2:58 What it means, what he…5:08 No, that's dishonesty.…5:54 You begin to develop…9:37 Ramadan is the…
Ramadan & fastingFrom the masjid's own video, Apr 3, 2026.

Fasting builds self-control beyond Ramadan

ICFV · Mustafa Omar

“Ramadan is the opportunity for us to make permanent changes.”

The khateeb, at 9:37

Watch the khutbahFamily kit
In one sentence

Fasting in Ramadan cultivates taqwa and self-control, enabling personal reform that strengthens families, communities, and the wider ummah.

The khutbah in 6 steps

  1. Explains that questioning Allah’s wisdom can deepen understanding, especially regarding fasting.
  2. Defines taqwa through Ubay ibn Ka'ab’s thorny-path analogy.
  3. Applies taqwa to speech, gossip, workplace honesty, and resisting sinful behavior.
  4. Uses the Stanford marshmallow experiment to explain how fasting develops self-control.
  5. Urges listeners to abandon bad habits and establish lasting good habits beyond Ramadan.
  6. Connects individual reform to family and communal strength, ending with supplications for the oppressed and Gaza.
Try this week
Use fasting to restrain angry or careless speech.
Avoid gossip, backbiting, foul language, dishonesty, smoking, and drinking.
Read Quran and tafsir regularly.
Continue some extra prayers after Ramadan.
Say salaam first, smile more, and practice better akhlaq.
Choose lasting personal reforms that can extend into family and community life.
Quotes

In the khateeb's words

“What it means, what he meant was, you walk carefully, being aware, being conscious of doing anything that would displease Allah. And you're constantly thinking of how can I please Allah?”
ICFV · Fountain Valley, CA
Play from 2:58
“No, that's dishonesty. So I'm not going to do that. I'm going to be extra careful about anything that's going to be written in my book of bad deeds.”
ICFV · Fountain Valley, CA
Play from 5:08
“You begin to develop discipline. And that discipline is going to translate into all other aspects of your life.”
ICFV · Fountain Valley, CA
Play from 5:54
“Ramadan is the opportunity for us to make permanent changes. Temporary changes for the month and permanent changes as well.”
ICFV · Fountain Valley, CA
Play from 9:37
Talk about it at home

For the dinner table

The khutbah teaches that Allah gives fasting a purpose: to grow taqwa, or careful awareness of Him. Like walking through thorns, we try to avoid words and actions that displease Allah and choose what pleases Him. Fasting also trains self-control, so Ramadan can help us leave harmful habits and build good ones. The khateeb encourages us to carry some Ramadan practices into the rest of the year, including Quran, extra prayer, greetings, smiles, honesty, and good character. He also reminds us that stronger individuals, families, and communities can better face oppression and care for people who are suffering.

  1. What is one “thorn”, a temptation or bad habit, you want Allah to help you avoid?
  2. Which Ramadan habit would you like our family to continue after Eid?
  3. How can our family show better akhlaq through greetings, honesty, or kindness this week?
Where it was given

The masjid

Islamic Centre of Fountain Valley16551 Brookhurst St, Fountain Valley, CA 92708ArchiveAll khutbahs at ICFV60 khutbahs
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