Central Khutbah: “Ramadan, a Time of Hope and Renewal”

Ramadan is a time of spiritual awakening and renewal of hope in the hearts of believers. It reminds people that life is not confined to hardships and trials, but that every difficulty carries within it the possibility of change and relief. For this reason, Islam strongly encourages optimism and having a good opinion of Allah. The Messenger of Allah, peace and blessings be upon him, loved optimism and good words. In an authentic hadith it is reported that he said:
“I like good omens.”
The companions asked: “What is a good omen?”
He replied: “A good word.” (Reported by Muhammad in a narration collected by Muhammad al-Bukhari.)
This hadith shows that faith in the heart of a believer gives rise to hope, serenity, and trust in the mercy of Allah.

The great scholar Ibn Hajar al-Asqalani explained this dimension of optimism by saying:
“The Messenger of Allah, peace and blessings be upon him, loved optimism, because pessimism means having a bad opinion of the Almighty Allah without a valid reason, while optimism means having a good opinion of Him. And the believer is commanded to have a good opinion of Allah, the Most High, in every situation.” (Fath al-Bari).
Thus, in Islam, optimism is not merely a feeling, but a state of the heart that stems from trust in Allah’s wisdom and mercy. A believer is convinced that after every hardship comes relief, that after fear comes security, and that Allah always opens the doors of hope to those who sincerely return to Him.

In this sense, Ramadan holds a special place in the life of Muslims. It is the month during which the gates of Paradise are opened, the gates of Hell are closed, and the devils are chained. Good deeds are multiplied, people show greater solidarity and closeness toward one another, and hearts return to repentance and seeking forgiveness. The Most High says:
“Say: ‘O My servants who have transgressed against themselves, do not despair of the mercy of Allah. Indeed, Allah forgives all sins. Truly, He is the Most Forgiving, the Most Merciful.’” (Az-Zumar, 53).
This message of Ramadan gives people strength and reminds them that no sin is greater than the mercy of Allah.

Ramadan also reminds Muslims of the glorious moments of their history. The Battle of Badr, one of the most important turning points in the history of Islam, took place during this month, when the Muslims were few in number but strong in faith. Allah the Most High said:
“Allah already helped you at Badr when you were few in number—so fear Allah so that you may be grateful.” (Āl ‘Imrān, 123).
This historical lesson reminds us that the strength of the Muslim community does not come only from numbers or material power, but from a sincere connection with Allah and from faith that gives birth to hope and determination.

Thus, Ramadan is an opportunity to renew our trust in Allah, to cleanse our hearts from despair, and to revive optimism in our lives. A believer knows that after the night comes the dawn, after the storm comes calm, and after hardship comes ease. His hope is not an empty wish, but reliance on the Lord who governs all things and who is more merciful to His servant than the servant is to himself.

(Central khutbah by the religious leader Hafiz Hilmija Redžić on February 6, 2026, at the “Association Islamique de Wiltz”)