By Imam Murtadha Gusau
Tuesday, Ramadan 28, 1447 AH (March 17, 2026)
In the Name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful
All praise is due to Allah, who commanded His servants to have taqwa and promised them forgiveness, for He is the One worthy of taqwa and the One worthy of forgiveness. I bear witness that there is no deity worthy of worship except Allah alone, with no partner, and I bear witness that Muḥammad is His servant and Messenger (Peace be upon him). May Allah send abundant prayers and peace upon him. To proceed:
Dearn brothers and sisters! As Ramadan draws to a close, we are reminded of the important lessons it teaches us about community. While it is a time of fasting and prayer, Ramadan is also a time for self-reflection and community building.
On a personal level, Ramadan encourages Muslims to reflect on their actions and strive to become better versions of themselves. It is a time to practice self-discipline and strengthen faith. Even as we gather and bond, we take the necessary time to heal and find peace.
However, Ramadan also emphasises the importance of coming together as a community to support one another. Families and friends often gather for iftars and/or at the Masjid, which creates a sense of togetherness and accountability.
As an example, my best friend and I both struggle with reading the Qur’an as regularly as we’d like, so this year, we texted each other what chapter we were on each day. If I lost motivation, I’d find it again when I learned he was three chapters ahead of me. It was less of a competition and more of a friendly reminder that if he could do it, so could I.
Ramadan also teaches us the importance of empathy and compassion towards others. By fasting, we are reminded of the struggles of those less fortunate than us and are encouraged to give back to our communities through acts of charity, sadaqah and volunteer work. Many Muslims come together to help others.
A great show of this is, a friend and I once attended an event with Muslims I’d never met before, where we went around Okene to give meals to the homeless. We could feel the sense of community all around us–even though many of us were strangers, we laughed and joked as we packed items, and we helped one another as needed to divvy up tasks.
Ramadan is a time for forgiveness and reconciliation. It encourages us to seek forgiveness from one another and to reconcile any conflicts or misunderstandings, promoting unity and understanding within our community. While easier said than done, this reminder always allows us the chance to forgive those we may be holding a forgotten grudge with, which makes our life better.
All of this is to say, no matter your background, Ramadan teaches valuable lessons about connecting with your community in healthy and self-fulfilling ways. As we bid farewell to this noble month, let us remember the importance of coming together to support one another, practicing empathy and compassion towards others, and seeking forgiveness and reconciliation.
Respected servants of Allah! For those unfamiliar, Ramadan is much more than a time of fasting from sunrise to sunset; it is a time of spiritual reflection, communal bonding, and self-improvement. While the practices of Ramadan are specific to the Islamic faith, the values and lessons it embodies are truly universal.
Ramadan has always been a personal journey that summons us to look within and reassess our values and actions. When we abstain from the basic necessity of food, we are reminded of the simple luxuries we often take for granted. Yes, for those who know us, missing that cup of coffee every morning can be a real struggle at times, but fasting is not only a ritual but a tool for cultivating gratitude and mindfulness. As an Imam and a leader, this sense of appreciation has taught us never to overlook the small contributions of others and always to acknowledge the effort behind action and success, no matter how minor it may seem.
The discipline of fasting from dawn till dusk is indeed a test of one’s resolve. This discipline has honed our willpower and focus, enabling many of us to pursue goals with steadfast determination. In leadership, as in life, distractions abound, but the discipline we practice during Ramadan equips us to navigate through them with grace. This lesson has proven invaluable, not just during the noble month but throughout the entire year, guiding our decisions and actions.
During Ramadan, hunger is a powerful equaliser, reminding us of the millions who go without food out of necessity rather than choice. This shared experience of fasting promotes a deep sense of empathy within us. It is this empathy that drives the core of our leadership philosophy: to lead is to serve. By understanding the challenges others face, we are better positioned to support and uplift those around us, whether in the boardroom or beyond.
The breaking of the fast, or Iftar, each evening is not simply a meal but a moment of communal unity. In our own life, we have made it a point to invite friends, colleagues, and neighbours of different faiths and backgrounds to join in the Iftar. These moments of togetherness have enriched our personal relationships and served as a reminder that leadership thrives on inclusivity and the celebration of diversity.
Zakat, charity or sadaqah, is one of the five pillars of Islam and takes on special significance during Ramadan. Each year, we look forward to giving a portion of our savings to those in need. This practice has shaped our perspective on our responsibility to support our communities. In the corporate world, this translates into a focus on social responsibility and ethical practices. We encourage our team to seek out charitable giving and community service opportunities, emphasising that our collective efforts can make a meaningful difference.
