Dear Brothers and Sisters!

We are on the eve of the blessed month of Ramadan, the only month mentioned by name in the Qur’an. As we leave behind the first two of the three months known as Rajab, Sha’ban and Ramadan, we are excited to enter the month of Ramadan. Allah (swt) says, ‘The month of Ramadan [is that] in which was revealed the Qur’an, a guidance for the people and clear proofs of guidance and criterion. So whoever sights [the new moon of] the month, let him fast it.”[1] The Noble Qur’an, sent as a guide to humanity, began to be revealed to Prophet Muhammad (saw) in the Cave of Hira in Mecca, on the 27th night of Ramadan in the year 610. Allah (swt), who created us from nothing, has said, ‘Does man think that he will be left neglected?’ After creating humans, Allah (swt) did not leave them neglected but rather outlined the path of meaningful life through the Qur’an and the Sunnah.

Dear Brothers and Sisters!

Ramadan is a month where the peak of worship is experienced, and it finds its meaning through fasting. The fasts we will observe are a training in patience, willpower and compassion. It safeguards us against the dangers of appetite, desires and temptations. The verse “O believers! Fasting is prescribed for you—as it was for those before you1—so perhaps you will become mindful of Allah.”[2] indicates that the purpose of fasting is to stay away from all kinds of evils and sins.

The Prophet Muhammad (saw) said, “Fasting is a shield. So, the one who is fasting should avoid obscene speech and ignorant behaviour. If someone insults him or starts a fight, he should say, ‘I am fasting!’”[3]

Dear Jama’ah!

The Messenger of Allah (saw) said regarding this eagerly awaited month for us believers: “The blessed month of Ramadan has come to you. Allah has made fasting in this month obligatory upon you. In this month, the gates of heaven are opened, the gates of hell are closed, and the devils are chained.”[4]

Ramadan is a period during which our worship should intensify. Fasting, giving charity, reciting the Quran and performing Taraweeh prayers are among the first acts of worship that come to mind when Ramadan is mentioned. As Ramadan is a season of refinement.

Dear Brothers and Sisters!

Through Ramadan, we should increase our efforts to read, understand, and live by the guidance of the Quran. We should participate in the recitations held in our mosques and intend to refer to translations and explanations when we return home. The Quran revealed in Ramadan is undoubtedly the word of Allah. Therefore, reading the Quran is like conversing with Allah (swt). Let’s engage in dialogue with our Creator to overcome the stress and troubles we encounter in our daily lives. Let’s assess our condition and our desires. Let’s detach ourselves from the passing affairs of this world, especially during this month, and ask, “Where is this journey taking us?”[5] In this journey of life, where we come from Allah, the Master of the universe, and return to Allah, let’s strive to be true servants to Him.

May Allah (swt) make us among His great servants who truly benefit from Ramadan and aim for a beneficial transformation! Ameen.

[1] Surah Al-Baqarah, 2:185

[2] Surah Al-Baqarah, 2:183

[3] Buhârî, Savm, 9; Müslim, Sıyâm, 29.

[4] Nesâî, Sıyâm, 5

[5] Surah At-Takwir, 81:26

Khutba – Welcoming the Month of Ramadan