Ramadan & fastingFrom the masjid's own video, Sep 3, 2025.
Use Ramadan to build lasting habits
“Look at it as a time to train yourself to be better.”
In one sentence
Muslims should aspire beyond worldly security and mere ritual observance by using Ramadan to build disciplined worship, ethical habits, and a confident community that serves wider society.
The khutbah in 6 steps
- Rabi'ah ibn al-Ka'ab chooses companionship in Paradise over worldly comforts.
- The congregation is urged to examine its true aspirations and prioritize the afterlife.
- Ramadan is presented as training: establish prayer, abandon sinful speech and behavior, and reduce distractions.
- Listeners are challenged to build lasting habits rather than temporary Ramadan improvements.
- The community is urged to move beyond defensive identity preservation and serve broader Nashville.
- The khutbah closes with prayers and announcements about family programming, Ramadan sponsorship, volunteering, and the postponed Eid Bazaar.
Try this week
Ask Allah specifically for al-Firdaws and set a high spiritual goal for Ramadan.
Choose one new regular practice before Ramadan that draws you closer to Allah.
Leave false speech, foolish behavior, and other displeasing conduct while fasting.
Pray on time consistently and reduce phone checking, ideally cutting it in half.
Build community alliances and institutions that serve Muslims and the wider Nashville community.
Attend the family-night dinner and lecture, volunteer to help set up, and sign up to sponsor a Ramadan night if able.
Quotes
In the khateeb's words
“But this khutbah is not about salah. This khutbah is for us to take a step back and ask ourselves the same question. What do you really want?”
“And don't look at Ramadan just as a time to be better. Look at it as a time to train yourself to be better.”
“We can be more than what we are as individuals when we come together and work together as a community.”
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