Dr. Osama bin Abdullah Khayat delivered the Friday sermon at the Grand Mosque today, starting with advising Muslims to fear God, worship Him, draw closer to Him through obedience that pleases Him, and avoid what angers Him. He emphasized that the beauty and glory of an occasion is closely related to how well it is received, and the joy and happiness it brings. Among the most beautiful and significant occasions in a Muslim’s life is the blessed month of Ramadan, where fasting, praying, and seeking goodness are among the greatest gates to paradise and sources of satisfaction and contentment. Dr. Khayat highlighted the importance of welcoming Ramadan with determination, respect, and devotion, by refraining from selfish desires and dedicating oneself to pleasing God.
He pointed out the benefits of fasting in disciplining and purifying oneself, especially in controlling one’s speech. The visible impact of this blessed duty is in taming unruly tongues, aligning them with good speech and righteous conduct, fulfilling the qualities of a true believer as prophesied by the Prophet Muhammad. Dr. Khayat stressed the need to guard against the harm caused by loose tongues, urging vigilance and caution in speech, as the misuse of language can lead to severe consequences and hinder spiritual growth.
The Imam emphasized that fasting is a prime opportunity to discipline oneself, restrain from negative speech, and engage in self-purification. Muslims should focus on self-improvement during this month, encouraging one another towards righteousness and making the most of the spiritual benefits of fasting. The fast is more than a mere ritual; it is an opportunity for moral and spiritual growth, where virtues such as patience, determination, sacrifice, compassion, and empathy are cultivated to elevate one’s character.
Dr. Khayat underscored the significance of seeking Allah’s pleasure during Ramadan through faith, forgiveness, and repentance. He emphasized the importance of controlling one’s tongue and maintaining good speech while fasting, as well as being mindful of the importance of exhibiting good behavior even in the face of provocation. The ultimate goal of fasting is to achieve righteousness, purify the soul, and draw closer to God through sincere worship and devotion.
In his sermon at the Prophet’s Mosque, Dr. Abdullah Al-Buaijan reminded Muslims to fear God and abide by His commandments, while avoiding what is forbidden. He admonished the faithful to prepare for Ramadan with reverence and reflection, seeking forgiveness and mercy, rather than engaging in frivolous behavior that undermines the sanctity of the month. He urged Muslims to focus on repentance, obedience, supplication, recitation of the Quran, generosity, and mercy in welcoming Ramadan.
Dr. Al-Buaijan highlighted the significance of Ramadan as a time for introspection, renewal of commitment to God, and self-accountability. He cautioned against falling into heedlessness, as it can lead to spiritual decay and distance one from God’s mercy and forgiveness. Muslims were advised to seize the blessings of Ramadan through repentance, seeking forgiveness, and staying away from sin and temptation. The imam stressed the importance of having a positive outlook towards God, who is generous and merciful, and to approach the month of Ramadan with sincerity and determination.
In conclusion, Dr. Al-Buaijan warned against negligence, which severs the bond between the servant and his Lord, preventing one from feeling remorse over sin and hindering repentance. He urged worshippers to remain vigilant and remember God with humility and fear, rather than being among the heedless. Ramadan is a month of obedience, worship, and spiritual growth, requiring time management, self-preparation, sincerity, determination, and effort. It is a time to seek forgiveness, purify oneself, and embark on self-improvement while being mindful of God’s grace and magnanimity.
