Dr. Hüseyin Kami BÜYÜKÖZER
We pray to Allah that the Three Holy Months, which we will observe on December 21st, and the blessed Night of Raghaib, which we will observe on the night of December 25th, bring mercy and blessings to you, our nation, Muslims, and all of humanity.
In the hustle and bustle of our daily lives, whether we are aware of it or not, we are drifting away from the right goals regarding the fundamental values of life. In this treacherous and slippery period we are going through, we often lose ourselves under the bombardment of false and artificial agendas imposed upon us.
These artificial agendas often make us forget the true purpose of our existence in this world. However, we must constantly be vigilant against such agendas that will distract us from our true purpose and not allow them to find a way to ensnare our souls. It is in such a difficult moment that Allah has suddenly presented us with a golden opportunity; The Three Holy Months! Essentially, we can call this a genuine and divine agenda. For during these months, Allah Almighty showers His forgiveness, mercy, and blessings like a torrential rain. All the days and nights of the months of Rajab, Sha’ban, and Ramadan are filled with surprising blessings and abundance.
Moreover, the nights of Raghaib, Mi’raj, Barat, and Qadr, which fall within these months, are endowed with divine favors that cannot be measured by any material or worldly standard. In fact, if we can benefit from the blessings of these days and nights with a little spiritual awareness, attention, and sincerity, we can compensate for many of our shortcomings on the spiritual path and cleanse ourselves of our sins, becoming pure and virtuous. So, what should we do? How can we make the most of these months of opportunity?
These days, believers should greet each other, invite each other to meals, bring joy to children, comfort the poor, meet the needs of those in need, seek the blessings of parents and innocent elders, and in short, live these months more vibrantly and productively. While all these actions are performed with a spirit of competition, utmost care should be taken to never lose sincerity. For a small act performed with sincerity is superior to many acts performed without sincerity.
In this way, peace comes to society, a spiritual atmosphere is created, and a foundation is laid for attracting divine mercy. The acts of worship performed, the Qur’an recitations, the heartfelt prayers and anguish offered to Allah, the tears shed, the repentance and supplications made, all draw divine mercy like clouds that bring rain. When divine mercy covers our skies, it is followed by blessings, favors, gifts, and presents like life-giving rain. Thus, the drops of mercy that come cleanse our spiritual lives, which have been defiled by our sins and negligence. So what are we waiting for? Let us all, as people yearning for divine mercy and blessings, prepare ourselves for the arrival of the clouds of mercy that will caress our heads and the divine favors that will follow.
1. Let us read the Quran al-Kareem abundantly. Let us try to understand its meaning.
2. Let us send blessings and salutations upon our Prophet (peace be upon him), hoping for his intercession.
3. Let us perform obligatory or voluntary prayers.
4. Let us reflect on the purpose of our existence in this world and our journey.
5. Let us sincerely and wholeheartedly repent and seek forgiveness for the sins we have committed, in the name of these blessed days.
6. Let us create a prayer list and pray abundantly for the people we love.
7. Let us make use of the nights and perform the Tahajjud prayer on certain days of the week.
8. We see that the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) fasted more during these days than on other days and was constantly striving to do good deeds. We too should fast as much as we can and, to the extent of our means, bring joy to those in need by providing them with material assistance.
“O Allah! Bless us with Rajab and Sha’ban and let us reach Ramadan!” We want to share love, brotherhood, and friendship. Grant us this wish.
May Allah be our helper and supporter…
