Ramadan welcomes the broken back
“People don't care what you know until they know that you care.”
Ramadan is a merciful prescription for people who arrive with sin and brokenness, so Muslims should pursue repentance and good deeds while compassionately helping others rather than judging or excluding them.
The khutbah in 7 steps
- Ramadan welcomes people with past sins, and sincere repentance can transform evil deeds into good.
- Fasting is described as a divine prescription intended to cultivate taqwa.
- Muslims should support vulnerable converts, struggling youth, and people affected by addiction instead of shaming them.
- Examples from Khalid ibn al-Walid, Malcolm X, and Abu Mihjan illustrate human transformation.
- Advice attributed to Nabi Isa emphasizes humility, recognizing different afflictions, and helping those who struggle.
- Compassion, spiritual insight, listening, and forgiveness help people change.
- The sermon concludes with a call to support Lamps of Light's mental-health and addiction services.
In the khateeb's words
“We come to Ramadan with our brokenness. We come to Ramadan with all of our problems and our mistakes.”
“There are no throwaway people to Allah Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam. No throwaway people. Until you breathe your last breath, there is a chance.”
“You see, guidance moves at the speed of compassion. People don't care what you know, Until they know that you care.”
For the dinner table
Ust. Tabari Zahir reminded us that we do not have to arrive at Ramadan with everything already fixed. We bring our struggles and mistakes, and fasting is a prescription to help us grow closer to Allah. He encouraged repentance, belief, and good deeds, and warned us never to make someone lose hope in Allah’s mercy. Through the story of Abu Mahjan, he showed how being seen, heard, and understood can help someone begin deeper change. As a family, we can ask Allah for forgiveness, listen with compassion, and help others while remembering our own need for His mercy.
- What is one way Ramadan can help us work on a habit we struggle with?
- What could you say to a friend who feels they have made too many mistakes to start again?
- What helps you feel heard and understood when something is difficult?
More on Repentance & taqwa
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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