All Muslims must not only recite the Noble Qur'an in the holy month of Ramadan, but should also ponder over it and reflect upon the true teachings of the Book of Allah, Sheikh Ibrahim Al-Shraim, Imam and Khateeb of the Grand Mosque, has said. In his sermon in the Grand Mosque on the first Friday of this Ramadan, Sheikh Al-Shraim reminded Muslims that the holiness and sanctity of Ramadan is that Allah sent down Noble Qur'an in this month as a guide for the entire mankind. Over one million worshippers were estimated to have offered Friday prayers in the Grand Mosque, the Saudi Press Agency (SPA) said. Sheikh Al-Shraim urged Muslims to fear Allah and thank Him for all the countless bounties He has bestowed on us. Holy Qur'an is the Book of Allah which judges right and wrong and all Muslims must recite it as much as they can, he said. Sheikh Al-Sheraim said Almighty Allah rewards whoever recites the Holy Qur'an quoting the Prophet's Hadith which says: “Whoever recites two words from Allah's Book He will reward him ten times in the world and in the Hereafter.” He said Allah's Book is like the soul for life and light for guidance. Thus one who doesn't recite it and applies what is revealed in it will be like the dead. Sheikh Al-Sheraim said some people recite the entire Holy Qur'an but gain nothing from it since they didn't comprehend and ponder over its meanings. “Those who recite the Holy Qur'an will never be obsessed with the worldly affairs for it bestows on them serenity and protects them from human weaknesses.” He said fasting is not meant for self-torture. The instinct for food, drink is strong in animal nature, and temporary restrain from all these enables attention of those fasting to focus on higher pedestals. This can be achieved through sincere prayers, contemplation and acts of charity and not by mere show-off, he said. In Madina, Sheikh Hussien Aal Al-Sheikh, Imam and Khateeb of the Prophet's Mosque, said the holy month of Ramadan is a season for all Muslims to do good deeds to earn rewarad from Allah. He called upon all Muslims to make the best use of this holy month and fully devote themselves to worshipping Allah to get reward for their good deeds and pardon for their sins. __
