Purify the nafs before Ramadan
“Ramadhan is training your nafs to adjust it on the taqwa of Allah.”
The nafs, or inner self, absorbs its surroundings and directs behavior, so Muslims should purify it through prayer, Quran, taqwa, self-accounting, and a righteous environment, especially while preparing for Ramadan.
The khutbah in 6 steps
- Introduces the nafs as the inner self and connects understanding it with living well and reaching paradise.
- Uses Quranic examples to explain how the nafs absorbs its environment and can incline toward good or evil.
- Explains that prayer, Quran, taqwa, fasting, and Ramadan train and reform the nafs.
- Urges parents to teach children Quran and create surroundings that inspire righteousness.
- Presents the nafs as a record of deeds and calls listeners to review themselves before Ramadan.
- Closes with supplications for Quranic guidance, purified souls, and steadfastness.
In the khateeb's words
“Today's khutbah is about what is a nafs, the inner self More you know about your body, better to set it up in a way to live good and inshallah your way to paradise”
“the nafs is not going to reject bad things and accept good things”
“that's why ramadhan is training your nafs to adjust it on the taqwa of Allah”
For the dinner table
The khutbah explained that the nafs is our inner self, shaped by the people, habits, and surroundings around us. It can be pulled toward wrongdoing or trained toward taqwa, living with awareness of Allah. Daily prayer, Quran, reflection, and fasting help train it as Ramadan approaches. Parents were encouraged to teach their children Quran and build a home environment that inspires goodness. We should remember that our choices are recorded and prepare to meet Allah with a purified soul.
- What part of our daily routine helps shape our nafs toward goodness?
- How can we make Quran part of our family’s preparation for Ramadan?
More on Repentance & taqwa
First, practice humility by accepting correction.28:46Worcester Islamic Center · Worcester, MA · Oct 31, 2026Arrogance hardens the heart against guidance
2:40Islamic Association of · Flower Mound, TX · Oct 24, 2026Repentance begins a life of self-discipline“Whilst you are alive, whilst you are reading, whilst you are even sitting in the masjid now, you can do Tawba with Allah.”
I want to be quick to apologize.29:24Lighthouse · Temescal · North Oakland, CA · Oct 17, 2026Move steadily in life, rush to forgiveness