17:29 We should abstain from…17:58 If we just were able,…
Ramadan & fastingFrom the masjid's own video, Sep 3, 2025.

Use Ramadan to change for the better

OPPC · Haitham Alzamareeh

“If every one of us was able just to solve one issue in Ramadan, then you will get a better person after Ramadan.”

The khateeb, at 17:58

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In one sentence

Ramadan should be used as a deliberate program of change, first correcting personal character, then rebuilding family ties, and finally strengthening solidarity with the wider Muslim ummah.

The khutbah in 6 steps

  1. Ramadan is presented as a rare opportunity for intentional personal and communal change.
  2. Fasting should develop self-control and taqwa rather than merely produce hunger and thirst.
  3. Listeners are urged to choose one personal vice, such as backbiting, lying, anger, or unlawful income, to overcome.
  4. Families should put devices aside, share iftar, worship together, and rebuild strained relationships.
  5. The sermon expands responsibility from the family to solidarity with the wider Muslim ummah, including Gaza and Palestine.
  6. The khutbah closes with supplication and congregational prayer.
Try this week
Identify one personal vice and deliberately work to overcome it during Ramadan.
Avoid backbiting, gossip, lying, bad language, anger, and unlawful income as carefully as food and drink.
Put phones and other devices aside during iftar and eat together as a family.
Attend the mosque, read and reflect on the Quran, and perform acts of worship together.
Pray for Gaza, Palestine, and Muslims facing hardship.
Sources the khateeb cited
Quran 33:70-71Introduces taqwa, truthful speech, righteous deeds, and obedience to Allah and His Messenger.
Quran 13:11Supports the claim that people must change themselves before their conditions change.
Quran 2:183Explains that fasting is intended to cultivate taqwa, not merely hunger and thirst.
Quotes

In the khateeb's words

“We should abstain from the haram as we abstain from food and water.”
OPPC · Orland Park, IL
Play from 17:29
“If we just were able, if every one of us was able just to solve one issue in Ramadan, then you will get a better person after Ramadan.”
OPPC · Orland Park, IL
Play from 17:58
Talk about it at home

For the dinner table

The khutbah teaches that Ramadan is a chance to become better, not simply to endure hunger and thirst. Fasting should help us control harmful habits and choose one personal weakness to work on. Families can use Ramadan to reconnect by putting devices away, sharing meals, praying, and reading Quran together. The sermon also reminds us to care about the wider Muslim community and pray for people facing hardship. The goal is to leave Ramadan closer to Allah, kinder to others, and more connected as a family.

  1. What is one habit you would like Ramadan to help you change?
  2. What could our family do together without phones during iftar?
  3. How can we show care for Muslims and neighbors who are suffering?
Where it was given

The masjid

The Prayer Center of Orland Park16530 104th Ave, Orland Park, IL 60467Jumu'ah 12:30 PM & 2:10 PMKhateebHaitham AlzamareehMore khutbahsArchiveAll khutbahs at OPPC46 khutbahs
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