Ramadan is a month of work, not laziness: A message from the Imam of the Grand Mosque in Mecca
In a comprehensive sermon delivered from the Grand Mosque in Mecca, His Eminence Sheikh Dr. Abdullah Al-Juhani, Imam and Khateeb of the Grand Mosque, emphasized the great importance of the blessed month of Ramadan in Islam, stressing that it is a month of work, diligence, and striving, not a season of laziness, lethargy, and procrastination. He explained that God Almighty has honored and distinguished this month, and has made fasting obligatory for believers as an opportunity for purifying the soul and refining character.
The historical context of Ramadan: the month of conquests and work
Contrary to the stereotypical image that fasting is associated with inactivity, Islamic history is replete with significant events that occurred during the month of Ramadan. The life of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) and his companions during this month exemplified a balance between worship and work. Fasting did not hinder them from managing their affairs, calling to God, and reforming society. Indeed, some of the greatest victories in the history of the Muslim community, such as the Battle of Badr, which distinguished between truth and falsehood, and the conquest of Mecca, which culminated years of preaching and struggle, took place during this blessed month. This confirms that Ramadan has always been a month of activity, productivity, and striving towards noble goals.
The essence of fasting: achieving piety and behavioral discipline
Sheikh Al-Juhani pointed out that the ultimate wisdom behind the legislation of fasting is to attain piety, as God Almighty says: “O you who have believed, decreed upon you is fasting as it was decreed upon those before you that you may become righteous.” Piety is not merely a feeling of the heart, but rather a state of spiritual awareness and behavioral discipline. Therefore, a Muslim must guard his limbs from all that God has forbidden, fasting his tongue from lying, backbiting, and slander; his eyes from looking at what is unlawful; his ears from listening to falsehood; and refraining from injustice, cheating, and deception. True fasting is that which leaves a positive impact on a person's behavior and character.
The importance of the sermon and its global impact
Such sermons delivered from the pulpit of the Grand Mosque in Mecca hold particular significance, as they are followed by millions of Muslims worldwide through live broadcasts and translations. They represent not only local guidance for worshippers in Mecca but also a universal message to the entire Muslim community. The call to make Ramadan a month of work and productivity comes at a time when Muslim societies need to reinforce the values of diligence and excellence. This message helps correct misconceptions about fasting and motivates Muslims everywhere to be active and influential members of their communities, utilizing the spirituality of this holy month to increase their contributions in all areas, whether in worship, work, or serving others.
At the end of his sermon, His Eminence called on Muslims to take advantage of the days and nights of this holy month by increasing acts of worship such as prayer, reading the Qur’an, giving charity, and remembrance of God, and to respect its sanctity, so that it may be a month of positive change on an individual and collective level.
