The khutbah, titled "The Month of Al-Qur’an: Ramadan," by Ustadh Usman (Usman Abdullah Malik) was delivered at Al Rahmah Masjid and centers on the initial revelation of the Quran and its profound significance for believers today. Ustadh Usman begins by describing the deeply ignorant society (Al-Jahiliyah) the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) grew up in, rife with oppression, corruption, and the worst crime of Shirk (associating partners with Allah). Despite this environment, the Prophet remained pure, adhering to the pure Fitra (natural disposition) and continually reflecting on the purpose of life, often secluding himself in the Cave of Hira. This act of withdrawal and reflection (I'tikaf) demonstrates the discipline needed to avoid the challenges and temptations that are still present in modern life, reminding the audience that true guidance is a matter of heart and intention.
Ustadh Usman recounts the miraculous night of the first revelation, Laylatul Qadr (The Night of Destiny), when Angel Jibreel appeared to the Prophet in the cave. This overwhelming experience, which left the Prophet shaking, underscores the gravity and life-changing nature of the Quran. Following the initial revelation, the Prophet experienced a six-month pause (Fatrat al-Wahy) in the verses, which led him to worry that Allah had abandoned him. Ustadh Usman connects this feeling to the modern believer's moments of spiritual weakness, highlighting that the revelation of Surah Ad-Duha to the Prophet served to extinguish his depression and anxiety, providing a powerful lesson in hope and reliance on the mercy of Allah.
The khutbah emphasises that the Quran is a life companion and an unchanged word of Allah, preserved directly from above the seven heavens. Ustadh Usman stresses that understanding the Quran requires understanding the Sunnah and Seerah of the Prophet, as they provide the context and explanation for the divine text. He details that the initial Makki chapters focused on establishing the oneness of Allah (Tawhid) and introducing His names and attributes, teaching the community who they were worshipping before the Madani chapters delivered the detailed commands and prohibitions (Ahkam). This order teaches believers that when they truly know Allah, His commands become easy and prohibitions simple to abstain from. The sermon concludes with a call to sincerely repent (Tawbah), to wipe the dust off the Quran, and to embrace the holy book with love and affection during the approaching month of Ramadan.