest fruit of fasting is taqwa: living carefully and following Allah’s guidance. He compared taqwa to walking along a thorny path, where we pay attention and avoid what may harm us. The khutbah encouraged us to follow a bad deed with a good one, treat people with good character, and never underestimate even a small act of charity. Taqwa helps us recognize right from wrong, draws us closer to Allah, and brings His help during difficulty. As Ramadan ends, families should also remember Zakat al-Fitr, which helps purify our fasting and provides food for people in need.

  1. What is one “thorn” or temptation you want to become better at avoiding?
  2. What small good deed could our family do regularly, even after Ramadan?
  3. How can we show good character when someone makes us upset?