Mufti of Xanthi Mustafa Trampa issues message for Ramadan

The elected Mufti of Xanthi, Mustafa Trampa, issued a message on the occasion of the beginning of the holy month of Ramadan. In his message, Mufti Trampa emphasized the spiritual significance of Ramadan, urging the Muslim community to embrace this sacred time with unity, worship, and devotion.

Highlighting that the Quran was revealed during Ramadan, Trampa reminded believers that fasting is not merely about refraining from food and drink but serves as a means of spiritual purification and closeness to Allah. He underscored the importance of sharing, charity, and solidarity, extending his warm greetings to the Muslim Turkish community of Western Thrace.

Mufti Mustafa Trampa’s Message:
Dear Muslim Turkish Brothers and Sisters,

We are experiencing the great joy and excitement of reaching the blessed month of Ramadan. This is the month when we fast, perform the five daily prayers along with Tarawih prayers, wake up for Suhur, recite the Quran in Mukabele, give Zakat and charity, and engage in worship at the highest level. We express our gratitude to our Lord for allowing us to witness this holy month.

Ramadan is a month filled with virtues. The Holy Quran describes it as follows:

"The month of Ramadan [is that] in which the Qur'an was revealed, a guidance for the people and clear proofs of guidance and criterion. So, whoever sights [the new moon of] the month, let him fast it." (Al-Baqarah 2:185)

This year, Ramadan begins on Monday, March 1, 2025. The first Tarawih prayer will be performed on the evening of Friday, February 28, followed by Suhur that same night.

Ramadan holds its significance from the Quran, as it is the month in which the holy book—offering light to hearts, healing to souls, and mercy to believers—was revealed during the sacred Laylat al-Qadr (Night of Decree).

Dear Brothers and Sisters,

Ramadan is the month of fasting, which Allah has made obligatory for believers. The Quran states:

"O you who have believed, decreed upon you is fasting as it was decreed upon those before you that you may become righteous." (Al-Baqarah 2:183)

Our beloved Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) also said:

"When the month of Ramadan begins, the gates of Paradise are opened, the gates of Hell are closed, and the devils are chained."

This hadith emphasizes that Ramadan is a month of fasting and self-discipline. Fasting is not only about staying away from food and drink; it is about opening our hearts to Allah and viewing life through the lens of divine guidance.

The Prophet (pbuh) further described the virtues of Ramadan:

"This is the month of patience, and the reward of patience is Paradise. This is the month of kindness. In this month, the sustenance of believers increases. Whoever provides iftar for a fasting person will have their sins forgiven and be freed from the fire of Hell, and they will receive the same reward as the fasting person without reducing the latter’s reward in any way."

When the Companions expressed concern that they might not be able to provide for others, the Prophet (pbuh) reassured them:

"Even giving a fasting person a single date, a sip of water, or a little milk will bring this reward."

Ramadan is a month of divine mercy. Our Prophet (pbuh) said:

"If people knew the blessings of Ramadan, they would wish for the entire year to be Ramadan."

Beloved Compatriots,

Ramadan is the time for deep reflection, sincere repentance, and strengthening our relationship with our Creator. The Prophet (pbuh) said:

"Whoever fasts during Ramadan with faith and seeking reward will have all their past sins forgiven."

This month is an opportunity to strengthen our faith, seek reconciliation, and foster unity. It is a time to overcome grudges, embrace one another with love, and extend a helping hand to those in need. Ramadan teaches us compassion by reminding us of the struggles of the poor, orphans, and the less fortunate.

Let us come together to experience the spiritual joy of Ramadan. Let us visit our elders, show love to the young, respect one another, and stand in solidarity as a community. Above all, let us strengthen our devotion to Allah through sincere worship and good deeds.

With these sentiments, I extend my heartfelt congratulations to all Muslims on the arrival of Ramadan. May this sacred month bring blessings to the Islamic world and serve as a means of unity and prosperity for the Muslim Turkish minority of Western Thrace.

Mufti of Xanthi, Mustafa Trampa