Ramadan is a flare for renewal. It is a time when we intentionally slow down, allowing ourself to grow and evolve both spiritually and as leaders. Each year, we emerge from Ramadan feeling renewed, carrying with us the lessons of patience, discipline, and compassion in every aspect of our life.
Beyond personal growth, Ramadan offers a chance to connect with others on a deeper level. In this fast-paced world, where we often pass each other by in our own bubbles, our shared experiences during Ramadan remind us of our humanity. It’s a powerful lesson in leadership to truly connect with those you lead; you need to step into their world, understand their perspectives, and share in their experiences.
Ramadan has taught us the importance of leading by example. When our team sees us committed to our values, it inspires them to reflect on their own. The discipline of fasting, the dedication to prayer, and the commitment to charity and sadaqah are all actions that speak louder than words. They serve as a testament to the power of living one’s beliefs, a principle that can transform leadership from a position to a practice.
Every day of Ramadan, we are reminded that even the smallest acts can profoundly impact. Whether it’s offering a kind word to someone who’s struggling or taking a moment to help a colleague, these acts of kindness create ripples that extend far beyond the initial gesture. As leaders, we can develop a culture of kindness and generosity where small acts are celebrated and encouraged.
While Ramadan is a defined period on the calendar, the spirit of this noble month can guide us throughout the year. The self-reflection, discipline, generosity, and community-building are not meant to be confined to just one month; they are practices that can enhance our lives and leadership daily. We strive to carry the essence of Ramadan with us, letting it influence our choices and interactions every day of the year.
To those who do not observe Ramadan, we extend an invitation to reflect on this month’s themes. Consider how discipline could strengthen your resolve, how empathy could enrich your relationships, or how acts of charity and sadaqah could change lives. You don’t have to fast to understand the power of sacrifice, nor do you need to be Muslim to appreciate the value of introspection and community.
As we finish Ramadan in the next few days, let us embrace the opportunity for growth, reflection, and connection. Whether through fasting, prayer, or simply by being more mindful and kind, each of us can transform ourselves and our communities for the better.
To my network, friends, and colleagues who will be observing Ramadan, we wish you a month filled with peace, fulfillment, and profound growth. And to all, may the lessons of Ramadan inspire you to become the best versions of yourselves, both as individuals and as leaders.
Dear brothers and sisters! Finally, Remember, Ramadan is not merely a month of fasting but a period of profound historical victory and spiritual triumph. The Battle of Badr, fought on the 17th of Ramadan, showed that faith, patience, and sincere reliance on Allah lead to victory over insurmountable odds, reinforcing that divine aid comes to those who trust.
In the year 2 AH, 313 Muslims were outnumbered 3-to-1 against the Quraish. Yet, they fasted and fought with unwavering faith. Therefore victory is not of numbers or weapons but of Iman (faith).
When you stand with Allah’s cause in Ramadan—controlling desires, increasing charity, and perfecting worship—you are gifted spiritual victory over yourself and worldly challenges.
And the greatest victory in Ramadan is not the battles of the past, but the battle within. Using the hunger and hunger of the day to sharpen your spiritual focus allows you to win over jealousy, greed, and laziness. It is a time for renewing your commitment to Allah and rising above the challenges of life.
Even in the hardest days of his life—losing his wife Khadijah and uncle Abu Talib—the Prophet Muhammad (Peace be upon him) found a new spiritual rank in the noble months. Ramadan teaches that when we are at our weakest in worldly terms, we are closest to Allah’s power and reward.
I pray, may the blessings of this noble month illuminate our path and guide us in all our endeavours.
Ya Allah, grant victory to Islam and honour the Muslims, and destroy the Zionist criminals. Ya Allah, send down tranquility into the hearts of those striving in Your path, rescue Your oppressed servants, and raise high the banner of the religion—by Your power, O All-Powerful, O Most Firm.
Ya Allah, grant us security in our homelands, rectify our leaders and those entrusted with our affairs, and place our authority in the hands of those who fear You, are mindful of You, and follow Your pleasure.
Our Lord, grant us good in this world and good in the Hereafter, and protect us from the punishment of the Fire.
Dear servants of Allah! Remember Allah with much remembrance, and glorify Him morning and evening. And the last of our supplications is that all praise is due to Allah, Lord of all worlds.
Murtadha Muhammad Gusau is the Chief Imam of Nagazi-Uvete Jumu’ah and the late Alhaji Abdur-Rahman Okene’s Mosques, Okene, Kogi State, Nigeria. He can be reached via: gusauimam@gmail.com or +2348038289761 or +2348024192217.