Reviving The Heart and Soul with The Quran (Part 2)

Dear blessed Congregation, Let taqwa be the moral compass that guides us to obey His commands and distances us from His prohibitions. Let us make sincere supplications beseeching Allah s.w.t. to bless us with the divine grace of witnessing Laylatul-Qadr. Amin, ya Rabbal ‘Alamin.

My dear brothers,

Last week’s sermon presented three ways to revive our hearts and souls through the Quran. Today, we shall explore two additional methods: reflecting upon the Quranic teachings and manifesting it in our lives.

Allah s.w.t. says in Surah Sad, verse 29:

Which means: “(This is) a blessed Book which We have revealed to you, (O Muhammad), that they might reflect upon its verses and that those of understanding would be reminded”

Allah beckons us to contemplate the verses of the Quran, which contains profound reminders and timeless lessons that illuminate our path through life. Such deep reflection not only enriches our understanding, but also serves as a mirror to our souls, allowing us to measure our deeds against the teachings, and gauge the true state of our spiritual journey.

Zumratal Mukminin rahimakumullah,

We are about to enter the final ten days of Ramadan. We stand on the verge of Laylatul-Qadr, a night more blessed than a thousand months. Let’s renew our determination to maximise every moment through deep contemplation of the Quran, weaving its divine guidance into the very fabric of our daily lives.

Allow me to share four essential points in this regard:

First: Remembrance of Allah s.w.t.

Allah s.w.t. says in Surah Al-Baqarah, verse 152:

Which means: “So remember Me; I will remember you. And be grateful to Me and do not deny Me.”

We are called to reflect deeply upon our remembrance of Allah s.w.t. as it purifies our heart and strengthens our connection with Him. Should we discover gaps in our remembrance, let us enrich our devotion through the contemplation of His Beautiful Names or Asmaul Husna.

Second: Gratitude to Allah s.w.t.

Allah s.w.t. says in Surah Al-Mulk, verse 23:

Which means: “Say, ‘It is He who has created you and made for you hearing and vision and hearts (intellect); little are you grateful.’”

We are encouraged to contemplate our level of gratitude to Allah s.w.t. for all that He has blessed us with. It is due to the blessing of hearing and sight that we are able to witness and listen to this sermon today. We are to reflect on how often we say ‘Alhamdulillah’ or any other zikir to show gratitude for the blessings of faith, His guidance, the Quran, the month of Ramadan, accepted supplications, and many others.

Third: Obedience to Allah s.w.t.

Allah s.w.t. says in Surah Ali Imran, verse 132:

Which means: “And obey Allah and the Messenger that you may obtain mercy.”

This verse beautifully connects divine mercy with our daily choices, from resisting the urge to backbite in casual conversation, to showing patience in traffic, to fulfilling our prayers on time despite our fatigue. Each act of obedience to Allah and His Messenger s.a.w., however small, becomes a stepping stone towards His boundless mercy.

Fourth: Worshipping Allah s.w.t.

Worship of Allah transcends our ritual practices. It is the essence of our existence, flowing through every conscious breath and heartbeat. When we align our thoughts, words, and actions with divine guidance, every moment becomes an act of worship. In sum, we breathe life into the Quranic teachings.

Zumratal Muslimin rahimakumullah,

As this sermon draws to a close, I implore myself first, and every soul present in this mosque, to seize these precious moments to deepen our relationship with the Quran and weave its divine guidance into the fabric of our daily conduct. Let us purify our intentions in worship, and raise our hands in sincere supplication, beseeching Allah to grant us the strength and wellbeing to witness the blessed night of Laylatul-Qadr and embrace the remaining days of Ramadan with renewed spiritual vigour.

Yā Allah Yā Salām, bestow in our hearts peace and tranquillity whenever our hearts remember You and our tongues mention You. Yā Shakūr, instil in us profound gratitude for all Your blessings and purify us from boastfulness and pride. Yā Dzal-Jalāli wal-Ikrām, there is no god deserving of the honour of worship but You, so plant in us seeds of love in worshipping You.

Second Sermon

Ya Allah, we are grateful for the opportunity to witness this month of mercy and forgiveness. Ya Rahmān. Forgive our sins and mistakes, Ya Ghafūr. Prolong our lives, so that we may fulfil the obligations of Ramadan and perfect its observance, with acts of righteousness, devotion, sincerity, forgiveness, purification, and liberation from our desires and the whispers of Shaitan. So that we may become Your servants worthy of entering the Paradise, which You have promised to those who believe.

In this blessed month, we seek Your grace, Ya Laṭīf, that You open the doors of peace and security for the people of Palestine in these difficult times, and for all the Ummah of Prophet Muhammad s.a.w. who are afflicted with anxiety, fear, and oppression.

Ya Allah, grant us goodness in this world and in the Hereafter, and protect us and our loved ones from the torment of Hellfire.