Dear Honourable Muslims!

In the ayah that I have just read, Allah (swt) says, “O believers! Fasting is prescribed for you—as it was for those before you…”[1]

In the hadith that I have just read Prophet Muhammed (saw) provides us with the following glad tidings, “Whoever fasts during the month of Ramadan out of sincere faith, and hoping to attain Allah’s rewards, then all his past sins will be forgiven.” [2]

Dear Mumins!

By the grace and ihsan of Allah swt, the month of Ramadan which provides baraqah in our lives, and sakinah in our souls, is fast approaching. We praise Allah swt for allowing us to reach these holy days and pray that we are among those who know the true value of Ramadan.

The month of Ramadan is a precious time of the year that we await with deep emotions. It is a month of Rahmah and Maghfirah. It is a special time which provides a means for us to comprehend further our duty as a worshipper as the reason for our existence.

The month of Ramadan is an extremely important opportunity to rest and rinse our tired and confused minds, to polish our rusted hearts, and to revive our dulled understanding of servitude.

The month of Ramadan which begins with mercy, followed by forgiveness in the middle and ends with salvation from Jahannam, is the month which includes fasting, reading Quran, donations, alms, purification and contemplation.

In conclusion, with the fasting we observe, the Quran we read, and the wealth we spend in the way of Allah, it is a month in which we live intensely, both physically and spiritually.

Respected brothers and sisters!

Unfortunately, sometimes we notice that our spirituality can become overshadowed by materialistic things. Sometimes we live our lives consumed with selfish happiness and think that it is hidden in games and entertainment. However, we should not forget that real happiness is moving away from the desires of the body and approaching the only one true Allah Almighty. The month of Ramadan is an unmissable opportunity, an exceptional period of time in which the physical, financial and spiritual deeds required to achieve this lofty goal are put into practice.

Those who are in good health and who are able to perform their worship, such as fasting, reciting Quran and the tarawih prayers, should consider this Ramadan as if it was the last month of their life. There will be many Muslims who will not live long enough to see the month of Ramadan this year, and some will be deprived of fasting because their health conditions do not allow. While this is the case, shouldn’t we make the most of the opportunity that has been given to us?

Of course, during this period, we will experience moments when our soul and body will be strained and tired. But you will appreciate that there is no effortless mercy, and love requires sacrifice. InshaAllah by the grace of Allah, we aspire to achieve absolute truth and divine love, and aim to fulfill our duty of servitude during Ramadan.

I wish you all a blessed Ramadan Kareem from now and pray to Allah Almighty that it will lead to the progress of our servitude, the unity of the ummah and the salvation of all humanity.

[1] Bakara Suresi, 2:183
[2] Buhârî, Îmân, 28; Savm, 6; Müslim, Sıyam, 203

Khtutba-An Awakening with Ramadan