2:17 let us all make the…2:50 you sow your seeds in…10:14 when you come to know…
Prayer & worshipFrom the masjid's own video, Jan 23, 2026.

Prepare in Shaaban to worship Allah fully

NHIEC

“You sow your seeds in Rajab, you till your soil in Shaaban, and then you reap the fruits in Ramadan.”

The khateeb, at 2:50

Watch the khutbahFamily kit
In one sentence

Because servitude to Allah is the believer’s highest honor, Muslims should prepare for Ramadan by embracing grateful, complete obedience and trusting Allah’s care.

The khutbah in 7 steps

  1. Calls to taqwa and presents Shaaban as an overlooked month before Ramadan.
  2. Urges intention, fasting, Quran recitation, and preparation before Ramadan.
  3. Introduces Isra and Mi'raj and focuses on the Prophet being honored as Allah’s abd.
  4. Explains ubudiyyah through divine closeness, human slavery, and the story of Zaid.
  5. Shows that Allah cares for those who turn to Him during grief and hardship.
  6. Defines ubudiyyah as consistent worship and complete obedience, using Iblis and salah as examples.
  7. Concludes with supplications for forgiveness, Gaza, the oppressed, and reaching Ramadan.
Try this week
Make a sincere intention to worship fully if granted life until Ramadan.
Increase fasting during Shaaban.
Increase Quran recitation before Ramadan.
Pray qiyam and maintain the five daily prayers consistently.
Approach worship as complete obedience to Allah’s guidance.
Pray with the seriousness of facing Allah for the last time.
Sources the khateeb cited
Surah 17Presents Isra and Mi'raj as a divine sign and consolation for the Prophet.
Surah 18Highlights Allah calling the Prophet His abd when describing revelation.
Surah 51Connects humanity’s creation with worship and knowing Allah.
Surah 1Uses 'You alone do we worship' as the central statement of servitude.
Quotes

In the khateeb's words

“let us all make the right intention that if Allah lets us live inshaAllah we plan to worship Him during this month completely and fully”
NHIEC · Union City, NJ
Play from 2:17
“you sow your seeds in Rajab you till your soil in Shaaban and then you reap the fruits in Ramadan”
NHIEC · Union City, NJ
Play from 2:50
“when you come to know Allah you know your position vis-a-vis Allah and when you come to know Allah you come to love Allah”
NHIEC · Union City, NJ
Play from 10:14
Talk about it at home

For the dinner table

The khutbah reminds us that Shaaban is a chance to prepare our hearts for Ramadan before the month begins. The speaker describes being Allah’s servant not as humiliation, but as an honored relationship of loving obedience and closeness. Prayer, fasting, Quran recitation, and following Allah’s guidance help us live that servitude sincerely. The sermon also reassures us that Allah cares about our sadness and hardship and is near when we turn to Him. We should begin preparing now while asking Allah to let us reach Ramadan and worship Him well.

  1. What is one small way you could prepare your heart for Ramadan this week?
  2. What does being Allah’s servant mean to you in everyday life?
  3. How can remembering that Allah cares about our feelings change how we handle a difficult day?
Where it was given

The masjid

North Hudson Islamic Educational Center4613 Cottage Pl, Union City, NJ 07087ArchiveAll khutbahs at NHIEC31 khutbahs
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