Dear Brothers!

When we were nearing the month of Rajab, we were making the dua of our Prophet ﷺ: “O Allah, bless us in Rajab and Sha`bān and enable us to reach Ramadan”. We have completed the month of Rajab, may Allah accept our deeds in this month. We are currently in the middle of the month of Sha’ban. According to Usama bin Zaid (r.a), apart from Ramadan, the Prophet ﷺ observed the most amount of fasting during the month of Sha’ban. When asked about his many fasts during Sha’ban the Prophet responded “That is a month to which people do not pay attention, between Rajab and Ramadan, and it is a month in which deeds are lifted up to the Lord of the Worlds. I like for my deeds to be lifted up when I am fasting.”

Our duty as Muslims is to make the most of this blessing an observe fast during this month.

Dear Muslims!

Allah (s.w.t) has reminded us of the importance of time. Surah Asr tells us: “By time, indeed, mankind is in loss, except for those who have believed and done righteous deeds and advised each other to truth and advised each other to patience.” We understand from this short surah, that making the most of our time and earning good deeds is key to success.

Dear Brothers!

Further to the importance of this month, the night of acquittal, Bara’a, is considered among the most virtuous and blessed of nights. In one narration, the Prophet Muhammad (s) states that “Allah looks down on the night of the middle of Sha`ban and forgives all His creation, apart from the idolater and the one who has grudge against another” Thus, this night is an opportunity in which Allah the most Merciful not only manifests his compassion and forgiveness but also acquits many people from hell, hence the name “the night of Bara’a” (Acquittal). And tonight, inshaAllah my dear brothers, is that night!

Dear Muslims!

The night of Bara’a is an opportunity for us all to utilise. In one narration, it was mentioned that on that night, everyone’s dua, except  will be accepted – except those of Mushriks and those who commit Zina”. Therefore, exercise extra prayers and dua’s on this night. Whilst doing this, do not forget our brothers and sisters who are subject to oppression and torture all around the world. May Allah permit this night to me a means of goodness, and may He not be of those who are deprived of the many blessings that lie in it. Amin.

Khutba-The Night of Acquittal as a means for Allah’s Forgiveness