Twenty-seventh Ramadan Lecture Presented by Al-Sayyid Abdul Malik Badruddin Al-Houthi, 1444 A.H.
The fruit of the blessed month
&
the necessity to preserve it and strive to build upon it
I seek refuge in Allah from Shaytan, the outcast.
In the name of Allah, the Compassionate, the Merciful.
Praise is to Allah, Lord of the Worlds. I believe that there is no god but Allah, the Sovereign and the Manifest Truth, and that Muhammad, our master, is His servant, Messenger, and Last Prophet.
O Allah, confer Your salat and blessings upon Muhammad and the Family of Muhammad as You conferred Your salat and blessings upon Ibrahim and the Family of Ibrahim. You are Owner of Praise, Owner of Glory! And be pleased with Muhammad's good companions and all Your righteous servants and mujahidin.
O Allah, guide us and grant us acceptance, for You are All-Hearing, All-Knowing; accept our repentance, for You are the Relenting and the Merciful.
Brothers and sisters, peace be upon you and the mercy of Allah and His blessings.
A brief perspective on the tragic stampede incident
At the beginning of this lecture, we will speak first about the incident of the stampede that took place last night and resulted into the death of seventy-eight persons and the injury of seventy-three persons, according to statistics.
First, we extend our sincere condolences and sympathy to the families of the victims and our dear people. To Allah we belong, and to Him is our return. We ask Allah to grant patience and solace to the hearts of the families of the victims, and we pray for the healing of the wounded. May Allah have mercy on those victims who lost their lives in this incident.
This incident is very unfortunate and painful, and we have all been deeply saddened since its occurrence was reported. There is attention being given by the official authorities, starting with an investigation into this incident, showing solidarity with the families of the victims, and following the details related to this tragic and heartbreaking incident.
First and foremost, this incident draws everyone's attention to the immense suffering of our people, the great suffering that has been exacerbated by the aggression over the course of eight years. Our people were suffering before the aggression. However, the aggression came and has been ongoing for eight years, greatly exacerbating our people's suffering at the economic level. This is due to the economic war and blockade on one hand and the deprivation of our dear people from their national wealth , which has been plundered and seized despite the significant suffering endured by our dear people.
It also draws the attention of all of us as Yemeni people (both at the official and popular levels) to our moral, humanitarian, religious, and national responsibility to confront those oppressors, tyrants, and those who plunder the wealth of our people and wage war against our people in their livelihoods and in their overall reality. Our dear people are facing a comprehensive war that involves blockade, conspiracies against the economy, the deprivation of national wealth, and the use of all forms of targeting against our dear people.
Among the fundamental responsibilities that demand the efforts, cooperation, and contribution of all of us is striving to reclaim the legitimate rights of our dear people, which rightfully belong to our dear people and are recognized by all nations, all people, all societies, and even the international law. The oppression endured by our people is obvious, and their suffering is great.
In addition, it is important in the activities, charitable donations, and charity works carried out by some merchants or popular entities (if they involve large numbers of people) to coordinate with relevant official authorities, as is the case with the security services. It is important to coordinate with the security services and official authorities that are concerned with the charitable aspects and fields, have organized activities, and contribute to the organization and proper execution of other activities, similar to the Zakat Authority.
The Zakat Authority carries out tremendous, great, immense activities and provides help for hundreds of thousands of our dear people through the right means and successful operational methods that take into account preserving the dignity of the poor, protecting their lives, and using the correct ways of delivering what is intended to be delivered to them.
Major merchants' coordination with the Zakat Authority in extensive operations and large charitable activities is an important matter. For it is a concerned entity with significant experience and good expertise in carrying out its charitable and relief tasks and how to take care of the poor through proper methods. This is crucial to avoid future incidents similar to what happened yesterday due to unorganized work that does not involve proper organization and planning. The incident of yesterday is currently under the investigation of the relevant authorities.
This matter has been taken seriously by the official authorities since the moment the incident was reported. From that moment on, there has been a focus on investigating, providing medical aid, demonstrating solidarity, and addressing other concerns such as providing treatment for the wounded, among other things.
At the general level, among the important lessons learnt from this unfortunate and saddening incident is the necessity of serious action by our dear people. While this field receives some good attention, it is essential to pay greater attention to this field (the field of charity, relief, and aid for the poor and the destitute) in a coordinated and extensive manner and in a collaborative approach.
Among the first things one should pay attention to in this regard is paying Zakat, being mindful of Allah (Glory be to Him) in that regard, and taking that seriously. That is because some individuals fall short in this aspect, resort to deception, or evade paying Zakat, which is one of the most important obligations of Allah and an important pillar of Islam. Failing to fulfill this obligation is considered a grave crime and a major sin. One's good deeds such as Salat, fasting, or other good deeds will not be accepted if Zakat is neglected. When a person does not pay Zakat that is due on him, Allah will not accept his Salat, fasting, or the rest of his deeds. And he is considered guilty of a great sin as he consumes what belongs to others. Zakat is a legitimate right prescribed by Allah, Who is the Owner of everything, for the benefit of the poor, and He appointed out the specific purposes and categories related to that in the blessed verse. This matter is extremely important as it alleviates the suffering of the poor and contributes to working towards their development and addressing their poverty and destitution. It holds tremendous significance. Therefore, to pay attention to the charitable and relief aspects and paying Zakat.
