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,