Make Ramadan a turning point in your life
The main objective of fasting the month of Ramadan as Allah (swt) mentioned in Quran is to grow in Taqwa (piety) and righteousness. In Surat Al-Baqrah (2-183): ”O you who believe! Fasting (in the month of Ramadan) is prescribed upon you as it was prescribed upon those before you, so that you may attain piety and righteousness (Taqwa)”.
Prophet (pbuh) said : “A blessed month has come to you. Allah made its fasting obligatory upon you. During it, the gates of Paradise are open, the gates of Hell are closed, and the devils are chained. In it, there is a night that is better than a thousand months. Whosoever is deprived of its goodness is indeed deprived of all goodness”. Al-Nasa’i – Sahih by Al-Albani
In another version : “ An angel calls out :”O you who intends to do good deeds, have a glad tiding. And O you who intends to do evil, refrain.” till the month is completed ”
Fasting marks the month of Ramadan with a divine touch which acts like a motivating power toward all goodness in life.
The experience of fasting Ramadan while fully realizing the wisdom behind it nourishes our faith, brings us closer to Allah, helps us to discipline our selves, resist all the evil temptations, and put our religion above everything in life. Moreover, it makes us qualified for Allah’s forgiveness, and His great reward in the Next-world.
In addition, fasting makes us realize the suffering of other people and be more sympathizing with them and more responsive to their needs. The fact that all Moslems all over the world practice fasting in the same manner and at the same time of the year strengthens the spirit of brotherhood, equality and unity amongst them.
The prophet (pbuh) and his companions used to strive hard in good deeds and acts of worship during
1) Shop early
Be prepared for Ramadan, do your shopping early instead of wasting the last ten days of Ramadan in which there is the night of power that is better than thousand months.
2) Plan your month
Put plans for the month to achieve as much as you can of good deeds. However, set reasonable, practical goals for your self. Allah says in a Hadeeth Qudsi :”The best of good deeds in the sight Allah is that which lasts even if it is little”
3) Grow in knowledge
The first revelation of Quran “Read in the name of your Lord” was in Ramadan. This should inspire us to do our best to increase our knowledge in Ramadan, the month of Quran. For example : read a book about Islam, study a Surah of Quran, memorize some verses and supplications, join a Halaqah (a group) for Islamic studies, or give lessons if your are qualified to.
4) Establish a good habit :
Ramadan is a great time to start a good habit that will last with you throughout your life. For example :
- Memorize or study some part (even a verse) of Quran on a regular basis.
- Recite some Quran on a daily basis.
- Put a schedule to review the Quran you memorized.
- Give more attention to your spouse and children.
- Put a schedule to visit relatives and friends you have not seen for a long time.
- Give more attention to your work; try to do it as best as you can.
- Show more appreciation to your friends and fellows.
- Improve the quality of your Hijab.
- Keep your smile at all times.
- Give donation for somebody in need.
- Let people around you see and feel the changes in your life.
- If you are a parent do not forget to involve your children in these activities.
5) Get rid of a bad habit :
It is easier in Ramadan to get rid of your bad habits than any other time of the year.
For example :
- If you have a habit of missing a prayer(s), reschedule your day so that all prayers could be done in time.
- If you have a habit of praying quickly, fix a time for your prayers so that you are able to concentrate in them.
Other bad habits such as: backbiting, bad eating habits, wasting time in idle talks and long phone calls or nonsense TV programs, wearing makeup when going out of your home, smoking, drinking, or drug abuse could be corrected in Ramadan and substituted with more healthful habits.
6) Start a voluntary project :
Ramadan is the month of charity and generosity. Find out about charitable organizations near you; most of them will welcom your help. However, Ramadan is the most fitting time to begin voluntary project no matter how small it is.
For example :
- Study a book; it is preferable to do this in a group.
- Offer your help to a family with handicapped child or sick parent.
- Collect charity for Moslems in calamities allover the world.
- Plan to visit all of your neighbors in Ramadan.
- Invite as many people as you can afford for breaking the fast in your home.
- Make a party for children in your neighborhood in the occasion of Eid.
- Teach somebody about Islam.
The list of good deeds is endless. Do not underestimate your abilities; make every day of Ramadan a great achievement that will enlighten your life and the life of those around you.
7) Learn to say : “No”
The experience of fasting enables us to exercise willpower and self control. Learn to say: “No” not only to food, drinks, and desires but also to everything that may distract you from the straight way of Allah.
- Say “No” to those who want you to join them in hypocrisy.
- Say “No” to those who are exploiting you.
- Say “No” to those who tempt you to disobey God.
- Say “No” to your weakness and desires.
- Say “No” to those who tempt you to disobey God.
- Say “No” to your weakness and desires
Missing the wisdom behind Fasting
Unfortunately, many Muslim people are missing the wisdom behind fasting Ramadan. They derive very little benefits from it or not at all. Ramadan for them is the month of fun and a season for celebration. They benefit nothing of their fasting except thirst and hunger.
They spend days of Ramadan sleepy, lazy, nervous, and tired. They do not work under the pretence of being fasting. They waste the invaluable time of Ramadan in shopping, watching TV, and idle talks. Indeed, he whom Allah guides no one can mislead and whom Allah misleads no one can guide.
We pray to Allah to help us to observe the fast of Ramadan as it should be observed, to offer the night prayers in all its nights and to make Ramadan not to pass unless we are forgiven and set free from the Hell Fire. And verily all the praises are due to Allah.
- June 03, 2016
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