Fasting: The Third Pillar of Islam
The True Purpose of Ramadhan
The Holy Qur'an states: `O ye who believe, fasting is prescribed for you during a fixed number of days as it was prescribed for those before you, so that you may safeguard yourselves against against every kind of ill and become righteous.`[2:184]

The true purpose of Ramadhan, as of all form of Islamic worship is to draw people closer to Allah.Though normal pursuits and occupations are carried on as usual, the emphasis on moral and spiritual values and concentration on them are intensified, and everything is subordinated to the main purpose. The hearing, the sight, the tongue, the mind are all on a more strict control. For instance, not only vain talk, but much talk is also eschewed, so there should be greater concentration on remembrance of Allah and reflection upon his attributes. The Holy Prophet said: `He who abstains from food and drink during the period of the fast but does not restrain himself from uttering a falsehood starves himself to no purpose.` It is related of him that during Ramadhan, his own concern for and care of the poor, the needy, the sick and the orphan was intensified manifold, and that his charity knew no limit. [Hazart Ch. Zafrullah Khan (ra)]
 Recitation of the Holy Quran
During the last Ramadhan of the Holy Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) Gabriel (peace be on him) repeated the Qur'an twice with him. In following this sunnah (practice) we should try and finish two readings of the Qur'an during Ramadhan. If reciting twice is not possible then should be done at least once. The rest can be listened to during dars and at Taraweh. People who go out to work can listen to audio recordings of the Qur'an while on the go, in their cars etc. Effort should be made to read and listen to as much of Qur'an as possible. [Friday Sermon, Sept. 4th 2009]

 Laylat-ul-Qadr[Night of Destiny]
Hadhur said in a few days we will enter the last ten days of Ramadhan, during which, according to traditions, Laylat-ul-Qadr falls. This is a night of particular spirituality in which God looks down on his servants in a special way. Muslims in general give a lot of significance to the last ten days of Ramadhan. Even those who are not so attentive in the first two sets of the ten days of the month try and improve their spiritual condition in the last ten days. People in our community are also inclined to enhance their worship of God in the last ten days. Ahadith proves that Laylat-ul-Qadr falls in the last ten days of Ramadhan and it is a night of tremendous significance. However, can it make one a true believer and servant of God if effort is only made in the last ten days of Ramadhan and the rest of the year is spent in disregard? God states he created men and Jinn so that they may worship him. Concentration of worship in search of a special spiritual night in the last ten days of Ramadhan to make up for an entire life time's worship takes one away from this basic objective of creation [Friday Sermon, Aug. 27th 2010]