Noble and Inspiring Traits

The Impact of the Holy Prophet’s Good Character on Society

 

The Holy Prophet (pbuh) was renowned for his exceptional ability to touch people’s hearts by adapting his approach to what suited them best. When he lost his paternal uncle, who had always acted as his protector against the hostility of other members of his tribe – the Quraysh – as well as other tribes, the Quraysh intensified their persecution against him after his uncle’s death. To escape this oppression and in the hope of gaining the support and protection of the Banu Thaqif tribe for his followers, he decided to travel to Ta’if. He also hoped that this tribe would accept Allah’s message, which he had been sent to deliver on behalf of Allah. He thus embarked on this journey alone as a testament to his faith and determination.

Shawwal & Hazrat Aisha (ra)

  

After Ramadan, comes the month of Shawwal. During this month, it is recommended to observe six additional days of fasting (Nafil). These days of fasting are not obligatory, but they are recommended by the Holy Prophet Hazrat Muhammad (pbuh), who said: “Whoever fasts during Ramadan and follows it with six days of fasting in Shawwal will be rewarded as if they have fasted for the entire year” (Abu Dawud). It is possible to observe these six Nafil fasts on any day during Shawwal, except for the 1^st of Shawwal, which is Eid-ul-Fitr, a day of celebration when fasting is prohibited by Allah.

 

For those who have missed obligatory fasts from previous years, it is preferable to make up for those missed days first before observing the six Nafil fasts. However, if someone has only missed fasts during the recent Ramadan, they can start with the six Nafil fasts and later make up the missed obligatory fasts. Alternatively, one can choose to make up missed fasts during Shawwal itself, but these fasts will not be considered Nafil; rather, they will be the obligatory fasts owed to Allah. After completing these obligatory fasts, if they wish, they can observe the six Nafil fasts of Shawwal.

'Eid-ul-Fitr' Sermon 2025

 

The profound message of the Eid-ul-Fitr

 

Eid-ul-Fitr, celebrated at the end of the blessed month of Ramadan, is one of the most important festivals for us, Muslims. It marks the end of fasting (Roza/ Sawm) after a month of physical restraint, spiritual reflection, and devotion. This day is a moment of gratitude to Allah for the blessings we have received, as well as an opportunity to strengthen our social, familial, and community bonds. The word ‘Eid’ itself means something that recurs, repeats, or a recurring event that brings happiness and a festive atmosphere. It represents an occasion that reappears after a certain period, bringing moments of joy and blessings. Essentially, the term “Eid” symbolises a moment of communal celebration, uniting or connecting a group in happiness and gratitude.

 

In the Quran, the word “Eid” is directly mentioned in Surah Al-Maida – Chapter 5, Verse 115. In the context of this verse, we see how the disciples of Hazrat Isa (as) asked Allah to send down a table laden with food from the heavens as a feast (Eid) for them, marking it as a day of celebration and a sign of His grace.

 

Here, we observe how Allah not only blessed Hazrat Isa (as) and his disciples with material provisions but also granted them spiritual sustenance, which was continued and perfected in Islam with the arrival of our beloved Prophet, Hazrat Muhammad (pbuh).

 

Thus, beyond festivities, feasts, and gatherings with family and the community, this day carries a profound message: that each Muslim should continue to lead a pious life in accordance with the teachings of Islam. It highlights a way of life rooted in spiritual, ethical, and moral values, which each believer should strive to follow throughout the year, not just during Ramadan.

Al-Qadr: The Night of Decree

 

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. Truly, We revealed it (the Quran) on the Night of Decree. And what will make you understand what the Night of Decree is? The Night of Decree is better than a thousand months. The angels and the Spirit descend during it by the permission of their Lord, bringing every command. Peace it is until the break of dawn. (Surah Al-Qadr 97: 1-6) 

Alhamdulillah, Summa Alhamdulillah, we enter the final third of this blessed month of Ramadan. During these last 10 days, Allah and His beloved Prophet Hazrat Muhammad (pbuh) have taught us that there lies a night within, so magnificent that its blessings surpass those of 1,000 months.