As the Islamic lunar calendar approaches the spiritually significant period known as the "Three Sacred Months," a senior Islamic scholar has issued a call for Muslims worldwide to engage in repentance, intensified worship, and charitable acts, while keeping the plight of Gaza firmly in their prayers.

Molla Remzi Uçar, an Executive Board Member of ITTIHADUL ULEMA, emphasized that the upcoming season—encompassing Rajab, Sha‘ban, and Ramadan—represents a divine opportunity for spiritual renewal and self-accountability. The period is set to begin this year on Sunday, December 21.

The blessed season of the three sacred months will begin on Sunday, December 21. In Islamic tradition, these months are regarded as a spiritual prelude to Ramadan and include some of the most significant nights in the Islamic calendar, such as Laylat al-Raghaib, Laylat al-Isra wal-Mi‘raj, Laylat al-Bara’ah, and Laylat al-Qadr, which the Qur’an describes as “better than a thousand months.”

Call for Sincere Repentance and Spiritual Renewal

In remarks marking the approach of this season of mercy and blessings, Uçar emphasized that the three sacred months should be entered with sincere repentance and a renewed commitment to worship and righteous deeds. He stressed that true benefit from this period can only be attained through genuine repentance and moral transformation.

“A Muslim must turn to his Lord, express remorse, and make a firm promise not to return to the same sins,” Uçar said. “Only in this way can one truly benefit from the three sacred months.”

He underlined that believers should take this opportunity to review their past actions, acknowledge their shortcomings, and strive for personal reform.

“As every year, the three sacred months have once again arrived at our door with their mercy and blessings,” he stated. “Muslims must revive and observe these months in the best possible way. This begins with repentance and seeking forgiveness for mistakes, errors, and sins committed in previous months, coupled with sincere regret and a determination not to repeat them.”

Encouragement to Increase Worship and Qur’an Recitation

Uçar also called on Muslims to significantly increase their acts of worship during the three months, particularly prayer, Qur’an recitation, and remembrance of Allah (dhikr).

“The three months are a great opportunity in a Muslim’s life,” he said. “Just as a merchant does not waste the most profitable season, a believer should make the most of these blessed days and nights.”

He encouraged Muslims to go beyond their usual level of worship, urging them to strengthen their daily prayers and deepen their engagement with the Qur’an.

“If our prayers were limited before, we should increase them,” he said. “If our Qur’an recitation was one hizb or ten pages a day, we should strive to make it a full juz’, drawing closer to our Lord through increased remembrance and devotion.”

Emphasis on Supplication and Remembering Gaza

Stressing that reflection and supplication form the spiritual core of the three sacred months, Uçar reminded Muslims of the central role of du‘a, describing it as an essential expression of faith.

“Du‘a is the weapon of the believer,” he said. “It is what gives us value in the sight of Allah. Without supplication, we have no worth before Him.” He cited the Prophetic saying: “Supplication is the essence of worship.”

Uçar also urged Muslims to remember oppressed communities, particularly those in Palestine and Gaza, in their prayers throughout the three months.

“In every prayer, when we raise our hands and call upon our Lord, we must not forget our Muslim brothers and sisters in Palestine,” he said, emphasizing that solidarity through prayer is both a religious and moral responsibility.

Charity and Zakat Highlighted as Core Duties

Describing the three sacred months as a season of generosity as well as worship, Uçar stressed that sadaqah, charity, and zakat must not be neglected.

“Every Muslim should increase their charity and donations during these months compared to other times,” he said, adding that zakat should be paid promptly if it has become due.

Uçar reminded believers that good deeds performed during the three sacred months carry multiplied rewards, encouraging Muslims to use this period to serve Allah and support the wider Muslim community.

“A Muslim should spend every moment asking, ‘How can I serve Allah better, draw closer to Him, and be beneficial to Islam and Muslims?’” he concluded.

A Season of Preparation for Ramadan

In Islamic understanding, the months of Rajab and Sha‘ban are traditionally viewed as a period of preparation for Ramadan, allowing believers to purify their hearts, discipline their souls, and strengthen their spiritual routines before the month of fasting begins.

With this message, Molla Remzi Uçar called on Muslims to seize the spiritual opportunity presented by the three sacred months, renew their faith, intensify their worship, support the oppressed, and revive the spirit of repentance, compassion, and devotion at the heart of Islam. (ILKHA)