3:50 And you set it up. You…10:04 Fast as much as you…
Repentance & taqwaFrom the masjid's own video, Feb 3, 2026.

Train the nafs toward taqwa

IIT

“Fast as much as you can.”

The khateeb, at 10:04

Watch the khutbahFamily kit
In one sentence

The khutbah argues that the nafs, the inner self guiding our choices, is shaped by surroundings and actions, so believers should discipline it through Quranic reflection and worship to grow in taqwa.

The khutbah in 5 steps

  1. Introduces the nafs as the inner self deserving attention alongside the body's functions.
  2. Uses Surah al-Shams to explain that the nafs can incline toward taqwa or wrongdoing.
  3. Illustrates the nafs' influence through Abel and Cain and its tendency toward regret and evil.
  4. Connects satanic whispers and the sequence of Rajab, Sha'ban, and Ramadan to spiritual preparation.
  5. Calls listeners to fasting, Quran recitation, good deeds, and reflection to train the nafs toward obedience.
Try this week
Fast as much as possible, especially in Sha'ban and Ramadan.
Recite the Quran regularly.
Perform as many good deeds as possible.
Read Quranic instructions, think about them, and apply them.
Monitor and train the nafs toward taqwa and obedience.
Sources the khateeb cited
Surah 91Explains that the soul can be inspired toward taqwa or wrongdoing and must be purified.
Surah 12Uses the statement that the nafs is inclined toward evil to argue for self-discipline.
Quotes

In the khateeb's words

“And you set it up. You know, it could be good, taqwaha, or bad, fujuraha.”
IIT · Torrance, CA
Play from 3:50
“Fast as much as you can. Recite the Quran as much as you can. Make good deeds as much as you can.”
IIT · Torrance, CA
Play from 10:04
Talk about it at home

For the dinner table

The khutbah teaches that the nafs is our inner self, the part of us that influences what we choose and do. It can be shaped by our surroundings, education, and repeated actions, and it can move toward either taqwa or wrongdoing. Because the nafs can also be whispered to by Shaytan, we should pay attention to it rather than follow every impulse. The khateeb presents Sha'ban and Ramadan as opportunities to prepare through fasting, Quran recitation, and good deeds. Reading Quranic instructions thoughtfully and practicing them can help us train the nafs to obey Allah.

  1. What is one good habit that helps your nafs choose obedience?
  2. Which influence around us can make it easier to do good, and how can we improve it?
  3. What Quranic instruction could our family practice this week?
Where it was given

The masjid

Islamic Institute of Torrance18103 Prairie Ave, Torrance, CA 90504Jumu'ah First khutba 12:20 PM, salat 12:40 to 12:45 PM · Second Jumu'ah 1:20 PM, salat 1:40 to 1:45 PMArchiveAll khutbahs at IIT64 khutbahs
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