Jumu'ah Khutbah: "Ramadhan Resolutions"
By Ustadh Usman Malik | Islam Bradford
By Ustadh Usman Malik | Islam Bradford
The sermon begins by establishing the profound status of Ramadan as the month in which the Quran was first revealed to Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) in the Cave of Hira. Ustadh Usman Malik highlights that this revelation serves as a definitive "guidance for mankind and as a Criterion between what's right and wrong." Among the many virtues of the month, the sermon mentions the doors of Paradise being flung open, the doors of Hell being locked shut, and the devils (shayatin) being chained. Addressing the common question of continued sinning, the speaker explains that Ramadan, by removing the primary external influence, exposes a person's inner resolve and their true status with Allah, making it a season for heightened repentance and multiplied rewards.
Ustadh Usman Malik emphasises that Ramadan should be welcomed as a "special guest" and not viewed as a burden. He explains that the word Ramadan is derived from the term Ramada, which implies a scorching heat, signifying the month's function to purify the believer's character and build resilience and discipline. The khutbah draws a parallel to the early Muslim scholars who would close all their books of knowledge to dedicate their entire focus to the Quran. The contemporary lesson is to close the "books of distractions and devices" to invest time into worship (Ibadah), as righteous deeds like Umrah, Salah, Zakat, and Du'a are all multiplied due to the special mercy of Allah in this blessed time.
To ensure a successful and rewarding Ramadan, the Ustadh outlines several practical "resolutions." The first and most crucial step is to actively set aside an hour of private, undisturbed worship each day, free of distractions like phones and notifications. He warns against the regret of letting the month pass without earning forgiveness, citing the Prophet's du'a against those who fail to do so. The sermon concludes by stressing that the ultimate goal of fasting is the attainment of Taqwa (consciousness and closeness to Allah), which is achieved by actively upholding all the prescribed obligations and abstaining from every forbidden act. This foundation allows the believer to aspire to the higher spiritual level of Zuhd, and ultimately achieve the two great joys of fasting: breaking of the fast and the meeting with Allah.