By Shaykh Dr Sajid Umar
6 February 2026

﷽ 

My dear brothers and sisters in Islam,

We are living in the latter part of Sha‘ban. The month before Ramadan. A month the Prophet ﷺ described as a forgotten month – yet a month in which deeds are raised and presented before Allah.

Right now, most of us are only thinking about what is coming. Ramadan. The greatest month of the year. A month the Messenger ﷺ described as the best of all months.

Ramadan is not something new to us. It visits us every year. It lived in our homes not long ago. And it departed from our homes not long ago. And when it left, it left with a message. A message that quietly asks every household: Will I find you alive when I return?

How many people fasted with us last Ramadan – and are now buried? And how many people will be buried before the next Ramadan even arrives?

This is not pessimism. This is reality.

I entered the masjid recently and saw janazahs waiting to be prayed over. People who had plans. People who expected to see Ramadan again.

My brothers and sisters, Ramadan is a guest. And think about how you treat a guest you truly love.

Imagine someone you admire deeply – perhaps a public figure, someone you follow closely. You hear they are coming to your city. Then you hear something more startling. They will not stay in a hotel. They will stay in one of the homes of this community. They will arrive unannounced. And whichever home they stop at – that is where they will stay. And they are coming with gifts. Gifts beyond imagination.

What would happen?

Messages would spread. Live updates would be shared. People would be watching eagerly. And if they turned onto your street – the anticipation would be intense.

But if they stopped at the house before yours? You would feel disappointment.

My brothers and sisters, Ramadan is far greater than this guest. And Ramadan does not choose one home over another. It visits every home. And its gifts never run out. It comes with the gift of the Qur’an – for Ramadan is the month of the Qur’an. It comes with the gift of fasting – a shield from the Hellfire.

Allah says:

Ramadan comes with a gate of Jannah – a gate that only those who fast will enter.

Ramadan comes with the first ten nights – mercy. Then forgiveness. Then emancipation from the Fire.

And it comes with the greatest gift of all – the last ten nights. Within them, a single night greater than a thousand months. A lifetime of reward, without living a thousand years.

What an offer!

So the question is not will Ramadan come? It will come.

The question is: are we ready?

Preparation does not begin when the moon is sighted. Preparation begins now.

The Olympian does not train on the day of the race. Their diet changes. Their routine changes. Their sleep changes.

The Prophet ﷺ prepared for Ramadan in Sha‘ban. He fasted. He adjusted.

So if we want Ramadan to elevate us, we must prepare correctly. Ramadan is the month of fasting, not feasting. Stocking fridges is not preparation.

• If you want to increase Qur’an in Ramadan, start now.
• If you want fasting to feel manageable, fast now.
• If you want consistency in salah, establish it now.

Because Ramadan passes quickly. Ten days go. Then twenty. Then suddenly, it is over.

Do not let half of Ramadan pass before you are ready. Honour this guest.

Prepare your home. Prepare your schedule. Prepare your heart.

Preparing for Death With Responsibility: Islamic Wills

Islam is not a slogan. It is a complete way of life. And part of that life is preparing for what comes after it. We spoke about death earlier. And this leads us to a neglected obligation: Islamic wills.

How often do families fall apart after death? Assets unclear. Debts unknown. Disputes erupt. Children arguing. Spouses distressed.

And all of this could have been avoided.

Allah says:

This is not optional.

An Islamic will protects:

• The rights of Allah
• The rights of heirs
• The unity of families

Without a will, wealth is distributed by non-Islamic systems. Children may be excluded. Rights may be violated.

The Prophet ﷺ warned that a believer should not allow two nights to pass without their will prepared when obligations exist.

I have seen families unable to grieve because they are trapped in legal chaos. A simple will would have spared them pain. And beyond obligation, a will allows charity, advice, and ongoing reward.

This is a responsibility. Islam sets us up to succeed, not to fail.

My brothers and sisters,

Two truths stand before us:

• A blessed guest is coming
• And an inevitable departure awaits us

Prepare for both.

Honour Ramadan. And honour your responsibilities.

May Allah forgive our past, guide our present, and bless our future. May He allow us to reach Ramadan in faith and health. And may He make us among those who are prepared – in life and in death.

Ameen.

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