By: Adhila Azmi
The Prophet (صلى الله عليه و آله وسلم) said”… whoever fasts during Ramadan out of sincere faith and hoping to attain Allah’s rewards, then all his past sins will be forgiven. “(Sahih Al – Bukhari)
The month of Ramadan is considered to be one of the holiest months in Islam. It is observed throughout the world. It is an obligatory fast. It is a fast that requires one to be filled with piety. It is said that the gates of Hellfire are closed and the devils are chained. All these so true and happen to be exactly why this is considered the holy month. Each good deed done has amplified merits, bringing each believer that much closer to paradise.
The things to capitalize during this blessed month would be to read the Qur’an, attend Taraweeh, be charitable, and basically follow Prophet (saws) and his practices to the point.
Most Muslims do this, or most ought to. Yet, do they know why this happens? Why one should be pious especially during this glorious month? Many are made to follow but it is imperative to make one understand the gravity rather the beauty of celebrating and praising the fact that as Muslims we are given the opportunity to give up worldly pleasures, to give up the negative stigma’s and solely understand and experience the wonders of being a simple, satisfied, practicing Muslim.
We all have our faults and weaknesses and during this month we do strive to mend that weakness which is why it is that much more important that we don’t let these beneficent actions go.
If we read the Qur’an, then we should read to understand.
If we are charitable, then our intention should be to please Allah rather than just giving.
If we are polite and courteous it should be because we want to follow the way of our beloved Prophet (saws)
There should be meaning to what we do, we should know why we do what we do. We have been following without question, letting the flame grow smaller. The Qur’an has all the answers we need, it is all provided. It’s time to shrug the lazy, the idleness, the fear and procrastination. We should do what we have been avoiding and delaying for a later time.
If we are to follow The Prophet (saws) we are bound to be looked upon as strange.
Abu Hurairah ( May Allah be pleased with him) narrated that The Prophet (saws) said, “Islam began strange, and it will become strange again just like it was at the beginning, so blessed are the strangers” (Sahih Muslim 1/130)
So, don’t be afraid to be viewed as a stranger when following the teachings of Islam for what you do is what you are told to by your Creator. Rather be a stranger than a munafiq.
During Ramadan, fulfill the obligation with understanding and love; don’t lead yourself astray with worldly temptations. It is the best time to break away. It is the only time where you have the most satisfied sleep without any guilt but only goodness.
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