As the Eid approaches, attention must also be given to paying Zakat Al-Fitr, which holds immense significance. It has great importance, especially as it coincides with the advent of Eid Al-Fitr, to ensure that no one remains hungry on this occasion while others who are rich and prosperous live in comfort and enjoy an abundance of food and a comfortable lifestyle, even though there are those who are hungry.
Zakat Al-Fitr is among the most important obligations prescribed by Allah (Glory be to Him) for the care of the poor. It is obligatory for those who are financially capable, and it holds immense significance in terms of providing support, fostering solidarity, and caring for the poor and the needy.
This tragic incident draws everyone's attention to the importance of serious action in the economic and agricultural sectors. Yesterday, we spoke about the importance of working in the agricultural sector and about the livelihood concern, the pressure it puts on many people, and food security: It is expected of us, as Yemeni people, to prioritize and actively engage in this field, both at the official and popular levels, due to its significant importance and the tremendous real opportunities it holds. These opportunities can greatly contribute to alleviating the suffering of our people, supporting the poor, and providing basic life requirements.
Also, regarding agriculture, we are approaching the season of sorghum. It is important to take care of this season, give it significant attention, and greatly focus on it in rural areas. This is a tremendously important matter in all regions where sorghum seeds can be grown during its known season.
We should pay attention to such matters related to agriculture and animal wealth, which encompasses great opportunities for one to make an effort in this sector. This is true, especially if there is attention given to strengthening animal feed production, feed marketing, proper distribution of animal feed, improving the production process in the field of animal feed, as well as paying attention to the veterinary sector, providing necessary guidance in that regard, and working on disease prevention in cattle. This is a very important aspect, and taking action in this regard is tremendously significant.
Attention should also be paid to reforming the official institutions, improving performance within them, and addressing the negative routine that delays all tasks, hinders many things, and prolongs or significantly delays processing people's paperwork.
Reforming the state institutions is among the vital responsibilities that must be fulfilled so that the government can fulfil its responsibility in supporting the people, leading their interests and various activities, and giving attention to their concerns. That is because the role of the government is to lead the people towards a real renaissance and to earnestly be engaged in that. These points are very important, in light of the unfortunate and saddening incident that occurred last night.
Taqwa is the fruit of the blessed month. How do we preserve it?
With regards to what we want to speak about in this lecture, we want to briefly draw attention to what follows the blessed month of Ramadan.
In Ramadan, one usually benefits from the atmosphere of this blessed month. He benefits from fasting, spending his nights in worship, doing blessed deeds, and the educational, blessed, and important effects that reflect well on him, his feelings, his interests, and his attitudes and that strengthen his adherence to the state of Taqwa.
The important culmination and essential fruit intended from the obligation of fasting the month of Ramadan is {'so that you may become mindful '}. This culmination, positive effect, important outcome, and good fruit are what one should maintain after the blessed month of Ramadan and seek through it to continuously grow in his faith, his morality, and his practical reality in general. This is a very important matter.
Paying attention to Salat and tending mosques
One of the most important things that helps fulfil this is to continuously take care of Salat. During the month of Ramadan, people tend to care about Salat at a regular pace and better than in other months. However, some individuals slack in their commitment to Salat after the end of Ramadan. They may neglect certain obligatory prayers, such as the Fajr Salat, which some delay due to staying up late at night and sleeping late. Consequently, they miss the Fajr Salat and remain in a state of sleep until midday or late. One should realize that Salat is a very important obligation and that the five Salat are a great pillar of the pillars of Islam with tremendous significance in its educational impact, its faith-based effect, its role in purifying the soul and strengthening the relationship with Allah (Glory be to Him).
Allah (Glory be to Him) said about Salat, {'Indeed, Salat prohibits immorality and wrongdoing'}. It holds an important educational impact on purifying the soul, restoring the soul, enhancing one's relationship with Allah (the Almighty), and remembering and mentioning Allah, as He said, {'And establish Salat for My remembrance'}. So people live a state of remembrance of Allah and break away from the state of heedlessness and forgetfulness of Allah (Glory be to Him), which has very serious consequences for them. Therefore, continuous attention to Salat is of utmost importance.
As for tending mosques, some individuals abandon mosques without any excuse and do not attend for Salat there. This is a very big mistake. Tending mosques holds tremendous importance at the level of having an educational and moral impact on the person, purifying his soul, and drawing him closer to Allah and also at the level of enhancing and strengthening the bonds of faith-based brotherhood among members of the community. They gather upon the best of what they gather for: mentioning Allah, turning to Him, and worshipping Him. This is of great importance. Mosques also have a great impact due to the kind of educational and spiritual atmosphere they create. They hold immense importance. Therefore, people should strive to attend mosques and should not absent themselves without an excuse.
