Ramadan is the month of the purity of one’s heart and it is the month of forgiveness. This is because in this month, Allah the Exalted shows more kindness to forgiveness compared to other months of the year. It has been said in a narration that “If you are not forgiven in Ramadan, then when will you be forgiven?” Bihar al-Anwar, Vol. 8, page 183. If someone fails to achieve divine forgiveness and mercy in the month of Ramadan – during which the gates of divine mercy and forgiveness are open to humans – when will they have the blessing to do so?

Another meal which is served in this divine banquet and feast is the Night of Qadr. Today and in the first sermon, I would like to speak a little about our responsibilities towards the Night of Qadr. God says, “The Night of Qadr is better than a thousand months” The Holy Quran, 97: 3. A night that has been known as the Night of Qadr – there is some doubt about which night in the month of Ramadan is the Night of Qadr – is better and loftier than a thousand months. The believing servants of God should make the most of the hours of the Nights of Qadr. The best act at this night is praying. I will discuss with you brothers and sisters certain points about praying as well.

The purpose of keeping a vigil is to pray, to supplicate and to engage in dhikr. Daily prayers too – which are one of the Mustahab acts during the Nights of Qadr – are in fact the manifestation of dua and dhikr. It has been said in a narration that “Praying is the brains of worshipping” Bihar al-Anwar, Vol. 90, page 300. The brains of worshipping – or as is common among us, the soul of worshipping – is praying. What does praying mean? It means speaking to Allah the Exalted. In fact, it means feeling God close to ourselves and opening up our hearts to Him. Prayers either include a request, a word of praise or an expression of one’s kindness and respect. All these things form prayers. Praying is one of the most important acts that a believing servant of God and a person who wishes to achieve salvation and bliss performs. Praying has such a role in purifying our souls.