Friday Sermon: Preparing Ourselves for the Blessed Month of Ramadan
~~ Mahmud Ashraf
In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful.
All praise is due to Allah, the Lord of the Worlds, and may His peace and blessings be upon our Prophet Muhammad, his family, his companions, and all those who follow his righteous path.
My dear brothers and sisters in Islam,
As the blessed month of Ramadan draws near, we stand at the threshold of a time of immense spiritual opportunity. This month, a month of mercy, forgiveness, and abundant blessings, is a time for introspection, renewal, and a deepening of our relationship with our Lord. Today, as Friday’s sermon concludes this week, let us focus on how best we can prepare ourselves for this sacred month.
Ramadan is not merely a month of abstaining from food and drink from dawn till dusk. It is a comprehensive spiritual journey, a time of heightened worship, increased charity, and a striving for self-improvement. It is a month where we aim to purify our souls, strengthen our faith, and draw closer to Allah (SWT). Therefore, our preparations must encompass all aspects of our lives.
Preparing Ourselves Spiritually:
Increase in Ibaadah (Worship): We should increase our prayers, recitation of the Quran, dhikr (remembrance of Allah), and seeking forgiveness (Istighfar). Let us make sincere tawbah (repentance) for our past sins and seek Allah’s forgiveness. Study of the Quran: The Quran is the very word of Allah. Commit to reading and understanding more of the Quran during this period before Ramadan. Consider joining a Tafsir (Quranic exegesis) class to gain a deeper understanding of its message.
Strengthening our Iman (Faith): Reflect upon the blessings of Allah in your life and strengthen your belief in His omnipotence and mercy. Let us renew our commitment to Islam and its teachings.
Seeking Knowledge: Increase your knowledge about Ramadan, its significance, the rulings of fasting, and the virtues of Ibaadah during this blessed month.
Preparing Ourselves Physically:
Physical Fitness: Fasting requires physical endurance. In the weeks leading up to Ramadan, gradually adjust your sleeping and eating patterns to better prepare your body for the fast. This will help mitigate the severity of any potential difficulties.
Healthy Diet: Consume a healthy and balanced diet to ensure that your body receives the necessary nutrients. Avoid excessive consumption of heavy foods.
Allah's Words on Fasting:
Allah (SWT) mentions fasting extensively in the Quran, highlighting its profound spiritual benefits. In Surah Al-Baqarah, verse 183, Allah says:
(Translation): "O you who have believed, decreed upon you is fasting as it was decreed upon those before you that you may become righteous."
This verse emphasizes that fasting is not merely an arbitrary act of worship but a means to achieve righteousness (taqwa). Taqwa is not merely abstaining from haram actions, but rather maintaining a conscious awareness of Allah's presence in all aspects of our lives. Fasting cultivates this consciousness, leading to improved self-control, empathy, and spiritual growth.
In conclusion, my dear brothers and sisters, Ramadan is a precious gift from Allah (SWT). Let us not waste this opportunity. Let us begin our preparations today, with sincerity and dedication, to welcome this blessed month with open hearts and a renewed commitment to our faith. Let us make this Ramadan the best Ramadan of our lives. May Allah (SWT) accept our good deeds and grant us the strength and guidance to successfully complete this sacred month.
Jazakum Allahu Khairan.
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