We have fasted for more than 2 weeks. Tonight, Insya Allah, we mark again the historic Nuzul Quran, the night where the first revelation was sent by Allah s.w.t to our beloved Prophet Muhammad s.a.w.

The first revelation that was sent is the word 'Iqra' or 'Read'. This shows how important knowledge is for Muslims. With reading we gain knowledge. As our knowledge expands, so thus our lives enrich, in this world and the next. A person with knowledge will always be respected, no matter if he is poor. A person with knowledge will always have an honourable place in the community.

Saidina Ali said that there are three differences between knowledge and material wealth. First: Knowledge takes care of us while we have to take care of wealth. Second: Knowledge increases as we share while riches diminish when we share. Third: Knowledge cannot be stolen while wealth can. 

Worldly knowledge can guarantee prosperity in life on earth. There is another kind of Knowledge that guarantees our life in the Hereafter. This best of Knowledge is the Knowledge or Al-Quran. Rasulullah s.a.w said:
The best of you studies the Al Quran and teaches it."

My muslim brothers & sisters, in conjunction with the holy Ramadhan, the month that is also called the month of Al-Quran, let us together recite the Al-Quran with more vigour. If in one year, we hardly open the pages of Al-Quran, let us take advantage of this month of ibadah, to read the Al-Quran more frequently. If in other months we could not complete the reading of Al-Quran, let us do so in Ramadhan. Rasulullah s.a.w said in a hadith relayed by Imam Ahmad:

"Fasting and Al-Quran bring syafaat to a servant, so says the fast: Oh my Lord, Verily I have prevented him from eating and drinking in the day, so give me leave to give syafaat to him. And thus says Al-Quran: Oh my Lord, I have kept him from sleeping in the night, so please let me give syafaat to him. And the two, Fasting and Al-Quran are allowed to give syafaat."

May Allah bless us all, insyaAllah.