The Night of Raghaib has passed last night, and today marks the beginning of the three blessed months, characterised by mercy and forgiveness. Endless praise be to Allah (swt) who has led us to these days.

Among all creatures, humans hold the most honourable position as they sustain the life granted by Allah (swt) within the dimensions of time and space. Just as Mecca, Medina and Jerusalem hold greater value and virtue than other places, temporally, the months we refer to as Rajab, Sha'ban and Ramadan are considered more blessed and virtuous than other times.

In the Quranic verse we have recited at the beginning of the khutba, Allah (swt) addresses us believers: " O believers! Do not forbid the good things which Allah has made lawful for you, and do not transgress. Indeed, Allah does not like transgressors.” Allah (swt) has created existence and life in a state of balance. A seed falling onto the soil, if deprived of some sunlight or exposed excessively to water, cannot grow and flourish. Even a slight disturbance in the delicate mathematical balance in the universe could lead to the collapse of the entire cosmos. If the Earth were to deviate even slightly from its orbit, life could cease to exist. Similarly, when humans look at their own bodies, they encounter an astonishing balance. The marvellous harmony in the universe and within humans reminds us of the following verse: "...[He] who created everything and determined it and [then] guided.”

Allah (swt), who created humans from nothingness and made them aware of their existence, sent messengers to guide humanity in the worship of Him, to steer them away from wrongdoing and to establish justice. These messengers were tasked with conveying the will of Allah (swt) to people and directing them towards Him.

In an age where people perceive easy money-making as success and technology covers every aspect of our lives, unfortunately, the accessibility of gambling, which leads people into these games of chance, has become even easier. The increase in types of gambling and their enhanced accessibility directly contributes to the rise in the number of gambling addicts. This situation has contributed to the perception of unfair gain as a legitimate path in society.

Allah (swt) brought existence from nothingness. The most precious creation He created is the human. When we look at the word 'insaan', we see that it comes from the root of 'unsiyah,' which signifies companionship and to relate. Human beings, born into a family, start their lives feeling primarily connected to their family. Then gradually, a sense of belonging extends to a community, a city, and a country.

The human, sent as a Khalifa on Earth, is subject to various trials in accordance with the purpose of creation. The test process that began in paradise with our mother Hawa and father Adam will manifest differently for everyone until the day of Judgment Day.