Annisa Essack | kzn@radioislam.org.za
3 April 2025 | 20:00 CAT
4 min read 

As the dawn sun rose in Lenasia on 1^st April 2025, the surroundings of Lenasia South vibrated with the hum of the “takbirat al-Eid.” Homes were filled with excited children, and mothers laid out a breakfast spread to welcome their menfolk who would arrive home from Eid Khutbah. A sense of peace and gratitude, tinged with sadness, filled many a heart. Perfumed, garbed men made their way to the Eidgah venue.

The Lenasia Eidgah, coordinated by the Gauteng branch of the Jamiatul Ulama South Africa, hosted the largest gathering of worshippers, estimated at around 30,000 Musalees.

Ml Sulaimaan Ravat, a well-known scholar, orator, and presenter at Radio Islam International, delivered the Eid lecture, while Ml Nazir Ahmed Jassat performed the khutbah and salaah.

Considering the current state of the Muslim Ummah, Ml Ravat’s choice of topic was apt and a call to action, a moment where the essence of Taqwa, unity, and education intertwined with strategy and the drive to “Be the Change.”

He challenged every attendee to pledge: “I promise you, O Allah, I promise you, O Allah, I will be the change. I will transform myself, and I will play my part in reviving the Ummah. Enough now of waiting for others. Enough now of blaming others. I have to be the change.”

In a world of rapid transformation and ever-evolving challenges, the guiding principles of Islam offer us a roadmap to navigate our journey with purpose and conviction. In his khutbah, Ml Sulaimaan Ravat underscored five fundamental themes—Taqwa, Unity, Education, Vision, and the imperative to Be the Change. These principles serve as a pillar upon which individuals and communities can build a future anchored in faith, collective strength, and meaningful action.

Ml Ravat reminded that the Muslim Ummah is in turmoil, with half of it under oppression and the other half engulfed in despair.  However, there is a harsh truth: change does not come from waiting for others or pointing fingers. It begins with us.

Ramadan, the blessed month for believers, is not only a time for fasting but also a spiritual boot camp that prepares us for the real work ahead. Armed with the wisdom of our deen, we can rise to the challenge and make a meaningful impact.

This five-point plan, built on the pillars of Taqwa, Unity, Education, Vision/Strategy, and Be the Change, offers a roadmap to action for individual and collective transformation.

Let’s break it down and move from reflection to revolution.

1. TAQWA: CONSCIOUSNESS OF ALLAH IS THE FOUNDATION

Ml Ravat reminded the audience that during Ramadan, our levels of taqwa are enhanced, and each of us must keep the flame burning. Our mission should not be about hitting pause on bad habits for thirty days; it’s about permanently deleting them. If slip-ups occur, let our deep connection with Allah lead us straight to repentance. Remember, Allah values consistency over mere quantity.

In today’s world, many seek shortcuts to success, often compromising on values. However, true progress comes when we put our trust in Allah, uphold justice, and remain steadfast in our faith. He emphasised that Taqwa is the shield that protects individuals and communities from corruption, selfish ambition, and injustice.

Taqwa, the consciousness of Allah, is the bedrock upon which all actions should be built. It is the guiding force that shapes character, behavior, and decision-making. Ml Sulaimaan Ravat emphasised the need for individuals to cultivate sincerity in their intentions, ensuring that their efforts, whether personal or communal, align with divine guidance. Without Taqwa, our pursuits risk being driven by fleeting desires rather than a higher purpose. Only through Taqwa can true success—both in this world and the Hereafter—be attained.

Ml Sulaimaan Ravat reminded the audience that fostering Taqwa means building a society rooted in trust, compassion, and righteousness. It nurtures resilience in the face of challenges, reminding us that no hardship is insurmountable with faith in Allah.

Allah values consistency in our actions—doing a little but doing it daily. This simple yet profound formula emphasises performing obligatory acts, avoiding the haram, and remaining consistent in doing optional deeds.

