Dear Muslims!
The Three Holy Months, the climate of mercy and forgiveness that we have been longing for, are about to surround our spiritual life again. Next Monday, inshallah, we will reach the month of Rajab, the herald of Ramadan al-Sharif. May endless praise and thanks be to our Lord Almighty (swt), Who has allowed us to reach this blessed season. May salat and salam be upon our Prophet Muhammad Mustafa, who taught us how to make the most of these months.
Dear Believers!
The Three Holy Months are the times when the mercy and forgiveness of Allah the Almighty (swt) descend upon us in abundance. These are the times when peace and tranquility surround the hearts much more. The Three Holy Months are the months of re-contemplating the purpose of our creation, remembering our responsibilities once again, and heightening our sense of taqwa, that is our awareness of servitude to Allah (swt). In this regard, our Lord Almighty (swt) states, اِنَّ اللّٰهَ مَعَ الَّذ۪ينَ اتَّقَوْا وَالَّذ۪ينَ هُمْ مُحْسِنُونَ "Surely Allah is with those who shun evil and who do good deeds."[1] So, let us be mindful of our responsibility towards ourselves, our environment and our Lord (swt). Let us strive to be a good Muslim.
Dear Muslims!
The Three Holy Months are a great opportunity to renew ourselves spiritually. These are the days when we will review our progress and strive to improve our state. In the Holy Qur'an it is stated,
فَمَنْ اٰمَنَ وَاَصْلَحَ فَلَا خَوْفٌ عَلَيْهِمْ وَلَا هُمْ يَحْزَنُونَ Whoever believes and does good, there will be no fear for them, nor will they grieve."[2] So, let us strive to revive our world of mind and heart, which has been damaged by worldliness. Let us perform our worship completely. Let us increase our charitable works and good deeds.
Dear Muslims!
The Three Holy Months are the gateway to prayer and repentance, forgiveness, and pardon. In this regard, with His (swt) commandment ,يَا أَيُّهَا الَّذِينَ آمَنُوا تُوبُوا إِلَى اللَّهِ تَوْبَةً نَّصُوحًا,يَا أَيُّهَا الَّذِينَ "O believers! Turn to Allah in sincere repentance."[3], calls upon us to renounce haram and to cleanse ourselves from sins. So, in this blessed season, let us look for ways to attain the forgiveness of our Lord (swt). Let us stay away from any evil that distances us from His forgiveness. Let us pray sincerely for our family, our nation, and all our brothers and sisters.
Dear Believers!
Inshallah, we will reach the night of Raghaib, the night that connects next Thursday to Friday. May our Three Holy Months and Lailat al-Raghaib be blessed. As per the command of our Lord Almighty (swt), وَاِلٰى رَبِّكَ فَارْغَبْ "Turn to your Lord alone."[4] may our direction be towards Allah (swt). Let us heed the divine invitation, "And hasten towards forgiveness from your Lord and a Paradise as vast as the heavens and the earth, prepared for those mindful of Allah."[5]May our direction be towards what is good, benevolent, and pleasant. In this season of barakah, may the following prayer of our beloved Prophet (saw) not fall from our lips. "O Allah! Bless us in Rajab and Sha'ban and bring us to Ramadan."[6]
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[1] Nahl, 16/128.
[2] An'am, 6/48.
[3] Tahrim, 66/8.
[4] Sharh, 94/8.
[5] Ali 'Imran, 3/133.
[6] Tabarani, al-Mu'jam al-Awsat, IV, 189.
General Directorate of Religious Services