Dear Brothers and Sisters!

We have reached the month of Ramadan, the month we have been waiting for. We thank Allah (swt) who has allowed us to reach this month, the month of the Qur’an. The month of Ramadan is a blessed month that includes the Night of Power [Laylatul Qadr], in which the Qur’an was revealed. The book which shows humanity the right path and reveals clear proof of distinguishing between right and wrong. It shows humanity the truth, which has lost its way in the darkness of ignorance. It is compulsory for us to fast in this month as a means of praising Allah (swt). Allah (swt) mentions: “The month of Ramaḍān [is that] in which was revealed the Qur’ān, a guidance for the people and clear proofs of guidance and criterion. So whoever sights [the crescent of] the month, let him fast it…”[1]

Dear Brothers and Sisters!
The month of Ramadan disciplines our souls with fasting, our will with patience, and purifies our property with zakat and fitra. It reminds us that the poor have a right to the blessings that Allah (swt) has bestowed upon us. Therefore, the blessed month of Ramadan is a season of education and peace in which faith, worship, morality and brotherhood are reinforced. In other words, Ramadan is a month in which the most important reward is to be shaded in the shade of the Throne, to gain the success in the next life and to enter Paradise..[2]

As Muslims, we review our relationship with Allah (swt), recounting the year and make useful decisions about the rest of our lives. After a month of intense training, we become stronger, conscious and purified from our sins. Regarding the importance of this month of mercy, the Prophet (saw) said: “When it’s the first night of Ramadan, devils and jinn are chained, the gates of hell are closed, and none of them are opened. The gates of heaven are opened and none are closed. Then an (angel) calls out: O you who wish for good, come to worship and servitude! O you who want evil, give up your sins! There are many people whom Allah has freed from fire in this month, and it is like this every night during this Ramadan.”[3]

While fasting, a Muslim is not only to cut off from eating and drinking, but also from backbiting, gossiping and unnecessary talk. Rasulullah (saw) said: “Fasting is a shield. On the day when one of you is fasting, let him not speak ill word. If someone taunts or insults him, he should say, ‘I am fasting!’.”[4] Ramadan is also a month when we come together with our relatives and friends to revive the social aspect of our religion and also make non-Muslims feel the blessings of this month. We are sure that this blessed atmosphere will contribute to the removal of discriminations and negative thoughts towards Muslims.

Dear Jama’ah!

Worship in Ramadan is more virtuous compared to worship performed outside of Ramadan. Our Prophet (saw) informed us that the virtue of a Fard worship done in Ramadan is equivalent to 70 Fards performed outside of Ramadan, and the virtue of Nafl worship done in Ramadan is equal to the reward of an obligatory worship outside of Ramadan. So, let’s never neglect our obligatory and Nafl prayers in Ramadan. Let’s continue to increase our prayers that will lead to forgiveness in Ramadan.

Dear Brothers and Sisters!

Let’s be more sensitive than ever in this month of Ramadan. Let’s avoid our bad habits and Israf. Let’s make room for our brothers and sisters affected by the earthquake by contributing to emergency aid campaign. Let’s remember the Ummah and remember the victims and oppressed with our help and prayers. Let’s take care to perform our prayers in the mosque. Let’s take special care to perform the Fajr and Tarawih prayers in congregation in our mosques. Let’s turn this blessed month into an opportunity to get rid of our sins. Let’s keep a conscious fast not only with our stomach but with all our limbs. Let’s purify our wealth with our zakat and fitrah. Let’s sincerely repent by asking forgiveness for our sins this month and let’s review our faith.

May the month of Ramadan be a means for our suffering to be relieved, our sins to be forgiven and for us to lead a life as we have been commanded. Ameen.

[1] Surah Al-Baqarah 2:185

[2] Buhârî, Savm, 4

[3] Tirmizî, Savm,1

[4] Buhârî, Savm, 9

Khutba – Month of Mercy: Ramadan