Fast in Muharram, and Delay the Prayer: Friday Sermon Masjid-ul-Haram 26 June 2026
The Imam of the Masjid-ul-Haram, Sheikh Abdul Rahman Al-Sudais, has advised the congregation to fear God, as it nurtures a sense of worth and spiritual strength, being the strongest support, the most reliable aid, and the most honorable provision for this life and the Hereafter.
In his Friday sermon delivered today at the Grand Mosque, he said: “In the succession of seasons and times there is a reminder, and in the succession of decisive days and nights there is a lesson. Our Islamic nation is still enjoying the blessings of this new year, and the first month of the year is the month of God, Muharram.
The Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, said: ‘The best fasting after Ramadan is fasting in the month of God, Muharram’ (reported by Muslim). It is Sunnah to fast on the day of Ashura and the day before or after it.”
The Imam of the Grand Mosque pointed out that the month of Muharram reminds us of the blessed event of the Hijra. Hijra (migration) is a pivotal moment in Islamic history. For God granted victory to His servant and Messenger, peace and blessings be upon him. God Almighty said: “If you do not aid him, God has already aided him when those who disbelieved expelled him, the second of two, when they were in the cave, when he said to his companion, ‘Do not grieve; indeed, God is with us.’” Reflecting on this event encourages us to strengthen our faith and trust in God’s support during our own challenges.”
His Eminence emphasized that this upright religion is the greatest blessing and the most magnificent favor. Recognizing this should fill the congregation with pride and gratitude, as Islam distinguishes the believer from others who share in worldly blessings. The Muslim is unique in the blessing of Islam, the blessing of “There is no god but God, Muhammad is the Messenger of God.”
Sheikh Abdul Rahman Al-Sudais emphasized that the Sunnah of testing must illuminate our path into the new Hijri year, reassuring us that our true religion is our strength, our support, and our impregnable fortress against trials and tribulations in this time of tribulations and tribulations. This is God’s way with His creation and His servants.
He concluded the sermon by saying, “At this time, we experience the intense heat of summer, and its scorching winds blow upon us.” The Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) said, “When the heat intensifies, delay the prayer until it cools down, for the intensity of the heat is from the breath of Hell” (agreed upon).
