Eman Sakina

The month of Ramadan is upon us. It's a month like no other. It is said the companions of the Prophet would spend 6 months in preparation for this blessed time. Muslims should see this as a month of opportunity and one to grasp with both hands. It is not a month of simply abstaining from food and drink, the Prophet said:

“Perhaps a person fasting will receive nothing from his fasting except hunger and thirst.”

Friday Musings

Rather there are many blessings, virtues, and lessons we should take from this month. The purpose of fasting itself is revealed to us in the Quran. Allah says:

“O you who believe, fasting has been prescribed for you as it has been prescribed for people before you so that you attain Taqwa.” (2:183).

Achieving 'Taqwa' entails developing 'God-fearing' or 'God-consciousness. Because of this, even though Ramazan can have many positive effects, it can also be a time to strengthen bonds with others and serve as a reminder of those who are less fortunate, the specific goal of this act has been clearly stated, and this is what we should keep in the forefront of our minds to accomplish.

Ramazan should be the month of the Quran. Allah says:

“The month of Ramazan in which was revealed the Quran, a guidance for mankind and clear proofs for the guidance and the criterion.” (2:185)   

We should aim to read the Quran as much as possible this month. Ideally, we should aim to complete the entire Quran in these 30 days, which can easily be done by dedicating just one hour a day or you can split this up to reading approximately 10 pages after ‘Suhoor’, 10 in the afternoon and 10 pages after ‘Iftar.’

The Prophet also told us that whoever reads a letter from the Quran will have a reward multiplied by 10. What better incentives and role models do we have for reading the Quran this month?

Ramazan is also the month of prayer. As well as the regular five daily prayers, it is encouraged to perform the ‘Mustahaab’ (recommended) and ‘Nafl’ (voluntary) prayer units whilst carrying out your usual daily prayers.

If you do not usually perform your five obligatory prayers, Ramadan is a perfect time to start. Even if you have never prayed before, this is the month to make a fresh start and commitment. Everyone is on a spiritual high and striving to do good deeds. This month will show you what you are capable of, if you can do the five daily prayers this month it will become a habit and normal practice for you to do them outside of this month. Many people who did not previously pray regularly started during Ramadan and kept it up ever since.

Allah mentions Zakat alongside Salat, thus stressing its importance of it. The Prophet said:

“Shield yourselves from Hellfire even by giving half a date in charity”.

The giving of charity is even more virtuous during Ramazan, a month in which the rewards for deeds are multiplied.

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I pray that Allah brings us to this blessed month, to accept our fasts and good deeds and to forgive our mistakes and sins. May Allah make this Ramadhan easy for us and for those around the World who are in difficulty. May we take full advantage of this blessed month and may this be a month where we all draw closer to Allah. Ameen!