Dear Brothers and Sisters!

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. Peace and blessings upon our beloved Prophet (saw). A devoted believer, deeply attached to Allah and His Messenger, celebrates sincerely at the arrival of the three months and finds tranquillity in the heart. Our Prophet (saw), who sets an example for humanity until the end of time, would raise his hands in supplication at the onset of the three months, praying: “O Allah, make the months of Rajab and Sha’ban blessed for us, and let us reach Ramadan.”[1] We should repeat this dua and strive to strengthen our spirituality.

Dear Brothers and Sisters!

These blessed months present great opportunities to soothe our souls from the distractions of worldly life and seek refuge in the forgiveness of Allah (swt). If we approach this period with this understanding, we not only attain the mercy and forgiveness of our Lord but also find peace for our souls. The prayers, repentance, acts of kindness, charity and sharing in the joys and sorrows of fellow Muslims during this time won’t go unrewarded in the eyes of Allah (swt).

Indeed, in the Quran, it is said: “Race toward forgiveness from your Lord and a Garden whose width is like the width of the heavens and earth, prepared for those who believe in Allah and His messengers.”[2]

Dear Jama’ah!

What falls upon us is to benefit from the spiritual atmosphere of the three months, a divine grace from Allah (swt) wherein prayers are accepted, and sins are forgiven. However, we must not forget that worship of Allah is not confined to specific times alone. Regardless of the month, day, or hour of the year, every moment spent with a consciousness of worship holds value. In a narration, our Prophet (saw) conveyed Allah’s words: “O mankind, dedicate yourself to worship Me in every situation so that I may fill your heart with richness and meet your needs.”[3] A Muslim’s devotion to Allah (swt) is continuous and is 24/7.

Dear Brothers and Sisters!

It is essential, especially during the three sacred months, to maintain continuity in our mosques and communities, where our religion and culture thrive. As believers, we should never distance ourselves from the congregation. The Prophet Muhammad (saw) urged us: “I advise you to stick to the congregation and avoid separation and division. Shaytan is with the one who lives alone, but is farther away from two who live together. Whoever desires to be in the middle of Paradise should stick to the congregation.”[4]

Let’s take care of our mosques, which serve as shelters against the traps of pleasures, luxuries and entertainment that exhaust our souls. Let’s participate in programs held during the three months. Allah (swt) says, “The reward of their deed with their Lord will be gardens of perpetual residence beneath which rivers flow, wherein they will abide eternally.”[5] By stating this, Allah (swt) promises that the rewards for our righteous deeds will undoubtedly be received in the form of gardens in Paradise where we will dwell forever.

May Allah (swt)make us among the fortunate servants who worship Him. May the blessed three months be a means for our spiritual revival and disciplining of our souls. Ameen.

[1] Taberânî, el-Mu’cemu’l-evsat, IV, 189.

[2] Surah Al-i İmrân 3:133

[3] İbn Hanbel, II, 359

[4] Tirmizî, Fiten, 7/2165

[5] Surah Âl-i İmrân 3:136

Khutba – The Blessed Three Months