17:29 Sometimes we want…21:03 Rather, greatness…27:11 Essentially, we're…34:27 They spend billions of…
Ramadan & fastingFrom the masjid's own video, Feb 21, 2026.

Ramadan trains us to master ourselves

ICG

“We're training ourselves to live at a higher level.”

The khateeb, at 27:11

Watch the khutbahFamily kit
In one sentence

Ramadan trains believers to courageously and consistently discipline the lower self through worship, reflection, and mercy toward imperfect members of the community.

The khutbah in 6 steps

  1. Gratitude for guidance, fasting, and worship at the beginning of Ramadan.
  2. The Battle of Mu'tah and the leadership of Zayd, Ja'far, and Abdullah ibn Rawaha.
  3. Abdullah ibn Rawaha's hesitation and self-command before entering battle.
  4. The companions' humanity challenges perfectionism and calls for mercy in the masjid.
  5. Ramadan disciplines the lower self through fasting, prayer, generosity, kindness, and sacrifice.
  6. Daily private reflection with Allah and protecting one's attention from technology.
Try this week
Treat fasting, prayer, generosity, kindness, and reconciliation as exercises in controlling the lower self.
Set aside quiet time alone with Allah every day, especially before iftar or late at night.
Protect part of your daily attention from apps and use it for reflection and dua.
Practice patience and mercy toward fellow Muslims who are struggling rather than making them feel unwelcome.
Quotes

In the khateeb's words

“Sometimes we want something. And we really want it. But Allah has something better in store for us.”
ICG · Glendale, CA
Play from 17:29
“Rather, greatness requires bravery. Greatness requires conviction. Greatness requires consistency. And when I say greatness, I say it in the context of our relationship with Allah.”
ICG · Glendale, CA
Play from 21:03
“Essentially, we're putting our lower self in check. We're training ourselves to live at a higher level.”
ICG · Glendale, CA
Play from 27:11
“They spend billions of dollars to do that. That tells you something. That your attention is worth billions of dollars. It's so valuable.”
ICG · Glendale, CA
Play from 34:27
Talk about it at home

For the dinner table

Ramadan is a special gift because Allah has guided us to fast, pray, and worship. The story of Abdullah ibn Rawaha reminds us that even courageous believers can hesitate, and greatness comes through bravery, conviction, consistency, and following Allah, not through being perfect. Ramadan trains us to control the part of ourselves that wants comfort and immediate gratification, while treating fellow Muslims with mercy and welcome. The khateeb encouraged us to set aside quiet time every day to speak with Allah and protect our attention from the many apps competing for it.

  1. When is it hardest to choose what is good over what feels comfortable?
  2. How can we help someone feel welcome at the masjid?
  3. What could we do with five quiet minutes before iftar or bedtime?
Where it was given

The masjid

Islamic Center of Glendale700 S Adams St, Glendale, CA 91205Jumu'ah Khutbah 1:10 to 1:40 PMArchiveAll khutbahs at ICG31 khutbahs
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