Central Sermon: “Repair What Remains, What Has Passed Will Be Forgiven”

It seems like we just welcomed the month of Ramadan yesterday, and now it’s already time to bid it farewell. But how do we conclude this blessed month and in what state?

Ramadan is like the short human life that passes by quickly, and wise is the one who uses it for what endures, so as not to regret when repentance is of no avail. If we reflect on the days and nights, we will discover that they are stages we pass through on our journey to the Hereafter, to eternity, until our earthly journey comes to an end. And every passing day, or even every moment, takes us further away from this world and closer to the Hereafter.

The Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him) said: “The world compared to the Hereafter is like one of you dipping his finger in the sea: let him see then what remains on his finger when he takes it out of the water.” (Tirmidhi)

And Abu Darda (may Allah be pleased with him) used to say: “O man, you are nothing but the sum of your days. Each passing day diminishes a little of you.”

The days and nights are indeed the treasure chests of our actions, and they will testify in our favor or against us on the Day of Judgment, based on the deeds we have accumulated therein. Blessed is the one who uses the days and nights of his life in obedience to Allah, in what will bring him closer to Paradise and keep him away from the Fire, and blessed is the one who learns lessons from the passage of time, as the verse says: “So take a lesson, O you who have insight!” (Quran, Surah al-Hashr, 2)

Let us then seek refuge in the mercy of Allah, for there is still time. Let us not despair in any way regarding the mercy and forgiveness of Allah, and let us use these remaining days of Ramadan to ensure lasting happiness.
It is reported that Fudayl ibn Iyad asked a man: “How old are you?” He replied: “Sixty years.” So Fudayl said to him: “You have been on your way to your Lord for sixty years already. Do you doubt that you will meet Him and stand before Him?” The man, in fear, said: “We are all to Allah, and to Him we will return!” Fudayl asked him: “And do you know the interpretation of these words? It means that whoever knows that he has a Lord and that he will return to Him, must know that he will be stopped before Him. And whoever knows that he will be stopped before Him, must know that he will be questioned. And whoever knows that he will be questioned, let him prepare an answer.”

“So, where is the way out and what is the salvation?” asked the man?

Fudayl said to him: “It’s simple. Improve what remains of your life, and what has passed will be forgiven. But if you do not correct what remains, you will be punished for what has passed and for what remains of your life.” If perhaps you missed the first two thirds of Ramadan, do not despair, but rise up with determination and say that it is possible to improve the situation and make it better than before, with the help of Allah. Do not look back, but look ahead, yes, ahead, for the Merciful Lord erases all bad deeds through sincere repentance.

Perhaps one night will suffice for you to be saved from the fire of Hell, or one sincere prostration will mark your return to the path of Islam, and will enable you to easily cross the bridge of Sirat and pass to the other side, to the shore of salvation, with those who are saved.

O Allah, forgive us and erase our sins, accept our worship and good deeds, accept our repentance and answer our prayers, and make us come out of the blessed month of Ramadan pure from all sin and enrolled among those whom You have saved from the Fire and with whom You are pleased. Amen!

(Central khutbah by the religious leader Hafiz Hilmija Redžić on April 5, 2024, at the Islamic center “Le Juste Milieu” in Bonnevoie)