Introduction: The Final Sermon of Sha’ban
As the month of Sha’ban draws to a close, Muslims around the world prepare for the arrival of Ramadan, the most sacred month in the Islamic calendar. On the last day of Sha’ban, the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ delivered a profound sermon, outlining the virtues, responsibilities, and opportunities of Ramadan. This sermon, narrated by Salmaan al-Farsi (رضي الله عنه), serves as a timeless guide for believers, emphasizing the spiritual, social, and communal dimensions of this blessed month.
The Prophet’s Sermon: A Comprehensive Overview
The Prophet ﷺ began his sermon by highlighting the unparalleled significance of Ramadan:
“O people, there comes over you now a great month, a most blessed month, in which lies a night greater in virtue than a thousand months. It is a month in which Allah has made fasting compulsory by day and has made Sunnah the Taraweeh prayers by night.”
This opening statement underscores the divine blessings of Ramadan, particularly Laylat al-Qadr (the Night of Decree), which is better than a thousand months in virtue (Qur’an 97:3). The Prophet ﷺ also emphasized the multiplied rewards for acts of worship during Ramadan:
“Whosoever intends drawing near to Allah by performing any virtuous deed, for such a person shall be the reward like the one who performed a Fardh (obligatory act) in any other time.”
“And whoever performs a Fardh shall be blessed with the reward of seventy Fardh in any other time.”
These teachings remind us that Ramadan is a time of immense spiritual opportunity, where even voluntary deeds are elevated to the status of obligatory acts, and obligatory acts are multiplied manifold.
The Month of Patience and Sympathy
The Prophet ﷺ described Ramadan as “the month of patience, and the reward for true patience is Jannah (Paradise).” Fasting is not merely abstaining from food and drink; it is a holistic exercise in self-discipline, empathy, and spiritual growth. By enduring hunger and thirst, believers cultivate gratitude for Allah’s blessings and develop compassion for those in need.
The sermon also highlighted Ramadan as “the month of sympathy with one’s fellowmen.” The Prophet ﷺ encouraged acts of generosity, stating:
“Whosoever feeds another who fasted, in order to break the fast at sunset, for the feeder there shall be forgiveness of sins and emancipation from the fire of Jahannam (Hell), and for such a feeder shall be the same reward as the one who fasted without that person’s reward being decreased in the least.”
Even the simplest acts of kindness, such as offering a date, a sip of water, or a glass of milk, carry immense reward. This inclusivity ensures that everyone, regardless of their means, can participate in the blessings of Ramadan.
Four Key Practices for Ramadan
The Prophet ﷺ outlined four essential practices for believers to prioritize during Ramadan:
- Reciting the Kalimah Tayyibah (Laa Ilaaha Illallah): Bearing witness to the oneness of Allah in abundance.
- Making Istighfaar (Astaghfirullah): Seeking Allah’s forgiveness frequently.
- Begging for Jannah: Supplicating for entry into Paradise.
- Seeking Refuge from Jahannam: Asking Allah for protection from Hellfire.
These practices serve as a roadmap for spiritual growth, combining remembrance, repentance, and aspiration for the Hereafter.
The Three Stages of Ramadan
The Prophet ﷺ divided Ramadan into three parts, each with its unique blessings:
- The First Ten Days: A time of Allah’s mercy.
- The Middle Ten Days: A time of His forgiveness.
- The Last Ten Days: A time of emancipation from Hellfire.
This structure encourages believers to increase their efforts as the month progresses, culminating in the search for Laylat al-Qadr during the final ten nights.
Community and Compassion in Ramadan
Ramadan is not just an individual journey; it is a communal experience that strengthens bonds of brotherhood and solidarity. The Prophet ﷺ emphasized the importance of easing the burdens of others:
“Whosoever lessens the burden of his servants (bondsmen) in this month, Allah will forgive him and free him from the fire of Jahannam.”
This teaching extends beyond material support to include emotional and spiritual assistance. Whether through charitable acts, volunteering, or simply offering a kind word, every effort to uplift others is rewarded.
The Gift of Water: A Promise of Eternal Reward
One of the most beautiful promises in the sermon is for those who provide water to a fasting person:
“And whoever gave a fasting person water to drink, Allah shall grant that giver to drink from My fountain, such a drink whereafter that person shall never again feel thirsty until they enter Jannah.”
This imagery of the Prophet’s fountain (Al-Kawthar) in Paradise serves as a powerful motivator for acts of kindness, no matter how small.
Universal Lessons from Ramadan
While Ramadan is a distinctly Islamic observance, its values resonate universally. The principles of self-discipline, gratitude, empathy, and charity are relevant to all humanity. In a world often divided by inequality and conflict, Ramadan offers a model for fostering unity, compassion, and collective well-being.
Conclusion: Embracing the Spirit of Ramadan
The Prophet’s sermon on the last day of Sha’ban is a profound reminder of the transformative potential of Ramadan. It calls us to:
- Deepen our connection with Allah through worship and supplication.
- Cultivate empathy and generosity by supporting those in need.
- Strengthen our communities through acts of kindness and solidarity.
As we prepare for Ramadan, let us internalize these teachings and strive to embody the spirit of this blessed month. May Allah grant us the strength to maximize its opportunities, forgive our shortcomings, and guide us to His mercy and Paradise. Ameen.
References:
- Hadith narrated by Salmaan al-Farsi (رضي الله عنه), reported by Ibn Khuzaimah in his Saheeh.
- Qur’anic references and supplementary hadiths from Sahih al-Bukhari, Sahih Muslim, and Sunan al-Nasai.
- Scholarly insights from Lataif al-Ma’arif by Ibn Rajab al-Hanbali.
