Fruitful Living
Khutba for the blessed month of Ramadan — Part 2
The Spirit and Benefits of Ramadan
Ramadan is a month of unparalleled blessings. It is a time when the gates of Paradise are opened, the gates of Hell are closed, and the devils are chained (Sahih al-Bukhari, Book 30, Hadith 1899).
It is a time for self-discipline, reflection, and purification of the heart. Fasting not only restrains the body from food and drink but also disciplines the soul, training us to resist sinful inclinations and remain steadfast on the path of righteousness.
Ramadan also brings the global Muslim community together in solidarity, as we all engage in fasting, prayer, and charity.
It is a month that unites the Ummah in worship, fostering a collective spirit of piety and gratitude.
The Hadith of Salman Al-Farisi (RA)
Salman Al-Farisi (RA) narrated that on the last day of Sha’ban, the Prophet Muhammad (SAW) delivered a powerful sermon, saying:
“O people! A great month has come upon you; a blessed month, a month in which lies a night better than a thousand months.”
Allah has made fasting in it obligatory and standing in prayer in its nights voluntary. Whoever draws nearer to Allah by performing any good deed in this month shall be rewarded as if he had performed an obligatory act at any other time, and whoever performs an obligatory act in it shall be like one who performs seventy obligatory acts at another time” (Narrated by Al-Baihaqi in Shu’ab al-Iman, and authenticated by Ibn Khuzaymah).
This Hadith beautifully encapsulates the essence of Ramadan and its immense rewards.
Fasting as a Connection to Allah
Fasting is a means of strengthening our connection with Allah (SWT). It is a private act of worship, done solely for His sake, as stated in a Hadith Qudsi: “All the deeds of the son of Adam are for him, except fasting; it is for me, and I shall reward it” (Sahih al-Bukhari, Book 30, Hadith 1904).
Through fasting, we express our love, gratitude, and devotion to Allah. It helps us detach from worldly distractions and focus on our spiritual growth, making us more conscious of our Creator.
Preparation for Ramadan
To maximise the blessings of Ramadan, Muslims should engage in thorough preparation, including:
• Sincere Repentance: Seek forgiveness for past sins and renew your intentions to live a life of piety.
• Increased Qur’an Recitation: Familiarise yourself with the Qur’an in preparation for the month of its revelation.
• Charity: Prepare to give generously during Ramadan, emulating the Prophet (SAW), who was most generous during this month (Sahih al-Bukhari, Book 30, Hadith 1902).
• Strengthen Salah: Ensure consistency in obligatory prayers and begin incorporating Sunnah prayers.
• Dua and Dhikr: Begin making habitual supplications and remembrance of Allah.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Ramadan is a sacred month that offers us immense opportunities to purify our souls, strengthen our relationship with Allah, and reap extraordinary rewards.
It is a time to reflect on the Qur’an, increase our acts of worship, and renew our commitment to our faith.
May Allah (SWT) grant us the ability to witness this Ramadan, accept our fasting and prayers, forgive our sins, and reward us abundantly.
May He bless the entire Ummah and grant us success in both this world and the Hereafter. Ameen.
References
• The Holy Qur’an, translated by Abdullah Yusuf Ali, King Fahd Complex for the Printing
of the Holy Qur’an.
• Sahih al-Bukhari, compiled by Imam Muhammad al-Bukhari, translated by Muhammad
Muhsin Khan, Darussalam Publications.
• Sahih Muslim, compiled by Imam Muslim ibn al-Hajjaj, translated by Abdul Hamid
Siddiqui, Darussalam Publications.
• JamiAt-Tirmidhi, compiled by Imam AbuIsa Muhammad At-Tirmidhi, translated by Abu
Khaliyl, Darussalam Publications.
• Musnad Ahmad, compiled by Imam Ahmad ibn Hanbal, reviewed by Shu’ayb al-Arna’ut.
• Shu’ab al-Iman, compiled by Imam Al-Bayhaqi, reviewed by the Islamic Research
Academy of Al-Azhar.
