Ramadan & fastingFrom the masjid's own video, Feb 20, 2026.
Let love guide your Ramadan fasting
“Fast Ramadan out of love and regard for God.”
In one sentence
Ramadan fasting should begin with love and reverence for Allah, allowing taqwa to quiet the insatiable nafs and transform the soul.
The khutbah in 5 steps
- Introduces intention as determining the outcome of worship.
- Explains fasting with iman as love and reverence for Allah, with reward secondary.
- Warns against seeking praise from people through worship or charity.
- Describes the nafs as insatiable and taqwa as its source of contentment.
- Calls listeners to overcome the nafs during Ramadan and begin their journey toward Allah.
Try this week
Begin fasting with love and reverence for Allah as the primary intention.
Expect reward from Allah without making reward or people's praise the main motive.
Use Ramadan to confront and restrain the nafs.
Aim to finish Ramadan with a more content and peaceful soul.
Sources the khateeb cited
Sahih al-BukhariUsed to establish that actions are determined by intentions.
Sahih al-BukhariUsed to explain fasting from faith, sincerity, and hope of reward.
Surah 69Used to connect iman with recognizing Allah's magnificence.
Quotes
In the khateeb's words
“That you fast Ramadan out of love and regard for God. That's the first thing. That should be the first intention.”
“Your soul has changed. Has become a soul that is content. A soul that is peaceful. A soul that stops nagging you day and night.”
Talk about it at home
For the dinner table
Imam Fode Drame reminded us that the intentions behind our actions matter deeply. He encouraged us to fast and pray first out of love and reverence for Allah, while also hoping for His reward. He warned us against doing good simply to receive praise from other people. He compared our nafs, the part of us that keeps asking for more, to a fire that grows when we feed it, and taught that taqwa brings the soul contentment. Ramadan is an opportunity to grow more peaceful inside and prepare to continue our journey toward Allah.
- What could you remind yourself of before praying to help you pray with love for Allah?
- What good deed could you do quietly without needing anyone to notice?
- When you feel yourself wanting more and more, what could help you pause and feel content?
Keep listening
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