Agra: The Khateeb of Masjid Nahar Wali, Sikandra, Muhammad Iqbal, addressed the congregation during Friday prayers, emphasizing the importance and preparation for the holy month of Ramadan. He began his sermon by quoting a Hadith from Sahih al-Bukhari (Hadith No. 1923), in which the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ said:
“Eat Sehri (pre-dawn meal), for indeed there is blessing in it.”
During his address, he raised a reflective question: “Where has the voice that used to wake us up for Sehri gone?”
He recalled how, in earlier times, during Ramadan, people would hear heartfelt calls in the streets:
“Wake up for Sehri! It is time for the pre-dawn meal!”
Today, those voices are no longer heard. Ramadan continues to come every year and will continue until the Day of Judgment, but none of us knows whether we will live to witness the next Ramadan.
He urged worshippers to treat the upcoming Ramadan as if it were their last, and to value it through fasting, regular prayers, recitation of the Holy Qur’an, and increased good deeds. Citing Sahih al-Bukhari (Hadith No. 1909), he reminded:
“Fast when you see the moon and break your fast when you see it.”
He stressed that Ramadan should be welcomed with enthusiasm, preparation, and sincere devotion.
Expressing concern about modern habits, Muhammad Iqbal noted that many young people stay awake until 2 or 3 a.m., eat Sehri—or sometimes skip it—and then sleep through Fajr, waking only around Dhuhr. He described this as contrary to the Sunnah, referencing Sahih al-Bukhari (Hadith No. 568), which mentions that the Prophet ﷺ disliked sleeping before ‘Isha and engaging in unnecessary talk after it.
He questioned how such individuals could maintain punctual prayers and consistent recitation of the Qur’an. Therefore, he advised everyone to organize their daily routines from now on, ensuring timely prayers and regular engagement with the Qur’an during Ramadan.
He concluded with a heartfelt supplication, praying that Allah Almighty grant everyone the ability to truly value Ramadan and benefit fully from its blessings.
Ameen, O Lord of the Worlds.
