Imam of the Grand Mosque: Making the most of the last ten days and Laylat al-Qadr is a sign of faith
Sheikh Dr. Yasser Al-Dosari, Imam and preacher of the Grand Mosque, made a sincere religious call to all Muslims to take advantage of the remaining days and nights of the blessed month of Ramadan and to strive to find Laylat al-Qadr, stressing that being keen on these virtuous times is a distinctive sign that indicates the sincerity of the servant’s faith and the success of God Almighty for him.
In his sermon delivered from the pulpit of the Grand Mosque, Sheikh Al-Dossari emphasized the importance of hastening to perform acts of worship and avoiding laziness in the final days of the blessed month. He explained that being granted the opportunity to experience Laylat al-Qadr, which is better than a thousand months, is a divine gift that necessitates psychological and spiritual preparation. He also stressed the importance of maintaining Friday and congregational prayers, and of diligently reciting and reflecting upon the Holy Quran, so that it may serve as sustenance for the Muslim on his spiritual journey.
The importance of the last ten days and its religious significance
The call of the Imam of the Grand Mosque holds paramount importance in both its religious and spiritual context, as the last ten days of Ramadan represent the culmination of the annual season of faith. Historically and religiously, the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) dedicated these days to increased devotion and worship, spending his nights in prayer and awakening his family, seeking Laylat al-Qadr (the Night of Decree), the night on which the entire Quran was revealed to the lowest heaven. These nights offer a golden opportunity for self-correction and purification of the heart, a point emphasized by Sheikh Al-Dossari when he said, “How wonderful it is for a person to seize the opportunity of the last ten days of Ramadan to purify their heart and rectify their intentions.”.
The global influence of the pulpit of the Grand Mosque in Mecca
The importance of these directives stems from the status of the Grand Mosque as the direction of prayer (Qibla) for Muslims and the focus of their hearts; millions around the world eagerly await the sermons and prayers from the Grand Mosque in Mecca via satellite channels and digital platforms. The words of the Imam of the Grand Mosque transcend local boundaries, extending their influence to encompass the entire Muslim world, conveying educational messages that contribute to strengthening the sense of unity among Muslims and motivating them to devotion during these blessed times.
Actions are judged by their endings: a call for reflection
Sheikh Dr. Yasser Al-Dosari concluded his remarks with a message of hope and encouragement, urging those who missed out on some aspects of Ramadan or fell short at its beginning to make up for what they missed, emphasizing that “goodness abounds, and deeds are judged by their endings.” This call aims to address the lethargy that may afflict some towards the end of the month, reminding them that the true measure lies in the perfection of the end, not the shortcomings of the beginning, and that the opportunity to attain forgiveness and salvation from Hellfire remains open. He called upon everyone to set aside distractions and focus entirely on worship and supplication during these precious hours.
