Dear Muslims!
We are in the last days of the holy month of Ramadan. Only a few days are left to reach the peacefulness of ‘Eid al-Fitr. These are the days that will save us from the torment of hell. These days are the days of i’tikaf, when we seclude ourselves from worldly preoccupations and devote all our time to worship. These are the days of sadaqa al-fitr, which brings the joy of ‘eid to those in need. These days are the days among which is hidden the Lailat al-Qadr, which is better than a thousand months. Our Almighty Lord (swt) informs us of the value of this night in Surah al-Qadr as follows: “Indeed, it is We Who sent this Qur’an down on the Night of Glory. And what will make you realize what the Night of Glory is? The Night of Glory is better than a thousand months. That night the angels and the holy spirit descend, by the permission of their Lord, for every decreed matter. It is all peace until the break of dawn.”1
Dear Believers!
In one of his hadiths, the Messenger of Allah (saw) says, “Whoever spends the night of Qadr in prayer out of faith and in the hope of reward, his previous sins will be forgiven.”2 Then let us turn this night into a turning point for ourselves. Let us reflect in our hearts, minds, and lives the mercy-laden messages of the Holy Qur’an that make this night a meaningful one. Let us seek refuge in the boundless mercy of our Lord (swt) with the following prayer our beloved Prophet (saw) taught ‘A’isha (ra), اَللّٰهُمَّ إِنَّكَ عَفُوٌّ كَرِيمٌ تُحِبُّ الْعَفْوَ فَاعْفُ عَنّ۪ي “O Allah! You are Most Forgiving, and You love forgiveness; so forgive me.”3 Let us repent for our sins and ask for forgiveness. It is then that our worries will be relieved, our hearts will be soothed, and our souls will find peace in the presence of the angels that keep descending in groups.
Dear Muslims!
During these last days of Ramadan, one of the acts of worship we must fulfill is the sadaqah al-fitr. So, let us strive to deliver our fitrah to our brothers and sisters in need. Let us not neglect and forget about the orphan. Let us also contribute to their joyful celebration of the ‘eid. Let us not forget that whatever we spend in charity and good deeds, Allah (swt) will replace it with something better.
I would like to take this opportunity to congratulate you on the Lailat al-Qadr and ask Allah the Almighty (swt) to enable us to reach the morning of ‘eid in unity and solidarity, health and well-being, peace and happiness, without leaving a single sin unforgiven.
[1] Qadr, 97/1-5.
[2] Bukhari, Sawm, 6.
[3] Tirmidhi, Da‘awat, 84.
Friday Khutba Of Tokyo Camii “Lailat Al-Qadr: A Night Worth A Lifetime”