7 TIPS FOR RAMADAAN

7 Tips for a Rich Spiritual Experience in Ramadan

By Dr Muhammad Salama

       

Fasting is basically meant to whet one's resolve and to help a Muslim overcome his/her desires and curb his/her wild wants. It is a revolution against human appetite with the aim of unshackling the soul to soar to the realms of spirituality, and thus purging the heart to be ready to attain the peaks of Taqwa and fearing Allah. Allah says:

{O you who believe! Fasting is prescribed for you as it has been prescribed for those before you, so that you may attain taqwa (ward off evil).} (Al-Baqarah 2:183)

This is the essence of Ramadan; a valuable opportunity to come closer to Allah.

For a true believer, all months are seasons of worship and all his lifetime is a journey toward the pleasure of his Lord. But in Ramadan, he should be more active and his heart more inclined toward his Lord. The Almighty Allah bestows His favor on Muslims in this month by multiplying the reward of good deeds, opening the gates of Paradise, closing the gates of Hellfire, and chaining the devils. This means that the atmosphere is helpful and encouraging and that a Muslim has no excuse. Therefore, Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him) gave his amen to the invocation of ruin made by Gabriel against the one who passes the month of Ramadan without having his sins forgiven.

A real preparation means to make serious a plan as to how to make maximum use of every minute of this blessed month. In general, one needs to do as much good deeds as possible and to refrain from sinful deeds. Here are some helpful suggestions in this regard:

1. Sincere repentance is always necessary prerequisite. The evils and sins that one commits hold him back from doing good deeds and righteous works. Sins beget sins and righteous deeds beget righteous deeds.

Hence, before Ramadan, one has to turn in penitence to his Lord quitting sins with sincere remorse and firm resolve not to commit them again, particularly the sins one is addicted to. This serves as a preparatory declaration of the readiness of the heart to accept the illuminations of Ramadan.

2. A Muslim needs to have a real feeling of rejoice for the reception of this blessed month which brings him closer to his Lord. The Almighty Allah says,

{Say, "In the bounty of Allah and in His mercy - in that let them rejoice; it is better than what they accumulate."} (Yunus 10:58)

This feeling is necessary to aspire for a better condition of soul and heart before the onset of the month. The help of Allah must be sought in this regard and one has to pray earnestly to Allah to guide him to act righteously and accept such good deeds.

3. In preparation for the fasting experience, one should train himself by fasting in the preceding month of Sha`ban. Usamah ibn Zay is reported to have said:

I said, "O the Messenger of Allah, I have not seen you observe fasting in a month as much as you do in Sha`ban."

The Prophet answered, "This is a month between Rajab and Ramadan that people are unmindful of, though it is the month when deeds are submitted to Allah and I like to have my deeds submitted while I am fasting." (An-Nisa'i and authenticated by Al-Albani)

This prepares the soul for the fulfillment of the obligation in the proper way just like a recommendable Prayer that a Muslim performs before the obligatory one.

4. Ramadan is the month when the Qur'an was first sent down, which explains the special relation between Ramadan and the Qur'an. The Qur'an is meant to be a way of life and hence Muslims need to be in constant connection with it in letter and spirit. The Quran has a matchless impact on hearts as the Almighty Allah says,

{It is Allah who has sent down [this Qur'an as] the fairest [of all] discourse. It is a Book [of] cohering [beauty, command, and consistency], oft-repeated.

At [the recitation of its forewarning,] the skins of those who venerate their Lord shiver.

Then their skins and their hearts soften at the remembrance of Allah.

Such is the guidance of Allah! He guides with it whomever He so wills. And whomever Allah leaves to stray, no guide shall there ever be for him.} (Az-Zumar 39:23)

Therefore, it is necessary to rebuild our relation with the Quran before and during Ramadan.

5. A Muslim also should make sure not to waste his time, particularly in Ramadan, in gatherings of gossip, backbiting, and false talks as many Muslims do. The Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings be upon him) said,

"Whoever does not give up false speech and acting upon it, Allah has no need of his giving up food and drink". (Al-Bukhari)

In fact, all sins affect fasting negatively; nevertheless, unfortunately many Muslims refrain from food and drink that are originally lawful and violate the sanctity of fasting by engaging in sinful activities to kill time such as watching movies and other useless, sometimes even ethically detrimental, TV programs.

A Muslim ought to safeguard all his faculties of hearing, seeing, and speaking from prohibited activities. Scholars are in agreement that such sinful acts eat up the reward of fasting. Even a group of scholars maintain that sins invalidate fasting.

6. One more important thing is that a Muslim should take care not to fill his stomach when breaking his fast, for such gluttony does away with the spirituality of fasting and restrengthens the desires that fasting has subdued. It also makes the person feel too lazy to serve in worship.

Even if such a person attends the congregation of Night Prayer, he will be inattentive to the recitation of the Qur'an and will feel uneasy with long recitation and thus will try to find a way to finish quickly to get rid of that heavy duty. This way of thinking and conduct will never enable a Muslim to benefit from fasting and Prayer.

7. A very helpful aspect also is to take part in philanthropic activities. Ibn `Abbas is reported to have said that the Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings be upon him) was the most generous of all people and was most generous in Ramadan when Gabriel met him. Charity is not the only philanthropic activity. One may cooperate with others in social activities for the prosperity of their community. Teaching Islamic instructions and how to recite the Qur'an is also very rewardable.

These preparatory procedures and the like are meant to soften the heart, which is necessary to benefit from Ramadan and eventually achieve the desired target that all should vie for; namely, Taqwa or Allah-fearing.

