The Chairman of the Prophet's Lovers Foundation (Peygamber Sevdalıları Vakfı), Mehmet Beşir Şimşek, has issued a message welcoming the arrival of the holy month of Ramadan, describing it as a time of mercy, forgiveness and spiritual renewal for the Muslim community.

Opening his statement with praise and blessings upon Allah and the Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him), Şimşek cited verses from Surah Al-Baqarah (2:183–185) and a hadith narrated by Bukhari emphasizing the virtues of fasting in Ramadan and the promise of forgiveness for those who observe it with faith and sincerity.

“A Month Whose Beginning Is Mercy”

Şimşek expressed gratitude for reaching Ramadan once again, characterizing it as a month “whose beginning is mercy, whose middle is forgiveness, and whose end is salvation from Hellfire.” He said believers experience profound peace and joy upon welcoming the blessed month, which offers an opportunity to seek divine pardon and draw closer to Allah.

He highlighted that Ramadan is the month in which the Qur’an was revealed as guidance for humanity and stressed the significance of the Night of Decree (Laylat al-Qadr), described in Islamic tradition as better than a thousand months.

According to Şimşek, Ramadan is enriched by fasting, Tarawih prayers, congregational worship, Qur’an recitation, charity, sahur and iftar gatherings, generosity and spiritual retreat (i‘tikaf). He described the month as an annual invitation to repentance, reflection and moral transformation.

Fasting as a Spiritual School

Emphasizing the deeper meaning of fasting, Şimşek stated that it goes far beyond abstaining from food and drink. He described fasting as a “divine school” that purifies the soul, strengthens patience and nurtures brotherhood.

“Fasting reminds believers of solidarity, compassion and social responsibility,” he said, adding that it disciplines the ego, protects against wrongdoing and elevates individuals morally and spiritually.

Şimşek also noted that Ramadan recalls pivotal events in Islamic history, including the Battle of Badr, symbolizing faith, perseverance and steadfastness. In this sense, he said, the month reinforces the values taught by the Prophet and strengthens spiritual resilience.

A Call for Unity Amid Contemporary Challenges

Addressing current global challenges, Şimşek pointed to widespread injustice, economic hardship and moral decline. He urged Muslims to view Ramadan as a turning point — a time for renewal, self-examination and unity within the ummah.

He encouraged believers to deepen their relationship with the Qur’an and align their lives more closely with its guidance. Ramadan, he said, should inspire greater generosity, urging Muslims to share their tables with the needy and orphans and expand charitable efforts across society.

Şimşek also called for sincere prayers throughout the month for peace, healing and unity across the Islamic world.

Concluding his message, he extended his wishes for Ramadan to bring peace, blessings and goodness to Muslims worldwide, offering special prayers for oppressed communities, particularly in Gaza, and expressing hope that the holy month would usher in relief and stability. (ILKHA)