9:21 And there is a very…11:51 Islam teaches that we…16:18 The darkness from the…
Ramadan & fastingFrom the masjid's own video, Mar 3, 2026.

Ramadan trains the heart for taqwa

MCC East Bay · Ahmed Khan

“If you want Allah to talk to you, you read Allah's book.”

The khateeb, at 9:21

Watch the khutbahFamily kit
In one sentence

Ramadan should be used as an intensive training period to cultivate taqwa through consistent Quran reading, worship, and prioritizing Allah over distraction.

The khutbah in 7 steps

  1. Ramadan is an annual intensive training period whose goal is cultivating taqwa.
  2. Taqwa is awareness of Allah and a protective shield that strengthens through repeated practice.
  3. The Quran, revealed in Ramadan, is divine guidance and an instruction manual for life.
  4. The Quran offers answers in hardship and is how Allah speaks to those who read it.
  5. Listeners are urged to complete the Quran at least once and resist a productivity-centered culture.
  6. A grandfather’s bucket story illustrates how daily Quran reading gradually purifies the heart.
  7. The gathering closes with prayer, Ramadan logistics, community service announcements, and supplications.
Try this week
Set a Ramadan goal to complete the entire Quran at least once, in Arabic or another language.
Create a consistent daily Quran-reading habit, such as reading after Fajr.
Remove nonmandatory tasks and prioritize worship, family relationships, and time with the Quran.
Follow the community’s email or website for the crescent-sighting announcement and Ramadan start date.
Volunteer 10, 30 minutes to help load Ramadan care packages for local families.
Quotes

In the khateeb's words

“And there is a very easy way to get Allah to speak to you. And Allah does speak to us. And if you want to talk to Allah, you make dua, but if you want Allah to talk to you, you read Allah's book.”
MCC East Bay · Pleasanton, CA
Play from 9:21
“Islam teaches that we worship Allah and when we worship Allah, Allah will bring barakah into all of the things that we do.”
MCC East Bay · Pleasanton, CA
Play from 11:51
“The darkness from the heart is being removed even if you can't see it.”
MCC East Bay · Pleasanton, CA
Play from 16:18
Talk about it at home

For the dinner table

The khateeb reminded us that Ramadan is a time to wake up our hearts and grow in taqwa, which means being conscious of Allah. He described taqwa as a shield that protects us and a skill we strengthen through regular practice. He encouraged us to return to the Quran, reflect on its guidance, and aim to read it completely during Ramadan, using a language we understand if needed. He also reminded us to make time for Allah and our families instead of letting the desire to get more work done take over our lives. Through the story of a dirty bucket becoming clean with repeated trips to the river, he explained that reading the Quran can cleanse our hearts even when we do not see the change right away.

  1. What could help you remember Allah during a busy school day?
  2. What small Quran habit could we practice together as a family?
  3. What can we set aside this week to spend more time with each other?
Where it was given

The masjid

Muslim Community Center East Bay5724 W Las Positas Blvd, Pleasanton, CA 94588KhateebAhmed KhanMore khutbahsArchiveAll khutbahs at MCC East Bay71 khutbahs
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