KosofePost Reporter
The Chief Imam of Nagazi-Uvete Jumu’ah Mosque and the late Alhaji Abdur-Rahman Okene’s Mosques, Imam Murtadha Muhammad Gusau, has called on Muslims to begin comprehensive preparation ahead of the 1447/2026 Ramadan, urging believers to approach the holy month with renewed spiritual focus, discipline and compassion.
Delivering his Jumu’ah sermon on Friday, Sha’aban 11, 1447 AH (January 30, 2026), Imam Gusau said Ramadan should be seen as a “marathon, not a sprint,” stressing that the rewards of the sacred month are maximised through consistent devotion from its beginning to its end.
According to him, the coming of Ramadan is a divine opportunity marked by mercy, forgiveness and spiritual elevation, as highlighted in the saying of the Prophet Muhammad (Peace Be Upon Him) that “the gates of mercy are opened, the gates of Hell are closed and the devils are chained” during the month.
Call for Holistic Preparation
The cleric emphasised that preparation for Ramadan must be spiritual, mental and physical. He encouraged Muslims to begin early by renewing intentions, increasing Qur’anic recitation, improving the quality of prayers, and engaging in voluntary fasting, particularly on Mondays and Thursdays in line with the Sunnah.
Imam Gusau also advised Muslims to organise their worship by using Ramadan planners, making Du’a lists, and setting realistic spiritual goals. He described Ramadan as “the month of the Qur’an,” urging believers to not only recite but also understand its meanings through translations and reflection.
Charity, Character and Mental Discipline
Highlighting the ethical dimension of fasting, the Imam reminded worshippers that Ramadan goes beyond abstaining from food and drink. He said fasting also requires restraint from anger, false speech and harmful behaviour, citing Prophetic traditions that emphasise truthfulness, patience and self-control.
He called on Muslims to increase acts of charity (Sadaqah), noting that generosity reaches its peak in Ramadan and attracts divine blessings. Stressing social responsibility, he urged believers to care for neighbours, the poor, orphans and the vulnerable, describing kindness to others as one of the most beloved deeds to Allah.
Addressing modern challenges, Imam Gusau warned against excessive and “mindless” use of social media, advising Muslims to minimise distractions in order to fully benefit from the spiritual atmosphere of Ramadan. He also encouraged self-reflection on mental health, describing Ramadan as a period to reassess stress, anxiety and inner struggles in the absence of satanic influences.
Health and Physical Readiness
On physical preparation, the Imam advised Muslims to gradually reduce caffeine intake, eat balanced meals, stay hydrated and maintain regular exercise in the weeks leading up to Ramadan. He noted that fasting offers health benefits, including bodily detoxification, and urged those with medical conditions to seek professional advice on managing medication while fasting.
He described Ramadan as an ideal time to build healthy habits that can be sustained throughout the year.
Lessons from the Life of the Prophet
Imam Gusau devoted a significant part of his sermon to reflecting on the example of Prophet Muhammad (Peace Be Upon Him), describing him as a model of mercy, discipline and balance. He recalled how the Prophet transformed early Muslim society through fasting, prayer, moral refinement and compassion for humanity.
He also highlighted the Prophet’s flexibility in religious practice, including concessions during travel, illness and hardship, and his emphasis on ease rather than hardship in worship.
The Imam reminded worshippers of the importance of seeking Laylatul-Qadr (the Night of Power) in the last ten days of Ramadan and encouraged practices such as I‘tikaf (spiritual retreat), repentance and prolonged supplication.
Final Appeal
Concluding the sermon, Imam Gusau urged Muslims to build spiritual momentum before Ramadan through sincere repentance (Taubah), increased Qur’an recitation and consistent prayers, so as to enter the holy month with focus and devotion.
He prayed for Allah’s acceptance of the community’s efforts and called on Muslims to use Ramadan as a means of personal reform, social compassion and renewed obedience to Allah.
Imam Murtadha Muhammad Gusau is the Chief Imam of Nagazi-Uvete Jumu’ah Mosque and the late Alhaji Abdur-Rahman Okene’s Mosques in Okene, Kogi State. He can be reached via gusauimam@gmail.com or on +2348038289761 and +2348024192217.