Alhamdulillāh, we praise Allah, we seek His help, and we ask for His forgiveness. We seek refuge in Allah from the evil within ourselves and from the consequences of our actions. Whomever Allah guides, none can misguide; and whomever He allows to go astray, none can guide. I bear witness that there is no god except Allah alone, without partner, and I bear witness that Muhammad ﷺ is His servant and messenger.

O believers, fear Allah as He should be feared, and do not die except in a state of Islam.

The Purpose of Fasting

Allah says in the Qur’an:

“O you who believe, fasting has been prescribed for you as it was prescribed for those before you, so that you may attain taqwa.” (Surah Al-Baqarah 2:183)

Ramadan is not simply a month of hunger and thirst. It is a month of transformation. A month where the believer trains the heart, disciplines the soul, and strengthens the bond with Allah.

Fasting teaches us:

• Self-control — resisting what is normally permissible so we can resist what is sinful.
• Gratitude — appreciating blessings we often overlook.
• Compassion — feeling the hunger that millions feel daily.
• Taqwa — the awareness of Allah in every moment.

The Reward of Fasting

The Prophet ﷺ said:

“Every deed of the son of Adam is multiplied… except fasting, for it is for Me, and I alone will reward it.” (Bukhari & Muslim)

Fasting is a private act of worship. No one sees it except Allah. And because of that sincerity, Allah promises a reward beyond measure.

The Prophet ﷺ also said:

“Whoever fasts Ramadan with faith and seeking reward, his past sins will be forgiven.” (Bukhari)

Imagine — a month that can wipe away a lifetime of mistakes.

Ramadan as a Month of Mercy

Ramadan is the month in which the Qur’an was revealed — a guidance for humanity. It is a month where the gates of Paradise are opened, the gates of Hell are closed, and the devils are chained.

It is a month where:

• The believer renews their relationship with the Qur’an
• The heart softens
• Du‘ā is accepted
• Charity increases
• Families reconnect
• The soul finds peace

This is not just a ritual; it is a divine opportunity.

Part 2

Servants of Allah, fasting is not only about abstaining from food and drink. The Prophet ﷺ said:

“Whoever does not give up false speech and acting upon it, Allah has no need for him to give up his food and drink.” (Bukhari)

So the fasting person guards:

• The tongue from gossip and harshness
• The eyes from what displeases Allah
• The ears from harmful speech
• The hands from wrongdoing
• The heart from envy, arrogance, and anger

Ramadan is a training ground. If we can control ourselves for 30 days, we can carry that discipline into the rest of the year.

Practical Advice for Ramadan

• Renew your intention every day
• Increase Qur’an recitation
• Give charity, even if small
• Make du‘ā frequently
• Pray in the night
• Seek forgiveness abundantly
• Treat others with kindness and patience

We ask Allah to make us among those who fast sincerely, who stand in prayer faithfully, and who leave Ramadan forgiven and renewed. We ask Allah to accept our fasting, our prayers, our charity, and our repentance. We ask Allah to make the Qur’an the light of our hearts and the guide of our lives.

Indeed, Allah commands justice, excellence, and kindness to relatives, and He forbids immorality, wrongdoing, and oppression. Remember Allah, and He will remember you. Be grateful to Him, and He will increase you. And the remembrance of Allah is greater than all else.