Dear Brothers and Sisters!

As the Qur’an states, “The month of Ramadan is the month in which the Qur’an was sent down as a guide for humanity and as clear proofs of guidance and criterion (between right and wrong).”[1] We are now in the second week of this beautiful period, which holds immense value, as the Messenger of Allah (saw) said: “Whoever fasts in Ramadan with faith and seeking reward from Allah, his past sins will be forgiven.”[2] In this sacred month, through fasting, we purify ourselves from sins. Our spiritual world develops with the recitation of the Qur’an. By applying the verses to our lives, our words and actions find the right path. We celebrate at iftar, find peace in Tarawih prayers and attain blessings through suhoor and tahajjud prayers.

Ramadan, the sultan of the eleven months, teaches believers how to become complete in faith and how to live as true believers. It teaches how one should live in this world, how paradise can be attained and how the pleasure of Allah (swt) can be earned. Let’s take ourselves into account: Have the fasts we have observed brought about a positive change and transformation in our lives since the first day of Ramadan? Which of the negative traits rejected by the Qur’an and Sunnah have we been able to remove from our lives? Or what acts of goodness have we been able to incorporate into our lives? Are we truly living Ramadan, the month of the Qur’an, in accordance with the Qur’an? Are we applying its commands and prohibitions to our words and actions? Are our worship, family ties, friendships, neighbourly relations, business dealings, family life, leadership and managerial roles in line with the pleasure of Allah?

Let us reassess our lives in this blessed month within the framework of the Qur’an and Sunnah. Let us strive to understand how aligned or misaligned we are, correct our shortcomings and make efforts to increase our good deeds. May this month be a turning point in our lives.

Dear Jama’ah!     

May Allah (swt) grant us ease and steadfastness in our struggle against our own selves. Indeed, in the Qur’an, Allah (swt) states through the words of Prophet Yusuf (as): “I do not absolve myself. Indeed, the soul is inclined to evil, except for those upon whom my Lord has mercy. Indeed, my Lord is Forgiving and Merciful.”[3] A servant must never forget that, in addition to making personal efforts, they are always in need of Allah’s help to overcome the negative inclinations of the self. As our beloved Prophet (saw) stated: “Fasting is a shield…”[4] The act of fasting protects a person from the lowly desires of the self. Fasting not only disciplines the self and purifies it from evil, but also matures the soul, strengthens a person’s willpower, improves character, maintains health and nurtures feelings of mercy.

Dear Jama’ah! 

One of the beautiful virtues that fasting instils in a person is the ability to experience the emotional state of those in need within oneself. The fasting person, who controls their stomach and restrains their negative desires, also gains control over their emotions and thoughts, organising and refining them. In this context, let us strive to deeply understand and truly live out the societal benefits of Ramadan, including sharing and helping one another. We should set clear goals for ourselves, whether they be material, spiritual, personal, or social. Let us review these goals daily or weekly, engage in self-reflection, and hold ourselves accountable. We must evaluate our commitment to essential duties such as performing salah in congregation, reciting the Qur’an, assisting those in need, supporting our community, mosque, and charity organisations, standing by the oppressed, visiting relatives, neighbours, friends, and the sick, as well as fulfilling our responsibilities in inviting others to goodness and spreading the message of Islam. Let us conclude our khutba with the words of Omar (ra): “Call yourselves to account before you are called to account! Prepare yourselves for the Great Reckoning, for indeed, the reckoning on the Day of Judgment will be easy for those who hold themselves accountable in this world.”[5]

[1] Surah Al-Baqarah, 2:185

[2] Buhârî, Savm, 6, II, 228

[3] Surah Yusuf, 12:53

[4] Buhârî, Savm, 2, II, 226

[5] Tirmizî, Sıfatü’l-Kıyâme, 25

Khutba – A Blessed Transformation: Ramadan Reflection