He added that as we’ve advanced, we’ve lost touch with the basic principles, which is why many sectors today emphasise returning to basics.

Another reminder he espoused was that true taqwa involves examining our hearts and intentions, rather than spending time speculating about others. The more we reflect on our motivations and check our intentions, the less we will be concerned with those of others.

Too often, we become the best defense lawyers for our intentions, while judging those of others. He said taqwa is the foundation of both personal and collective success, as every effort—spiritual, political, economic, or social—requires Allah’s help and blessings, which come in proportion to our obedience to Him.

Mawlana added that taqwa is not simply about personal piety but extends to every aspect of life—business, leadership, activism, and education. Every decision made must align with Islamic ethics, ensuring that success is not only material but also spiritual in nature.

As our beloved Prophet (ﷺ) exemplified during his thirteen years in Makkah, building spiritual capacity sets the stage for all forms of success. So, check your heart, refine your intentions, and let taqwa be the driving force behind every effort in your life.

2. UNITY: UNITED WE STAND, DIVIDED WE FALL

One of the most powerful messages conveyed by Ml Sulaimaan Ravat was the urgent need for unity within the Muslim community. Disunity weakens the Ummah, making it vulnerable to external pressures and internal discord. And the solution, he says, starts with each of us.  

Unity is not merely about avoiding division but actively fostering brotherhood and sisterhood. This means working towards reconciliation in the face of disagreements, supporting one another in times of hardship, and collaborating on initiatives that uplift the community.

To further substantiate his message, Ml. Ravat stated that Allah united the hearts of the Sahaba; unity arises from our obedience to Him. Therefore, the more conscious we are of Allah, the more we contribute to uniting the hearts of the Ummah.

Additionally, we should forgive those with whom we have disputes and follow the Prophet’s teachings, even if it means walking away from arguments to preserve peace, especially within our families and communities.

He reiterated that our unity is a divine bounty from Allah—a gift that multiplies as our obedience to Him deepens. Let’s ditch the cancel culture mindset and work from the grassroots. The change must start with you and me, right at home, in our communities, and within our hearts.

3. EDUCATION: KNOWLEDGE IS THE REAL FLEX

The third point in transforming the Ummah is education—knowledge is power.

Ml Ravat affirmed that we must resolve to empower ourselves and our families with knowledge, referring to the first revelation to Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ), it wasn’t about wealth, politics, or the wrongdoings of the pagan Arabs; it was an instruction from Allah to educate, therefore, educating ourselves not only transforms us but also has the potential to transform all of humanity.

We must deepen our study of the Quran, Sunnah, and Sharia, prioritising revealed knowledge, as it forms the foundation of all knowledge. A strong grounding in Islamic education will provide us with a solid identity, ensuring that, no matter where life takes us, we remain Muslims first. In a world full of ideological confusion and rising intellectual apostasy, our strong Islamic foundation will protect our identity. While secular education is important, it must be rooted in Islamic values to provide a moral compass and the right intentions. Without this foundation, pursuing secular knowledge becomes self-serving. But with it, our knowledge serves a higher purpose.

Education also encompasses emotional intelligence and interpersonal skills, as exemplified by the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ), whose effective communication and profound understanding of human nature were key to his success. To truly transform, we must read extensively, critically, and analytically, pursuing deep learning rather than superficial knowledge.

In a world where we often depend on others, a deep and comprehensive education is our ticket to self-reliance and true empowerment. Ml Ravat called to gather your books, Qur’ans, and hearts for earning is the ultimate revolution.

4. VISION/STRATEGY: PLAN LIKE A PROPHET

Vision is the ability to see beyond the present, while strategy is how we realise that vision. Ml Sulaimaan Ravat called upon the Muslim community to develop long-term goals and work systematically towards them. Rather than reacting to crises, he emphasised the need for proactive planning, identifying priorities, leveraging resources, and working collectively towards shared aspirations.

