It is that time of the year. One of the best months given to us by our creator. It is a month in which, Allah, pours his mercy upon his believing servants.
A month in which the Quran, which governs all aspects of life, was revealed. It is Ramadan! Most households are preparing to welcome this blessed month. Some are decorating their homes while others are assembling samosas. Surprisingly all we really need to prepare for it is Taqwa. As Allah (swt) says in the Quran,
“O you who believe! Observing As-Sawm (the fasting) is prescribed for you as it was prescribed for those before you, that you may become Al-Muttaqoon (the pious)” (al-Baqarah 2:183)
To gain the most advantage of this special month one needs to attend to their spiritual needs. It is very essential that the spirit inside is cleansed. Throughout the year people make resolutions. Especially during the blessed month of Ramadan people make resolutions. Whether it is to start praying on time, or learning the holy book Quran.
The hardest part is falling through with the commitment. As human beings people have the capacity to change themselves, however sometimes they become lazy. Laziness is one of the greatest key factors for failure, whether it be the religious realm or a person’s career.
At the same time an individual should not burden themselves all of a sudden with trying to do all the good deeds mentioned for Muslims to do. This way the person will exhaust himself/herself and then eventually give up. As the Prophet (PBUH) said,
“The most beloved of actions to Allah are those which are done persistently, even if they are little.” If a Muslim wants not to be afflicted by apathy, then let him strive to do a small action persistently, because this is better than doing a lot infrequently.
Also when one begins Ramadan their intention is that, ‘this year im gonna be different Inshallah.’ This pledge that one makes should not just be done by the tongue, one needs to confirm it. This way when Ramadan comes to an end the religious obligations of individuals will not.
Every human being has shortcomings but the strong person is the one who takes those mistakes and strives to fix them. A strong believer never leaves focus of their goal, Jannah. How to attain this goal? Through the pleasure of Allah! Folks need to prepare themselves for the day that they will meet their lord, most high. Ramadan can be a starting point. People have to take steps towards Allah. No one knows how long they will live. Does anyone have the guarantee that they will live till the next day? No.
The prophet (PBUH) only made dua to Allah for a prolong life when Ramadan was coming. That is the merit of this auspicious month. The Messenger of Allah (blessing and peace of Allah be upon him) said,
“O Allah, bless us in Rajab and Sha‘baan, and let us reach Ramadan.” Also “Ma‘alla ibn al-Fadl said: They (companions) used to pray to Allah for six months, may He be exalted, asking Him to cause them to reach Ramadan, and they used to call upon Him for six months asking Him to accept it from them. Yahya ibn Abi Katheer said: One of their du‘aa’s was: “O Allah, keep me safe until Ramadan, keep Ramadan safe for me, and accept it from me.”
This shows how the companions of the Prophet (PBUH) prepared to welcome Ramadan and afterwards carried on with their commitments.
As the peace and calmness of this month fills the air, it should also enter into a being’s heart. The promises individuals had made long ago, this Ramadan they need to stand firm and confirm to their utterance. People can go ahead and enjoy their samosas and decorations, but they should also keep in mind the essence of this month, which is to enhance one’s Taqwa. Allah says in the Quran,
“The month of Ramadan in which was revealed the Quran, a guidance for mankind and clear proofs for the guidance and the criterion (between right and wrong). So whoever of you sights (the crescent on the first night of) the month (of Ramadan i.e. is present at his home), he must observe Sawm (fasts) that month, and whoever is ill or on a journey, the same number [of days which one did not observe Sawm (fasts) must be made up] from other days. Allah intends for you ease, and He does not want to make things difficult for you. (He wants that you) must complete the same number (of days), and that you must magnify Allah [i.e. to say Takbeer (Allaahu Akbar: Allaah is the Most Great)] for having guided you so that you may be grateful to Him” (al-Baqarah 2:185)
First published: May 2017
