Friday sermon: Good deeds to get closer to the creator

Ramadan is the season of goodness, worshipers are told.

Muslims will be reminded in today's sermon to purify their soul before the start of Ramadan next week in today's sermon.

Ramadan is the season of goodness and good deeds, worshipers will be told, in which they can "obtain extra reward" and to get closer to the creator.

The sermon cites a hadith by the Prophet Mohammed stating that on the first night of Ramadan, the doors of hell are locked and the doors of heaven are opened, while "the devils and the resolutely evil jinn are enchained".

To prepare for the month, Imams will remind worshipers to "perfect themselves".

Rushing to stockpile food before the start of Ramadan, the sermon states, is contrary to the purpose of the month.

"Please fear Allah and know that the true preparations for this month should not be by stocking up heaps of food, goods and drinks," it states.

"Rather they should be through a resolute determination to engage in all that can help us get closer to Allah."

Muslims will be told that, for their fast to be accepted by God, they must refrain from lying, sexual relations, and fighting during fasting hours.

Ramadan is expected to begin on July 21.