Imam of the Grand Mosque in Mecca: Take advantage of the last days of Ramadan, for the month will be a witness for or against the servant
His Eminence Sheikh Dr. Faisal bin Jamil Ghazzawi, Imam and Khateeb of the Grand Mosque in Mecca, advised all Muslims to fear God Almighty and to seize the remaining days and nights of the blessed month of Ramadan. In his Friday sermon delivered at the Grand Mosque, he emphasized that concluding acts of worship in this holy month with excellence is among the greatest things a believer should strive for, given the immense opportunities it offers for forgiveness, mercy, and deliverance from Hellfire.
The significance of the Friday sermon in Ramadan and its spiritual impact
Friday sermons during the holy month of Ramadan, especially those delivered by the Imam of the Grand Mosque in Mecca, hold immense significance in the Muslim consciousness. Historically, the pulpit of the Grand Mosque has served as a beacon of guidance and instruction, with millions of Muslims worldwide turning their eyes and ears towards Mecca to draw lessons and wisdom. This significance is amplified in the last ten days of Ramadan due to the unique nature of the time and place, as preachers strive to remind the Muslim community of the importance of renewing their covenant with God, following the example of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) and his noble companions, who exerted themselves in worship during these last ten days more than at any other time.
Sheikh Ghazawi explained that the remaining days of Ramadan offer ample opportunity to increase acts of worship and multiply good deeds. He urged Muslims not to be complacent in seizing opportunities for closeness to God and to hasten to perform righteous acts before it is too late. He emphasized that one of the greatest losses is for a person to experience this blessed month and then miss out on the reward of forgiveness, stressing that God's bounty is vast, and a servant may attain a great reward for a simple act if his intention is sincere and his deed is done with devotion.
The impact of the message of the Imam of the Grand Mosque in Mecca, both locally and internationally
The directives issued by the Imam of the Grand Mosque in Mecca have an impact not only within Saudi Arabia but also regionally and internationally, reaching all Muslim communities. These sermons contribute to strengthening social cohesion and spreading the values of tolerance and solidarity, especially when they address vital issues such as paying Zakat al-Fitr and supporting those in need. They also play a pivotal role in guiding individual behavior towards positivity and moderation, which in turn contributes to the stability and cohesion of societies in the face of contemporary challenges.
Striving against one's desires and preparing to meet God
In a related context, His Eminence called upon Muslims to strive against their own desires, to avoid sins and transgressions, and to invest the remainder of their lives in obedience and good deeds. He reminded them that time passes quickly and that death can come suddenly, which necessitates that every person prepare to meet their Lord through righteous deeds and sincere repentance. He pointed out that the door of repentance is open as long as one lives, urging all those who have fallen short or transgressed against themselves through sins to hasten to repent and turn to God, and to work towards rectifying their past actions.
Ramadan is a witness for or against the servant, and the Sunnahs of Eid
His Eminence pointed out that the month of Ramadan is a witness for or against the servant; it testifies to the good deeds of the righteous and to the shortcomings of the negligent. He explained that the truly fortunate are those who are granted the ability to complete their deeds with sincerity, to take account of their actions, and to seek forgiveness at the end of the month. He clarified that one of the signs of acceptance of deeds is their sincerity to God coupled with the servant's fear of their rejection, following the example of the righteous predecessors. He also emphasized that the completion of worship at the end of Ramadan includes paying Zakat al-Fitr, which purifies the fasting person. He noted that Eid is a day of joy that is legitimately expressed through obedience, and he reminded the congregation of the Sunnahs of Eid, such as reciting Takbir, performing Ghusl (ritual bath), wearing one's best clothes, and fasting six days of Shawwal, due to their great merit.
