9:32 Islam is the religion…21:15 But in Munajat, you…29:27 when you do du'a for…31:52 the hadith says that…
The Islamic calendarFrom the masjid's own video, Jan 30, 2026.

Sha'ban prepares the heart for Ramadan

JAOCT

“You're expressing your love to Allah subhanahu wa ta'ala.”

The khateeb, at 21:15

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In one sentence

Sha'ban is a spiritually valuable bridge to Ramadan in which believers should prepare through fasting, purification, intimate prayer, gratitude, righteous action, and loyalty to faith.

The khutbah in 6 steps

  1. Introduces Sha'ban as the eighth month and a bridge to Ramadan, recommending voluntary fasting as preparation.
  2. Explains Sha'ban's historical significance, including the prescription of Ramadan fasting and the change of prayer direction.
  3. Describes Sha'ban as a month of purification and distinguishes Munajat al-Sha'baniyya's intimate conversation with God from ordinary supplication.
  4. Reflects on Hazrat Abbas's name and virtues, especially righteousness, loyalty, altruism, counsel, and devotion to Imam Husayn.
  5. Connects righteous deeds with faith, effort, patience, gratitude, and praying for one's parents.
  6. Concludes with Quran recitation, congregational prayer, supplications, salutations, and memorial prayers.
Try this week
Fast several days during Sha'ban as preparation for Ramadan, according to one's ability.
Recite Munajat al-Sha'baniyya and cultivate private, loving conversation with Allah.
Pray for one's parents whenever making personal supplication.
Practice righteous deeds with patience, effort, gratitude, and loyalty.
Quotes

In the khateeb's words

“Islam is the religion of ease. It is not the religion of hardship.”
JAOCT · Middlefield, CT
Play from 9:32
“But in Munajat, you are not asking God from, asking God anything. You, you're expressing your love to Allah subhanahu wa ta'ala.”
JAOCT · Middlefield, CT
Play from 21:15
“when you do du'a for yourself, do du'a for your parents too.”
JAOCT · Middlefield, CT
Play from 29:27
“the hadith says that if you don't have patience, you don't have faith.”
JAOCT · Middlefield, CT
Play from 31:52
Talk about it at home

For the dinner table

The khutbah teaches that Sha'ban is a bridge to Ramadan and a chance to prepare gently and intentionally. Fasting some days can build self-control and taqwa before Ramadan begins. The speaker also encourages Munajat, a private and loving conversation with Allah, not only asking for things. We should remember our parents in prayer and seek righteous deeds with patience and gratitude. Hazrat Abbas is presented as an example of loyalty, sincerity, sacrifice, and devotion to a righteous cause.

  1. What is one small habit you could begin in Sha'ban to prepare for Ramadan?
  2. When does talking privately with Allah feel different from asking Allah for something?
  3. What is one difficult good deed you would like to practice more patiently?
Where it was given

The masjid

Jafaria Association of Connecticut1 Meriden Road, Middlefield, CT 06455Jumu'ah Jumu'ah prayed at the Dhuhr time (12:53 PM on August 23, 2026; shifts with the calendar)ArchiveAll khutbahs at JAOCT15 khutbahs
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