Central Khutbah: “Preparing for Ramadan Lies in the Transformation of the Heart” (Gallery)

Praise be to Allah, the Lord of the worlds!

May peace and blessings be upon the Messenger of Allah, Muhammad, sallallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam, his noble family, his companions, and all those who follow them in righteousness until the Day of Judgment.

Ramadan is upon us! A month of mercy, forgiveness, and salvation from the Fire is approaching. It is not just a month of fasting but an opportunity for spiritual growth, strengthening our relationships, and purifying our hearts.

One day, Abdullah ibn Mas‘oud, radhiya Allahu ‘anhu, was asked how the companions welcomed Ramadan. He replied:

None of us would dare to welcome Ramadan while harboring even a trace of resentment in his heart toward his Muslim brother.” (Ibn Kathîr, Tafsîr, 1/405)

This response carries a profound message – preparing for Ramadan is not just about fasting; it is about transforming our hearts. Are we ready to enter this blessed month free from resentment, hatred, and envy?

Fasting and the Purification of the Heart

The Prophet, sallallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam, taught us how to purify our hearts. He said:

“Shall I tell you what removes bitterness from the hearts? Fasting three days each month.” (Sahîh al-Jâmi‘, 2608; Ahmad, 20738; At-Tahâwî, Sharh Ma‘âni al-Âthâr, 5429)

In another hadith, it is reported:

“Fasting during the month of patience (Ramadan) and fasting three days each month remove hatred and envy from the heart.” (Al-Bazzâr, narration with an authentic chain of transmission)

Thus, fasting is not merely abstaining from food and drink; it is a remedy for the heart. Ramadan is an opportunity to free our souls from the burdens that weigh on us, whether they be misunderstandings, grudges, or injustices we carry within.

How Did the Companions Welcome Ramadan?

Anas ibn Mâlik, radhiya Allahu ‘anhu, narrated:

“When the month of Sha‘bân arrived, the Muslims would dedicate themselves to the recitation of the Qur’an and would give zakât to help the poor prepare for Ramadan.” (Ibn Rajab, Latâ’if al-Ma‘ârif, p. 136)

Look at how they understood preparation for this blessed month! They recited the Qur’an, as it is the month in which it was revealed, and they helped those in need so that everyone could fast in peace.

Brothers and Sisters,

Ramadan is fast approaching. Let us ask ourselves:

• Are we ready to welcome Ramadan without hatred in our hearts?
• Have we wronged anyone? If so, let us seek reconciliation.
• Are we prepared to increase our acts of worship and strengthen our connection with the Qur’an?

Let Ramadan not be just a month of hunger and thirst but a month of soul transformation. Let us purify our hearts and prepare them to receive Allah’s mercy.

May Allah allow us to enter Ramadan with pure hearts, forgive our sins, and accept our good deeds.

(Central khutbah by the religious leader Hafiz Hilmija Redžić on February 7, 2025, at the “Centre Islamique Gazi Isa-beg” in Esch-sur-Alzette)