The Friday sermon this week emphasised the importance of expressing gratitude to Allah the Almighty for being given the opportunity to once again observe the holy month of Ramadhan. It highlighted that Ramadhan is a month filled with blessings and mercy, a time when countless virtues and rewards are granted.
The sermon reminded that although Muslims are always encouraged to increase their acts of worship, Ramadhan holds a special status as the best time to intensify one’s devotion and good deeds. It urged Muslims not to miss out on the benefits and rewards that come only once a year with the arrival of this blessed month.
The sermon addressed concerns about some Muslims who may lack proper knowledge regarding the rules and obligations of fasting. It stressed the importance of understanding the essential aspects of fasting, including its pillars, conditions, permissible and impermissible actions, as well as the recommended practices during fasting.
A hadith from Abu Hurairah was quoted in the sermon, in which Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) said: “There are many who fast but gain nothing from it except hunger, and there are many who pray at night but gain nothing from it except sleeplessness.” (Narrated by Ibn Majah).
The sermon explained that for fasting to be truly meaningful, it must be observed with sincerity and a conscious effort to avoid actions that could diminish its value.
Avoiding actions that invalidate fasting
In ensuring the perfection of fasting, the sermon urged Muslims to refrain from negative behaviors that could compromise their fast. These include lying, slandering, arguing, backbiting, engaging in conflicts, spreading falsehoods, or indulging in meaningless speech and actions.
While avoiding these negative actions might be challenging for some, the sermon emphasised the importance of seeking Allah the Almighty’s forgiveness and repenting sincerely. The congregation was reminded that repentance and sincere efforts to correct one’s behavior are essential for spiritual growth and attaining the full benefits of fasting.
The importance of sahur and night prayers
The sermon also encouraged the practice of sahur (pre-dawn meal), as it is a Sunnah (recommended act) that brings blessings. A hadith from Anas bin Malik states that Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) said: “Eat sahur, for in sahur there is a blessing.” (Narrated by Imam Bukhari).
In addition, Muslims were encouraged to spend their nights in acts of worship such as performing Taraweeh prayers, reciting the Al-Quran, engaging in Tahajjud (night prayers), and other forms of remembrance of Allah the Almighty. However, the sermon reminded that while increasing worship is commendable, Muslims should also fulfill their daily responsibilities, including work and duties towards their families and society.
Maintaining productivity during Ramadhan
The sermon cautioned against using fasting as an excuse for laziness or inactivity. Instead, it encouraged maintaining productivity and diligence in both work and religious obligations. It warned against wasting time on excessive entertainment, social media, and unproductive activities, which could diminish the spiritual benefits of Ramadhan.
A special reminder was given to business owners and traders, urging them to conduct their business with integrity. While seeking sustenance is encouraged in Islam, it must be done ethically and within the boundaries set by Islamic teachings. The sermon advised against neglecting prayers due to busy schedules or engaging in dishonest practices such as price manipulation and deception to maximise profits.
Perfecting the act of fasting
The sermon concluded by reiterating that fasting in Ramadhan is a fundamental pillar of Islam that must be observed with sincerity and devotion. It encouraged all Muslims to strive for perfection in their fasting by avoiding any acts that could invalidate or diminish its rewards. – Hakim Hayat
