Ramadan & fastingFrom the masjid's own video, Feb 13, 2026.
Ramadan frees us from our desires
“Don't be enslaved by your desires.”
In one sentence
Ramadan fasting is a path to salvation because it liberates people from desires, disciplines conduct, deepens sincerity, and turns them toward serving others.
The khutbah in 6 steps
- Frames fasting through Qur’anic expiation passages as part of a broader spiritual liberation.
- Explains fasting as self-discipline: avoiding quarrels, guarding speech, and controlling desires.
- Uses prophetic and historical stories to illustrate humility, worship, courage, and self-control.
- Presents serving weak and fasting people as a central Ramadan virtue.
- Defines fasting as sincerity and solidarity with hungry people, not merely abstaining from food or enjoying elaborate meals.
- Closes by urging listeners to become better, liberated people through Ramadan and offering prayers for the dead and oppressed.
Try this week
When insulted or drawn into an argument, say “I am fasting” and disengage.
Avoid forbidden and doubtful conduct, especially in transactions and dealings with people.
Guard the tongue and private conduct from what is unlawful.
Serve people who are weak or in need, including by sharing what you have.
Treat Ramadan as a time to become a better and more liberated person, not merely to eat elaborate meals.
Sources the khateeb cited
Surah 66Connected submission to Allah with faithful, repentant, and worshipful character.
Quotes
In the khateeb's words
“So this is the message of Ramadan. Are you gonna busy yourself with people? Or you're gonna busy yourself with yourself to liberate your soul?”
“Ramadan is telling us. Rise above. Your basic need. Food and drink and the intimacy. Rise above this. Take control of yourself. Don't be enslaved by your desires.”
“When we are fasting. We cannot break our fast. Why? Because we know Allah subhanahu wa ta'ala is watching us. And this is the meaning of al-Ikhlas.”
Talk about it at home
For the dinner table
Ramadan is more than staying away from food and drink. It teaches us to rise above anger, arguments, and desires while protecting our words and conduct. We should use our fasting to serve people, care for those who are weak, and remember those who are hungry. The khateeb emphasized sincerity because Allah sees the fast even when no one else does. Our hope is to finish Ramadan more disciplined, liberated, and devoted to Allah.
- What desire or distraction could you practice rising above this Ramadan?
- How can our family serve someone who is hungry or having a difficult day?
- What does it mean to do something sincerely for Allah when nobody else notices?
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