Alhamdullilah, Allah (SWT) has blessed us to witness and touch another Ramadan. InshaAllah the month of Ramadan will start on Monday 6th or Tuesday 7th of June (subject to Moon sighting). At this very opportunity, we would like to remind ourselves - how we can utilize to get full benefit from this season of blessings.
The month of Ramadan is likewise season of spring. In this month, a believer prepares the garden (Qalb) by removing the weeds, seeding the soil and watering the ground in hopes of beautiful flowers and tasty fruits later in the year. We cam remember the Verse of the Quran, Allah (SWT) says: "… And you see the earth barren, but when We send down upon it rain, it quivers and swells and grows [something] of every beautiful kind" [22:5]
This verse and several other verses use the metaphor of rain, when it falls on the right piece of land produces vegetation of trees, flowers and fruits that benefit everyone. Through this metaphor Allah(SWT) is inviting the believers to prepare the land (their hearts and soul) from this rain (guidance) that has been sent to them in this blessed month of Ramadan.
Now, let us focus on how to achieve this purification and what simple steps can we take to reach our goals. The famous writer Khurram Murad has presented the following 10 actions in his famous booklet, those can be a good reminder for all of us.
- Intention & Determination- We should make farm intention of attaining the Taqwa, at the beginning of this Ramadan. We should have clear plan to reach this level of Taqwa through our fasting, Ibadat and special activities throughout this month. It may be beneficial to dedicate some private time to Allah (SWT) for tawba and Istegfar.
- Relationship with Quran – We should have special arrangements during this month for recitation, listening, understanding and pondering on the verses of Quran.
- Stay Away from Sin – We should make special effort -
- to stay away from any and all types of sins.
- to guard our tongue during this month.
- to make a habit every night to assess our day (ihtesab) before going to sleep.
- to make immediate Istighfar and repent if we have committed a sin during our day.
- Seek Good Deeds – During the month of Ramadan the reward for every good deed (Nawafil) rises to the level of the reward of obligatory acts (Faraidh). Therefore, we should seek all such opportunities in Ibaadat and Zikr of Allah (SWT).
- Qiyam al-layl – We should make proper time for Qiyam as Layl. To stand the night in prayer and recite from the Book of Allah is one of the most effective methods of attaining the consciousness of Allah (Taqwa).
- Zikr and Duaa – Remembrance of Allah is important throughout our lives and it is even more important during the month of Ramadan. We should make a special effort to stay away from all worthless conversation and keep busy our tongue with remembrance of Allah. This act keeps Allah in our thoughts constantly.
- Laylatul Qadr & Itikaf – This night is the most precious and important night of the year due to Quran revelation and this night is within the last 10 days of Ramadan. We should prepare special arrangements, for myself and my family, to maximize the rewards. If possible, sit for Itikaf in our local Masjid.
- Infaq (Charity) for the Pleasure of Allah – Charity is considered the second most important act of worship after prayers. Spending with the pure intention of pleasing Allah (SWT) from one’s wealth is one of the most noble acts liked by Allah (SWT). Allah promises the recompense of seven hundred times of what a believer spends for His sake. In this month, we should open our heart and our wallet for the sake of Allah without any fear of poverty.
- Helping & Supporting People – The Prophet (phuh) called the month of Ramadan as the month of consolation. Therefore, during this month we should make a special effort to help someone. Is there a family in our neighborhood that we haven’t seen in a while? Is there anyone close to me, who is fasting for the first time? An elderly couple next to me but we have not meet in a while? Why not we take a few minutes to make a phone call, drop in for a visit, or invite someone for Iftar. Even the smallest gesture of kindness can make a huge difference in someone’s life.
- Invite Towards the Path of Allah SWT – The struggles of this world will end, but the struggles of those who enter Hell (may Allah save us) will never end. Therefore, the biggest service to anyone is to save them from the fire of Hell and help them enter Paradise (Jannah). The month of Ramadan was honoured by Allah(SWT) due to the revelation of Quran. So, inviting people to the message of Quran is among the noblest acts we can perform during this month.
Please don't forget to remember us in your daily DoA.
Ma’assalam
Your brother in Islam
Rafiqul Islam
Central President
Islamic Practice and Dawah Circle