Huzoor(aba) delivered today's Friday Sermon on the blessings of the holy month of Ramadan in light of the fact that it commences in Britain tomorrow. He began by reciting verses 184 -186 of Surah Al Baqarah (2:184-186) and elucidated the sacred aspects of Ramadan. Huzoor(aba) said that indeed this month is replete with blessings with numerous opportunities to gather divine grace therefore it is a desolate time for satanic inclinations. Indeed Ramadan's blessings are for those who purify themselves and worship of Allah, practicing all His commandments and shunning all His prohibitions. Huzoor(aba) said taqwa is to avoid sin; just as one takes cover behind a shield, fasting, when done with sincerity, protects one from satanic tendencies. Once one enters this sphere of protection during Ramadan, one ought to endeavour and stay within its confines through out the rest of the year.
The Holy Prophet (peace and blessings be on him) said that some deeds have an equal reward some have ten-folds reward while some have seven-hundred-folds reward. However, Allah Himself is the reward for those who fast, and this is a limitless reward. He enjoined that a person, who does not take advantage of the blessings of Ramadan, is ruined and if one fasts in a state of Iman (having faith), and does "mohasiba e nafs" (critically analyses the condition of self), all their previous sins are forgiven. The Holy Prophet (peace and blessings be on him) said that Allah has made fasting an obligation and he had established it in his life, therefore, one who fasts in a state of Iman is as pure as a newborn baby. He likened fasting to a fortress protecting us against sins, however, when one engages in falsehood and backbiting, it is as if one tears down this protective shield.
The Promised Messiah (on whom be peace) enjoined that eating less when linked with worship of God heightens one's spirituality and facilitates severing ties with worldliness and enhancing communion with Allah. Huzoor(aba) stressed the significance of the revelation of the Holy Quran with Ramadan and related that angel Gabriel used to repeat all the revealed portions of the Holy Quran to the Holy Prophet (peace and blessings be on him) during Ramadan. Huzoor(aba) enjoined additional recitation of the Holy Quran in Ramadan, reading its translation and wherever possible, arrangements should be made for its Dars (lesson). Huzoor(aba) explained the Divine leniency in fasting for those who are unwell and the traveller and pointed out the directive to make up the fasts at another time. He also spoke on the payment of fidya (compensation) as an additional virtue. However, for those whose health does not ever allow them to fast fidya is prescribed. The Promised Messiah (on whom be peace) explained that the rationale behind payment of fidya is seeking capacity and strength to fast from Allah. He enjoined that the objective of fasting is to seek Allah's pleasure therefore one must not act wilfully and fast when unwell and during travelling. Salvation come Allah's grace and not by force of what one does.
Hazur prayed that we may all be able to fast purely for Allah's sake without any excuse, advance on the paths of virtues, win the love of Allah, and then continue to progress in taqwa throughout the year after Ramadan is over.
Finally, Huzoor(aba) instructed the UK Ansar as well as the Khuddam and Lajna to financially support building of two mosques in the north of England that he has recently laid foundation stones of.