Next Friday's sermon: Islamic Affairs warns against extravagance during Ramadan

His Excellency the Minister of Islamic Affairs, Call and Guidance, Sheikh Dr. Abdul Latif bin Abdul Aziz Al Sheikh, issued an important directive to all preachers in various regions of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, stipulating that the upcoming Friday sermon, corresponding to the 3rd of Ramadan of the year 1447 AH, be dedicated to discussing two pivotal topics that touch upon the reality of those fasting: the virtues of the holy month, and the warning against wrong behaviors related to extravagance and wastefulness.

Sermon themes: Between spirituality and social responsibility

This directive comes as part of the Ministry's ongoing commitment to unifying platforms for addressing issues of concern to society and contributing to raising awareness of Islamic law and conduct. The directive emphasized the importance of utilizing this great religious practice to remind people of noble Islamic values, and the circular included several key themes that preachers should address:

• Sensing the greatness of the time: A statement of the unique characteristics of the month of Ramadan, such as the opening of the gates of Paradise, the closing of the gates of Hell, and the chaining of the devils. It is a divine opportunity for sincere repentance and multiplying good deeds.
• Social solidarity: Encouraging the promotion of the values ​​of generosity and benevolence through charity, checking on the conditions of the poor and needy, and striving to fulfill their needs, following the example of the noble Prophet who was most generous during Ramadan.
• The importance of fasting: Emphasizing that fasting is not just abstaining from food and drink, but rather a school for self-discipline and correcting behavior.

A firm stance against extravagance and ostentation

In a related context, the ministerial directive focused particularly on a recurring negative phenomenon during the holy month: the excessive consumption of food and beverages. His Excellency the Minister called upon preachers to warn against extravagance in preparing Iftar meals, whether at home or in charitable organizations, and to caution people against the dangers of ostentatious displays of food and drink that exceed actual needs.

This warning is a necessary step to establish a culture of rational consumption, as the manifestations of extravagance and throwing away excess food are incompatible with the objectives of Islamic law, which commands the preservation of blessings and gratitude to the Giver of blessings, and calls for moderation in food and drink.

Fasting and work: A call for excellence and discipline

The guidance also addressed the practical and educational aspects of fasting, with the Ministry emphasizing the need to correct the misconception held by some that fasting justifies laziness or neglecting one's duties. The Ministry stressed the following points:

• Academic and professional discipline: It should be noted that fasting is a motivation for work and diligence, and should not be a reason for being absent from school or late for official working hours.
• Mastering work: Reminding employees and students that mastering work is an act of worship, and that the reward is greater with the hardship of fasting, which requires doubling the effort and not resorting to rest.

This directive reflects the pioneering role of the Ministry of Islamic Affairs in guiding the societal compass towards virtuous values, and utilizing the Friday pulpit to be a guiding and advisory voice that addresses negative phenomena and promotes positive ones, in order to achieve the spiritual and social objectives of fasting.