A sermon delivered during Eid al-Fitr prayers at the Al-Fattah Al-Aleem mosque, attended by President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi, emphasized the importance of forgiveness and compassion following the holy month of Ramadan. The speaker highlighted Ramadan as a time of fasting, remembrance, and spiritual devotion, marking the arrival of a joyous occasion for Muslims.
Ramadan as a period of profound spiritual learning
The sermon underscored the numerous spiritual lessons offered during Ramadan, noting that Muslims concluded the month with prayer and supplication, humbly beseeching God with the words: “O God, You are forgiving and love to forgive, so forgive us.” This expression, the speaker said, embodies the spirit of repentance and hope that characterized the entire month.
Forgiveness as a core Islamic value
Forgiveness, the speaker explained, is not only a beautiful attribute of God but also a quality that individuals should strive to cultivate. True realization of this attribute, he stated, comes through a connection with God and embodying the virtue of forgiveness. He urged attendees to practice mercy and tolerance, citing the Quranic verse: “Take what is pardonable and command what is honorable and turn away from the foolish,” as a foundational principle for building a cohesive society.
Tolerance as a hallmark of righteous individuals and prophets
The Eid sermon further emphasized that forgiveness is among the greatest qualities of noble people and the most esteemed characteristics of leaders. Righteous individuals, it was noted, are known for their patience, humility, and avoidance of the ignorant, as reflected in the verse: “And when the foolish address them, they say, ‘Peace.’” The speaker encouraged listeners to avoid conflict and negativity, instead focusing on constructive work and societal advancement.
The message of Eid: prioritizing progress over conflict
The speaker stressed that dwelling on ignorance and disputes hinders personal progress and closeness to God. He called for directing efforts toward prosperity, development, and positive action, referencing the example of Jesus Christ, who responded to wrongdoing with kindness. This, he explained, demonstrates that individuals reflect the values and ethics they hold within.
