Shaykh Hamza Yusuf delivers a Khutbah about the hallmarks of gratitude in the context of Ramadan, which he called an annual school that we attend to build Taqwa (God consciousness) and sabr (patience) and move away from ghaflah (heedlessness).

Shaykh Hamza Yusuf delivered this final Ramadan sermon (Jumat-al-Widah Khutbah) at the Muslim Community Center – East Bay (MCC East Bay) in Pleasanton, California on June 23, 2017.

This month of Ramadan should increase our mindfullness of Allah. How can we make this happen?

Br. Mohamed Hoblos reminds us of what we should be doing in the blessed month of Ramadan.

How many Ramadans go by and yet we are still the same? Don’t let this month be like the others. Change yourself in this blessed month!

Shaykh Faraz Rabbani reminds of the gift of the guidance of the Qur’an, which provides the answers to the fundamental questions of life. He advises that we use Ramadan to reflect on the gift of the Quran and reconnect with Allah’s Book, and reminding of the great rank and virtue of “the people of the Qur’an” described in Prophetic traditions.

Shaykh Faraz advises that we establish a sustainable goal of recitation of Quran in Ramadan that we maintain after. He encourages us to take advantages of opportunities to recite, listen, and learn the Qur’an for eternal joy. He closes by giving pointers on how we should make our relationship of the Qur’an a relationship of love.

Br. Mohamed Hoblos shares a powerful and funny reminder of how we lose focus of the real purpose of Ramadan.

Imam Zaid Shakir gives a talk in Ramadan 2012 about fasting, worship, and attaining forgiveness. He reads from Ibn Rajab al-Hanbali’s book “Lata’if al-Ma’arif fa ma li Mawam al-Azim min al-Wadha’if” (“The Subtleties of Knowledge Concerning What Each Season Contains of Religious Duties”).

Imam Zaid spoke at the Muslim Community Center – East Bay (MCC East Bay) in Pleasanton, California on July 30, 2012.

How can we improve ourselves and our inner-self in the Blessed month of Ramadan?

In this comprehensive seminar, Shaykh Faraz Rabbani and Ustadha Shireen Ahmed offer guidance on how to improve our connection with Allah in Ramadan and make this holy month like no other.

Shaykh Faraz starts off by explaining the five key aims of fasting and Ramadan, found in the Qur’an (2.183-186): its being the month of the Qur’an, nurturing mindfulness, becoming grateful, magnifying Allah, and realizing the closeness of Allah. He sheds light on these principles and offers practical means to bring them into our lives.

Next, Shaykh Faraz talks about five neglected sunnas of Ramadan: suhur, daily intentions, night worship, the sunnas and social aspect of breaking the fast, and establishing routines in Ramadan. He connects these with examples from the teachings and example of the Prophet Muhammad (Allah bless him and give him peace) and gives keys on how to bring these sunnas into our practice.

Finally, Shaykh Faraz discusses five key devotions of Ramadan–fasting, prayer, Qur’an, remembrance, and charity–and how to make the most of them. He sheds light not only the outward forms of these acts of worship, but the meanings we should invoke within ourselves as we strive to undertake them.

How can one develop a relationship with Allah?

The Holy month of Ramadan is fast approaching. As Muslims, there are many ways we can adjust ourselves to get ready for this month. Our goal should be to make the most out of this blessed time and by doing so, finally bringing us close to our Lord.