“We Have Turned Ramadan into a Food Festival,” Says Mohammad Iqbal
Agra: The Khateeb of Masjid Nahar Wali in Sikandra, Mohammad Iqbal, delivered a powerful Friday sermon highlighting the true purpose of Ramadan and expressing concern that the holy month is increasingly being reduced to culinary indulgence rather than spiritual discipline.
Quoting verse 183 of Surah Al-Baqarah, he recited:
“O you who believe, fasting has been prescribed for you as it was prescribed for those before you, so that you may attain righteousness (taqwa).”
He explained that the fundamental objective of fasting is to develop taqwa—a deep sense of God-consciousness and adherence to the limits set by Allah.
Citing a Hadith from Sahih al-Bukhari (Hadith No. 1894), he said: “Fasting is for Me, and I alone will reward it.” He emphasized that while rewards for other good deeds are described, fasting holds a unique and elevated status because it is a form of worship known only to Allah and the individual believer.
Referring to another narration (Hadith No. 1904), he mentioned that a fasting person experiences two moments of joy: one at the time of breaking the fast and the other when meeting their Lord. He described this as a great honor granted to those who observe fasting sincerely.
However, Mohammad Iqbal expressed regret that many people now spend their days planning elaborate iftar meals and experimenting with new dishes. “Instead of disciplining the self, we are nourishing it,” he said, adding that in many Muslim localities, Ramadan presents the image of a “Muslim Food Festival” rather than a month of spiritual reflection and restraint.
He urged worshippers to reflect on the Qur’anic phrase “so that you may attain righteousness,” questioning whether their daily and nightly routines truly align with the boundaries set by Allah. Ramadan, he said, is meant to train believers to control their basic desires and prepare for accountability before their Creator.
Concluding the sermon, he prayed that Allah grants everyone the ability to live within His prescribed limits and to embrace the true spirit of Ramadan.
