tidings of salvation from Hell, what is the matter now? Why do you weep now?”

The rock replied, ذٰلِکَ کَانَ بُکَاءَ الْخَوْفِ وَ ہٰذَا بُکَاءُ الشُّکْرِ - “That was crying due to the fear of Allah, and this is crying out of gratitude.”^[1]

Dear Islamic brothers! By the grace of Allah, we were blessed with the auspicious month of Ramaḍān. Although none of us can be certain of having attained forgiveness, we were blessed with a great means of salvation. Every moment of Ramaḍān is auspicious. Every day at the time of ifṭār, one million sinners are forgiven upon whom going to Hell had become wājib.  On Friday, one million people are forgiven in every moment.  If only we are also included among those who have been granted forgiveness!

Allah has blessed us with such great means of salvation and forgiveness that it is essential for us to express gratitude for it through our words and actions. One way to show this thankfulness is by avoiding sins.  Now, Ramaḍān is only a guest for a matter of days, after which it will depart. The true essence of gratitude for Ramaḍān is to maintain Ramaḍān’s spirit of devotion after its departure, refrain from wrongdoing and spend our lives in virtue.  May Allah grant us the ability to do so.

اٰمِیْن بِجَاہِ النَّبِیِّ الْاَمِیْن صلَّی اللہ عَلَیْہِ واٰلہٖ وسلَّم 

What is meant by shukr?

During the following event, Imam al-Ṭāifah (imam of the saints) Sayyidunā Junayd Baghdadī رَحْمَةُ الـلّٰـهِ عَلَيْه was seven years old. He used to remain in the company of the great saint and gnostic Sirrī Saqaṭī رَحْمَةُ الـلّٰـهِ عَلَيْه. During a gathering, the topic of shukr was being discussed.