The author is the Metropolitan Chief Imam of the Kpone Katamanso Metropolis
Email: chiefimaamkponekatamanso@gmail.com
By Imam Alhaji Saeed
Abdulai,
Preparing for Ramadan through the month of Sha‘ban
THE month of Sha‘ban, which precedes Ramadan, serves as a spiritual training ground. The Prophet (s.a.w.) devoted significant attention to this month, fasting frequently and encouraging heightened acts of worship. ‘Aishah (r.a.) narrated:
“I did not see the Messenger of Allah complete fasting in any month except Ramadan, and I did not see him fast more in any month than in Sha‘ban.” (Ṣaḥīḥ al-Bukhārī; Ṣaḥīḥ Muslim)
During Sha‘ban, Muslims are encouraged to:
• Observe optional fasts,
• Increase Qur’anic recitation,
• Engage in charitable deeds (ṣadaqah),
• Strengthen community bonds and service.
These acts gradually condition both the body and soul for the rigours and blessings of Ramadan.
Scholarly guidance and community sensitisation
Across Muslim communities, scholars and religious leaders organise lectures, workshops, sermons, and media engagements to educate the Ummah about Ramadan. These initiatives address:
• The jurisprudence (fiqh) of fasting,
• The obligation to make up missed fasts from previous years,
• The ethical conduct expected during Ramadan,
• The spiritual, social, and health benefits of fasting.
Modern studies have also affirmed that fasting, when properly observed, contributes to improved self-discipline, metabolic balance, and emotional regulation—findings that align with Islamic teachings on moderation and self-control.
The role of parents and families in Ramadan preparation
Preparation begins at home. Parents play a vital role in nurturing a Ramadan-conscious environment by:
• Encouraging children and young adults to try voluntary fasts,
• Training family members to wake up for Tahajjud (night prayers),
• Establishing regular family supplications and Qur’an reading sessions.
Such practices help instill lifelong spiritual habits and strengthen family unity through shared worship.
By Imam Alhaji Saeed Abdulai
JESUS, full of the Holy Spirit, left the Jordan and was led by the Spirit into the wilderness, where for forty days he was tempted by the devil. – Luke 4:1-2a
Introduction
Lent is a period when the Holy Spirit strengthens us to face the day to day testing and temptations. Just like Jesus overcame the temptations of the devil, we also have power and will to overcome any temptation that comes our way. I invite you to give your whole heart to Jesus Christ and enjoy the power to overcome the devil’s schemes.
Tempted by the devil
One aspect of Jesus’ temptation resolved around what kind of Messiah, or Saviour, He would be and how He would use His anointing (His authority and empowerment) from God. (Many Jews would reject Him because He did not fulfill their expectations of a political “Saviour” who would step forward with military might and free them from Roman rule.)
• Satan tempted Jesus to use His power to serve His own self-interest to gain glory and power over the nations instead of accepting the humility and suffering that was ahead for Him. This was an opportunity for Him to satisfy the people’s expectation for a charismatic Messiah.
• Satan still tempts Christian leaders to use their spiritual authority, position and ability for their own self-interest, to establish their own reputation and power and to please people rather than God. Those who selfishly compromise with Satan have actually surrendered to His control.
• Jesus turned away every one of Satan’s temptations by properly referring to God’s Word (“It is written”). If this was the effective strategy for Jesus, we certainly must know and rely on His Word as revealed to us in the Bible.
LUKE 4:4 – MAN DOES NOT LIVE ON BREAD ALONE.
• Satan tempts Jesus’ “flesh”, or physical desires, of which hunger is perhaps the strongest – particularly after such an extended time without food. While it may have seemed reasonable to perform a miracle to eat, Jesus would not be tempted to use His power for selfish reasons. Jesus meets and resists Satan’s temptation by declaring that He will live by God’s Word above all else.
Jesus is saying that everything truly important in life depends on God and His plans and purposes. To strive for success, happiness or material things apart from God’s way and purpose will lead to disappointment and end in failure.
Jesus emphasized this truth when He taught that we must seek God’s kingdom (God’s authority, activity, purposes and power in our lives) above anything and everything else. If we do, God promises to take care of all our needs and give us all other necessary things just the way He intends.
By Rev. Dr Joyce Aryee
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