RAMADAN Reset! Mufti Menk Shares Soul Cleansing Secrets for 2025

My dear brothers and sisters, I begin with a heartfelt supplication. May Allah forgive us all. May He grant us steadfastness in our faith, be pleased with us, and alleviate the suffering of those struggling across the globe.

Whoever is going through hardship, may Allah grant you ease. May He answer our prayers, protect us from the forbidden, and make us realize the importance of building a strong relationship with Him. May He make this journey easy for us, Ameen.

The Purpose of Fasting

As we prepare for Ramadan, it is crucial to understand why fasting was prescribed in the first place. Allah says in the Quran:

"O you who believe, fasting has been prescribed upon you as it was prescribed upon those before you so that you may attain Taqwa." (Surah Al-Baqarah 2:183)

The primary objective of fasting is to attain Taqwa-a deep consciousness of Allah. Many interpret Taqwa as the fear of Allah, but what does that really mean? A young person once asked, "Why should I be scared of Allah?" The response was profound: true fear of Allah is not about being terrified of Him; rather, it is about fearing the loss of our connection with Him. Just as we cherish a loved one and would never want to harm that relationship, we should strive to maintain our bond with Allah.

Taqwa comes from the root word that signifies creating a barrier. It means setting up a protective shield between ourselves and what displeases Allah, ensuring that we stay within His guidance. Fasting instills this awareness, strengthening our discipline and spiritual connection.

Ramadan: A Time of Opportunity

Ramadan is not just about abstaining from food and drink; it is a month of immense spiritual opportunity. The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ once said "Ameen" three times while ascending the pulpit. When asked why, he explained that Jibreel had made three supplications, and one of them was:

"Woe to the one who witnesses Ramadan and does not attain Allah's forgiveness."

Imagine a great sale where everything is available at a fraction of the price. People eagerly wait for Black Friday deals, tracking prices and rushing to grab what they need. Ramadan is an even greater sale, where the mercy and forgiveness of Allah are available in abundance. Yet, many of us fail to seize this golden opportunity.

Preparing for Ramadan

If we truly understand the value of Ramadan, we won't wait until it begins to start seeking forgiveness. We should prepare our hearts beforehand by increasing our acts of worship and repentance. Allah's mercy is vast, and He is always ready to forgive. The Quran reminds us:

"When the fixed time of Allah comes, it will not be delayed, not even by a moment." (Surah Al-A'raf 7:34)

We do not know if we will live to witness this Ramadan. Therefore, let us begin our journey of self-purification today.

The Power of Seeking Forgiveness

Every human being makes mistakes. Even Adam ﷺ made an error, but what mattered was his immediate repentance:

"Our Lord, we have wronged ourselves, and if You do not forgive us and have mercy upon us, we will surely be among the losers." (Surah Al-A'raf 7:23)

Allah forgave him instantly. This teaches us that no matter how great our sins are, the doors of mercy are always open. However, Shaytan plays a deceptive game-after we repent, he whispers doubt into our hearts, making us question if we were truly forgiven. This doubt itself is a greater sin because it undermines our trust in Allah's mercy.

Allah is Ar-Rahman (The Most Merciful). If you sincerely repent, your sin is wiped away the first time you ask. Seeking forgiveness repeatedly isn't because Allah didn't forgive you the first time, but because doing so elevates your status in His sight.

Do not wait for Ramadan to seek forgiveness. Start now. The doors of Allah's mercy are always open. When you enter the mosque, remember, it is Allah who allowed you to be there. Would you willingly visit the home of someone you dislike? No. The fact that you are drawn to worship and good deeds is a sign that Allah loves you and wants to forgive you.

This Ramadan, let us utilize our time wisely. Seek forgiveness, increase in worship, and strengthen your bond with Allah. May we all be among those who make the most of this blessed month and emerge with purified hearts. Ameen.