As we have reached a new year, it is essential that we reflect profoundly upon the passage of time and our temporary stay in this world. Remember that time is among the most precious gifts granted by Allah, and it is a trust that cannot be reclaimed once it slips away. Allah says in the Holy Qur’an: “In the Name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. By time; indeed, mankind is in loss, except for those who have believed and done righteous deeds and advised each other to truth and advised each other to patience” (Al-Asr 103: 1-4).
This verse teaches us that every moment carries weight; if wasted, it leads to loss, but if invested in faith, good deeds, truthfulness and patience, it becomes a source of salvation. The beginning of a new year, therefore, should not be seen merely as a change of dates, but as an opportunity to renew our commitment to living with purpose, discipline and devotion.
The month of Rajab as well, in which the
present moment falls, holds particular importance in the Islamic calendar. It
is one of the four sacred months mentioned in the Holy Qur’an:
“Indeed, the number of months
with Allah is twelve months in the register of Allah from the day He created
the heavens and the earth; of these, four are sacred”
(At-Tauba 9: 36)
Rajab is among these months, and it is a time
when acts of worship are given greater weight, and sins are considered more
serious. The Holy Prophet Hazrat Muhammad (pbuh) emphasised the sanctity of
these months, urging all believers to avoid wrongdoing and to increase
devotion. Rajab is also known as a month of preparation, a spiritual prelude to
Ramadan. It is narrated that the Messenger of Allah (pbuh) would supplicate: “O
Allah, bless us in Rajab and Sha‘ban and allow us to reach Ramadan” (Mishkat)
This supplication demonstrates the importance
of Rajab as a time to begin cleansing the heart, strengthening the body through
moderation, and cultivating habits that will ease the transition into the
blessed month of fasting (Ramadan).
Thus, our preparation for Ramadan should be
comprehensive, encompassing all the physical, moral and spiritual dimensions.
Physically, it is wise to begin adjusting eating habits, reducing excess
consumption and practising moderation, so that the body is ready for the discipline
of fasting. Morally, we should strive to purify our conduct, avoiding harmful
speech, dishonesty and injustice, while nurturing kindness, patience and
generosity. Spiritually, our heart should be softened through remembrance of
Allah, recitation of the Holy Qur’an, and sincere supplication. Rajab provides
a valuable opportunity to begin these practices gradually, so that when Ramadan
arrives, the soul is already attuned to worship and the body accustomed to
restraint.
Among the precious supplications that may be
recited during this period are those about seeking forgiveness and guidance. Allah
says in the Holy Qur’an:
“And those who, when they commit
an immorality or wrong themselves, remember Allah and seek forgiveness for
their sins – and who can forgive sins except Allah? – and do not persist in
what they have done while they know” (Al-Imran 3: 136)
A simple yet profound form of Isfighfaar
(repentance) – reported by Abu Dawud, Tirmidhi, Ibn Majah, An-Nasai and Ahmad –
is:
Allahumma
inni a’udhu bi-ridaaka min sakhatik,
wa
bimu’aa-faatika min ‘uquubatik,
wa
a'udhu bika mink,
laa
uhsi thanaa-‘an ‘alayk,
Anta
kamaa ath-nayta ‘alaa nafsik.
O
Allah, I seek refuge with Your Pleasure from Your anger.
I
seek refuge in Your forgiveness from Your punishment.
I
seek refuge in You from You.
I
cannot count Your praises,
You
are as You have praised Yourself.
Another is the prayer of Hazrat Yunus (as)
when he was in distress:
“La Ilaaha
illa anta, subhanaka, inni kuntu minaz-zalimeen”
There is no deity except You; glory be to You;
indeed, I have been of the wrongdoers. (Al-Anbiya
21: 88)
These Duahs (supplications) remind the
heart of its dependence upon Allah and open the door to mercy and renewal.
Now, concerning the matter of wishing others a
happy new year – as I receive many questions about this – it is important to
recognize the context of modern life. The Gregorian calendar is widely used
across the world, and most official matters, including birth as well as deaths
dates, employment, education and governance, are recorded according to it.
Acknowledging the change of year in this calendar does not diminish the
significance of the Islamic calendar, which remains central for religious
observances such as Ramadan, Hajj and Eid. Extending greetings such as “Happy
New Year” or “Naya Saal Mubarak”
is not sinful, for it is simply a courteous recognition of time as measured in
the society one lives in. The essence of Islam is tolerance and respect, and
such greetings do not contradict faith, provided that the Islamic calendar is
not neglected. Our Beloved Prophet Hazrat Muhammad (pbuh) encouraged kindness
and good manners in all interactions, and offering greetings is a form of
goodwill that fosters harmony.
Thus, the beginning of a new year should make us all alert to the God-given time we have. Life in this world is temporary.
Our concept and knowledge of time is limited, while Allah Himself is the
Controller of Time. He defines what time really is. Therefore, whatever time we
have, we should not lose it. We should focus on matters of importance, and we
should plan our lives in accordance to the Will of Allah, and the Will of Allah
stipulates that mankind should worship Him and not associate anything with Him
in His worship. Mankind is allowed to work and have leisure time, but we should
never forget our foremost duty: Worshipping Allah. The worship of Allah – for
true believers – is not a heavy chore but is a moment of pleasure, of intense
happiness and tranquillity. Worship becomes leisure time for them because they
find their peace of mind in the remembrance of Allah.
Therefore, we should all – all Muslims – strive
for balance in our lives, and make the worship of Allah become a moment of
pleasure instead of a heavy burden and responsibility. The moment you make your
Salat (prayer) and any moment of supplication to Allah become your Haven of
Peace, your soul already reaches fulfilment – despite the hurdles of pains and
trials awaiting you on a daily basis in all spheres of life. Take Allah as your
Refuge. Seek Him, Be for Him, and ask Him for Himself and to be protected from
His own wrath and displeasure.
Befriend Allah, and make Satan recede its
steps. Indeed, the best of friends is none but your Creator, Most High. Make
valuable use of your time, and Insha-Allah, the time spent in the
worship of Allah, and spreading good will be rewarded both in this world and
the Hereafter, Insha-Allah, Ameen.
----Friday Sermon of 09 January 2026~ 19 Rajab 1447 AH delivered by Imam- Jamaat Ul Sahih Al Islam International Hazrat Muhyiuddin Al Khalifatullah Munir Ahmad Azim (aba) of Mauritius.