FRIDAY SERMON: RAMADAN

“The Month of Training, Trial, and Transformation”

Mohammad Younis Bhat (Zahid)

In the Name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful
Ramadan is not merely a month of fasting, rituals, and routines; it is a comprehensive system of spiritual training designed by Allah for human reform. Unfortunately, many Muslims restrict Ramadan to hunger and thirst, while its true purpose is inner transformation and moral development.

• Ramadan comes to change lives, not just eating habits.

Ramadan as a Complete Training System
Ramadan is a divine training program that disciplines time management, self-control, and obedience to Allah. It reforms habits and builds spiritual strength that can last throughout life.
Closing Line:

• The real loss is not the end of Ramadan, but the end of its impact.

Fasting: Training in Taqwa
Fasting is not about abstaining from food alone; it is training in consciousness of Allah. A fast that does not improve character becomes mere physical endurance.
Closing Line:

• A fast without moral change is hunger, not worship.

Ramadan and the Qur’an
Ramadan is inseparable from the Qur’an, revealed during this blessed month. The Qur’an is not just for recitation, but for guidance and implementation in daily life.
Closing Line:

• Connection with the Qur’an is the success of Ramadan.

Ramadan as an Examination
Ramadan can be understood as a life examination—preparation throughout the year, syllabus during Ramadan, and final assessment in the last ten nights.
Closing Line:

• Ignoring Ramadan is the greatest failure in life’s exam.

The Last Ten Nights: The Decisive Phase
The final ten nights determine success or loss. The Prophet ﷺ intensified worship during these nights, highlighting their supreme importance.
Closing Line:

• Victory belongs to those who succeed in the final moments.

Laylat al-Qadr: The Admit Card
Laylat al-Qadr is the divine opportunity—better than a thousand months—offering immense reward for sincere worship.
Closing Line:

• Laylat al-Qadr is recognized, not randomly found.

The Tragedy of Negligence
Despite the opportunity, many remain distracted by worldly pursuits, losing priceless moments.
Closing Line:

• Deprivation comes from negligence, not destiny.

I‘tikaf: Entering the Examination Hall
I‘tikaf represents complete devotion—disconnecting from the world to connect with Allah.
Closing Line:

• Temporary withdrawal from the world leads to eternal connection with Allah.

Eid: The Result Day
Eid marks joy, but true success is measured by post-Ramadan consistency in worship and ethics.
Closing Line:

• True Eid lies in transformed lives, not new clothes.

Social Impact of Ramadan
A successful Ramadan reflects in homes, markets, offices, and society through honesty, compassion, and justice.
Closing Line:

• Ramadan without moral reform is tradition, not transformation.

Ruling on Fasting After the Middle of Sha‘bān
It is narrated by Sayyidunā Abū Hurairah (رضي الله عنه) that:
The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said:
“When the middle of Sha‘bān has passed, do not fast until Ramadan begins.”
Explanation:
This instruction is meant for the general Ummah. The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) guided us to stop fasting in the latter half of Sha‘bān so that a person may gain strength and spiritual readiness for the fasts of Ramadan.
However, this ruling does not apply to those:
Who were already fasting regularly (such as habitual voluntary fasts), or
Who had a valid reason (like making up missed fasts).
The purpose of this guidance is to preserve energy and vitality so that one may properly and wholeheartedly observe the fasts of Ramadan.

Reference:
Sunan Ibn Mājah, Hadith No. 1651
(Authenticated by Shaykh al-Albānī and Shaykh Zubair ‘Ali Za’i – Isnāduhu Ṣaḥīḥ)

Conclusion
Ramadan is a decisive opportunity for self-reform. Success lies not in fatigue but in lasting change.

• The successful one is not who endured Ramadan, but who emerged transformed.
  Message to the Muslim Ummah
  All sectors—offices, businesses, educational institutions, and communities—should provide ease during Ramadan. Compassion and facilitation are acts of worship.
• Those who ease others in Ramadan earn Allah’s mercy in return.
  And Allah knows best
  (STRAIGHT TALK COMMUNICATIONS)