Important Message in Friday Sermon by Khateeb Mohammad Iqbal
Agra: Khateeb Mohammad Iqbal of Masjid Nahar Wali, Sikandra, delivered an important message during the Friday sermon today, highlighting the significance of the month of Shaban and the need to prepare for the upcoming holy month of Ramadan.
He said that Shaban, which comes between Rajab and Ramadan, is also a month of great virtue, but unfortunately many people remain negligent about it. He reminded the congregation that the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) used to observe fasts abundantly during this month.
Quoting a Hadith narrated by Hazrat Usama bin Zaid (RA), Khateeb Mohammad Iqbal said that the Prophet (PBUH) stated:
“This is the month between Rajab and Ramadan, which many people neglect. In this month, deeds are presented before the Lord of the worlds, and I like my deeds to be presented while I am fasting.”
(Sunan an-Nasa’i, Hadith No. 2359)
He emphasized that when the best of mankind, the leader of all prophets, and the guide of humanity until the Day of Judgment (PBUH) was so concerned about his deeds, Muslims too must seriously evaluate their own actions. He criticized the growing trend of focusing on how quickly Taraweeh prayers will be completed in different mosques, while neglecting the true purpose of Ramadan—self-purification and attaining piety (Taqwa).
Addressing the worshippers, he said, “O servants of Allah! Begin planning for Ramadan from now. Correct your daily routines so that fasts are observed properly, prayers are offered on time, the recitation of the Holy Quran becomes regular, and Taraweeh prayers are performed with humility and devotion.”
He further stated that Ramadan is, in fact, a month of spiritual training—a complete one-month course granted by Allah Almighty, which must be completed according to the teachings of the Prophet (PBUH). He warned that failure in this great spiritual test would leave believers answerable before the Lord of the worlds.
At the conclusion of the sermon, Khateeb Mohammad Iqbal urged the Muslim Ummah towards reflection, self-accountability, and adherence to the Sunnah of the Prophet (PBUH). He also prayed that Allah Almighty grants everyone the ability to make the best possible preparations for Ramadan during the month of Shaban.