Paying attention to the recitation of the Holy Quran
Among the important things that should be taken care of and preserved is the attention to the recitation of the Holy Quran. Usually, people turn more during the month of Ramadan to reciting the Holy Quran, which is something good and important. After Ramadan, some individuals neglect this aspect greatly, remaining for long periods without reciting the Holy Quran, except for what they read or hear in their Salat, which is limited. But apart from that, they neglect and do not turn to the Holy Quran; they stop reciting it, which is a very serious issue that has negative consequences for one's soul, thinking, understanding, and concerns, among many other things.
The Holy Quran has to do with the remembrance of Allah, as it reminds us of Allah, draws us closer to Him, and reminds us of our responsibilities. It is the book of guidance and light. If our relationship with the Holy Quran is not good and if we abandon it and turn away from it, this will reflect badly on us in every aspect (including our relationship with Allah, our remembrance of Allah, and our remembrance of the Hereafter, and our remembrance of our important responsibilities), cause us to lose a lot of what we are in need of (awareness, enlightenment, and correct understanding), and make us a victim to the influence, misguidance, and temptation of others including Shaytan and his followers (We seek refuge in Allah). Allah said about that, {'And whoever turns away from the remembrance of the Compassionate, We appoint for him a devil, and he then becomes to him a companion'}.
People should continue after Ramadan to take care of the Holy Quran at a daily pace. They should recite the Holy Quran regularly, making it a daily practice: {'Verily, those who recite the book of Allah and perform Salat and spend out of what We have provided for them secretly and openly, hope for a trade that will never fail'}. Reciting the Holy Quran is a form of trade with Allah, in which people gain benefits at various levels: spiritual growth, awareness, guidance, and great reward. That holds great importance in terms of seeking closeness to Allah and the care and success that Allah surrounds you with, which is an important matter.
Keeping away from the footsteps of Shaytan
After the month of Ramadan, it is important to be cautious of the footsteps of Shaytan. One should maintain what he has gained in terms of enhancing and strengthening Taqwa, Istiqama, and response to Allah in His commands and prohibitions. It is the footsteps of Shaytan that affect humans: He lures them step by step until he causes them to fall into his trap (May Allah be our refuge). Allah (the Exalted) said, {'O you who have believed, do not follow the footsteps of Shaytan. And whoever follows the footsteps of Shaytan—indeed, he enjoins immorality and wrongdoing'}.
One should beware of the footsteps of Shaytan in all fields and directions. In all your life concerns and fields, be cautious of the steps of Shaytan. This helps you maintain the state of Taqwa, follow the commands of Allah (Glory be to Him), and adhere to them.
You should also be vigilant against the slips of the tongue and be aware of your responsibility for what you say or speak, including on social media platforms and mass media. This is a very important matter.
Paying attention to collective responsibilities
Among the fundamental aspects that are related to Taqwa is taking care of our collective responsibilities, one of which is the responsibility of Jihad in the cause of Allah (Glory be to Him). It is one of the most important, sacred responsibilities, through which we pay attention to the causes of our Ummah and our just causes and stand up to the enemies of Allah, who strive to humiliate us, dominate us, and subjugate us. It also involves confronting the tyrants, oppressors, and criminals, who commit injustice against our Ummah and our people. This is a very significant matter.
Attention should also be paid to the battlefronts. It is important to pay attention to cooperation in righteousness and Taqwa, being one of the very important collective responsibilities that are fruitful and beneficial, build the Ummah, build nations, and bring about change in the reality of people. Through it, many things can be accomplished.
It is also important to care about doing goodness such as caring about social initiatives and charitable acts as well as caring about social, important, charitable endeavours that help strengthening Taqwa, for example, facilitating marriage and cooperating in matters related to marriage.
This is one of the most important matters, and we hope, by the will of Allah, that there will be great attention given to social initiatives, charitable acts, and development projects through cooperation. The fruit of this and its results are great. And as we said, through this much can be accomplished: Allah says, {'Cooperate with one another in righteousness and Taqwa, and do not cooperate in sin and transgression. And fear Allah. Surely, Allah is severe in punishment'}.
Also, it is important to focus on educational and informative activities, foremost among them being summer courses, which are approaching, and we will speak about them, Allah willing, at the appropriate time. They are highly beneficial for taking care of the young generation.
Taking care of the educational and informative activities is essential, for they are essential for renaissance, awareness, changing reality for the better, and building individuals to be at the level they should be in their faith, in their Taqwa, in their performance of responsibilities in this life, and in their Istiqama in this life.
These concerns should be prioritized after the blessed month of Ramadan. Taqwa, which is the fruit and outcome of this month, should be given due attention: We should maintain it and strive to build upon it. A long with that, there should be consistent attention to turning to Allah and supplicating to Him. This is an important matter.
We ask Allah (Glory be to Him) to grant us success in seeking what pleases Him. O Allah (Glory be to You), have mercy our virtuous martyrs, heal the wounded among us, set free our captives, and grant us victory, for You are All-Hearing!
Peace be upon you and the mercy of Allah and His blessings.