Strategic planning requires foresight, leadership, and the ability to adapt. Ml Ravat pointed out that a community that lacks vision stagnates, while one that plans thrives. Whether in business, politics, social justice, or religious leadership, having a structured approach ensures that efforts are effective and sustainable. He stressed that visionary leadership must inspire and empower others, fostering a culture where everyone understands their role in achieving the collective goal.

He alluded to our beloved Prophet (ﷺ), who didn’t wait for perfect conditions—he planned strategically, studied his environment, and executed with precision. Whether it was the ingenious maneuvers during the Hijra or the masterful diplomacy at Hudaybiyyah, strategic vision was always his secret weapon.

Having an education also meant we had to utilise it beneficially, and he mentioned this by saying that instead of being armchair critics with our “double PhDs in pity parties,” it’s time to adopt a proactive mindset.

Know your enemy, study your surroundings, and don’t let setbacks pin you down. A vision without a solid strategy is just a dream. So, take a page from the Seerah: innovate, adapt, and push forward purposefully.

2. BE THE CHANGE!: IT STARTS WITH YOU

At the heart of this plan lies a simple yet powerful truth: if we want the ummah to transform, we must first transform ourselves.

The final and perhaps most potent theme of Ml Sulaimaan Ravat’s address was the call to action: Be the Change. It is not enough to acknowledge the need for improvement; individuals must take personal responsibility for driving change. Whether through personal conduct, community service, or advocacy, every individual has a role to play.

He reminded listeners that transformation begins with self-improvement and extends outward to families, neighborhoods, and ultimately, the global Ummah. Change starts with small, consistent actions, upholding honesty in business dealings, serving as a role model in ethical conduct, volunteering for community service, and speaking out against injustice. Mawlana cited the Quran and Sunnah as guiding lights, showing how individuals in Islamic history took the initiative to bring about change, often in the face of great adversity.

Leadership isn’t about waiting for the “right” person to emerge—it’s about stepping up in our homes, workplaces, and communities. Embrace humility, nurture talent, and support your leaders with constructive criticism rather than division.

Remember, change isn’t a spectator sport. Our Prophet (ﷺ) didn’t wait for change to happen; he created it.

So, pledge to be that change. Say it loud and clear: “I promise you, oh Allah, I will be the change.” With that commitment, we set the stage for a revitalised Ummah built on the timeless principles of our faith.

In his conclusion, Mawlana Ravat stated that nothing will change until we change. Allah tells us that humanity was at its lowest, and in 23 years, Nabi (ﷺ) elevated his people to the highest status. The five-point plan—Taqwa, unity, education, strategic vision, and being the change—follows the same blueprint of Rasulullah, who changed the world, not for power, but to fulfill a divine mission. We too must change the world—not for power, but to pursue the same mission.

He also urged the attendees and those listening to be hopeful, explaining that it is kufr to lose hope in Allah’s mercy, and reminding us that this Ummah can overcome the challenges and calamities we face, but it requires us to make the effort.

He says change must start at the ground level; it will not come from the top. He reiterated that we must not lose hope as Allah is not neglecting us.

Taqwa, unity, education, strategic vision, and being the change are more than just abstract ideals—they are actionable principles that, when embraced, can lead to a thriving and resilient Muslim community, which we must adopt.

Ml Sulaimaan Ravat delivered a powerful reminder that every individual is responsible for contributing to this collective progress. By living with Taqwa, fostering unity, pursuing knowledge, strategising for the future, and embodying change, the Ummah can fulfill its divine purpose and leave a legacy of righteousness and excellence for future generations. Whether nurturing our taqwa, embracing unity, pursuing robust education, crafting a strategic vision, or simply being the change we wish to see, every step is a move toward transforming ourselves and the Ummah.

“The blueprint is laid out for us by our beloved Prophet (ﷺ); now it’s our turn to act. Let’s seize this moment, commit wholeheartedly, and watch as our efforts ripple out to create a brighter future for all. In shaa Allah.”

LISTEN TO THE FULL KHUTBAH HERE