Women and Ramadaan

RAMADAAN FOR WOMEN

By Hafidha Rayhaanah Omar

In her article, 'A Women's Guide to Spirituality in Ramadan during Menstruation and Postnatal Bleeding' Kanika Aggarwal states: "Our menstrual cycles (or postnatal bleeding) are a part of Allah subhanahu wa ta'ala's creation and something that is ordained by Him.

Allah subhanahu wa ta'ala tells us in the Qur'aan that "He has created us in the best of moulds" [At-Teen 95:4]. We are also told that Allah has "appointed a due proportion" [At-Talaq65: 2-3] for everything and that "for every matter there is an appointed time given" [Ar-Rad:38]. Thus, to complain about it would be to question the Wisdom of Allah subhanahu wa ta'ala. This is not anything to feel sad or inconvenienced about, but rather it should be accepted as part of the Divine Wisdom.

This same message was conveyed to us by Ayesha radi Allahu 'anha via the hadith of the Prophet sal Allahu alayhi wa sallam.

Ayesha narrates that, "We set out with the sole intention of performing Hajj and when we reached Sarif, my menses began. The Messenger of Allah sal Allahu alayhi wa sallam came to me while I was crying and asked, 'What is the matter with you? Has your menses started?' I replied, 'Yes.' He said, 'This is something which Allah has destined for the daughter of Adam.'" [Al-Hakim]

Whispered supplications:

· Increase in Du'aa; this meritorious act is the essence of worshipping Allah subhaanahu wa Ta'ala. So often, we are occupied with tilaawatul Qur'aan, nafl / qadhaa salah, etc. – here is an amazing opportunity to connect to the Creator. I personally love to review the du'as of the pious'Ulamaa, especially the transcription of Mawlana Yunus Patel (rahmatullahi'alayh)'s du'as.

Spiritual investments:

· Do the adhkar (remembrance of Allah) for morning and evening narrated from the Prophet (sallallaahu 'alayhi wa sallam), recite a short chapter a day from the Munaajate Maqbool, Hizbul Aazam, morning and evening du'aas, and salaat and sallam. During this time of the month, when mood swings are pretty much prevalent, we are gifted with special prescriptions that can settle us in calmness and peace: Dhikrullah.

· Seek forgiveness from Allah subhanahu wa Ta'ala by reciting abundant istighfaar throughout the day or night. Recite Durood Shareef upon Rasoolullah (sallallahu 'alayhi wa sallam) often. The virtues are tremendous, the benefits immense!

· Set aside time to memorise Allah subhanahu wa Ta'ala's Names and their meanings. The hadeeth of Rasoolullah (sallalaahu 'alayhi wa sallam) should be motivation enough: "Indeed, Allah has 99 names; whoever memorizes them will enter Jannah. [Sahih Bukhari and Sahih Muslim] Use the Asmaa ul Husnaa' in making du'a to Him. If you have already memorised the Names, review and choose to teach them to one more person.

· Remember to seek out Laylat ul-Qadr throughout the month and do not let even one night go by without making du`a'.

· Learn or revisw one Sunnah a day and bring it alive into your life!

· Read an authentic book on the seerah of Rasoolullah (sallaahu 'alayhi wa sallam); review your favourite – motivating or insightful - excerpts from an Islamic book.

· Offer to listen to your spouse / child's dhor (if they are huffadh and preparing with their revision for salaatut-taraweeh).

· Make tawbah (repentance) and shukr (gratitude).

· Contemplate the creation of the heavens and the earth, as a result you will be considered among the people of understanding whom Allah mentioned in the Qur'aan.

· Reflect about gratitude to Allah subhanahu wa Ta'ala, loving Him, fearing Him, hoping for His Mercy and longing to meet Him - by doing so, you would have achieved great acts of worship while you may be resting or reclining.

Meal preparations:

· Assist in the preparation of meals for those sitting in i'tikaaf.

· Join a group of sisters in cooking iftaar for expectant mommies, boarding students / newcomers to your city, expatriate in the area, etc. and surprise them with a simple homemade.

· Search out new reverts, those who are newly practicing or people disconnected from the community and invite them over for iftaar.

Helping hands:

· Offer to babysit for family members and neighours during Taraweeh so that they can pray with added khushu'

· Volunteer your assistance to complete chores or errands for a needy widow

· Assist the elderly in their visits to a doctor or general clinic

· Play an active role at a local / regional orphanage or soup kitchen.

· Work on co-ordinating a donation project of clothes, food, toys or money etc.

· Find out who is sick in your area or in the local hospital and go visit them or offer to assist them with hospital admin / paper work.

Eid preparations:

· Get a head start on spring cleaning, laundry, Eid shopping etc. that needs to be done now, so that you can fully focus on fasting / salah/ tilaawatul Qur'aan post-haidh or nifaas.

· Why not prepare and freeze some vegetables /food now so that meal preparations are easier during the last 10 days of Ramadaan?

· Make Eid/Ramadan goodie bags for the orphans so that they feel loved and feel attached to the Ummah of Islam. P

· lay an active role in co-ordinating a Ramadaan / Eid awareness programme at your local school / madrasah / workplace.

Reflect on your Ramadhan goals: REVIEW - RENEW – REFRESH. Reflecting upon your goals and intentions for this month of spiritual transformation, for they are key components to your personal development and spiritual growth, especially beyond Ramadhan…

"Beware of every hour and how it passes, and only spend it in the best possible way, do not neglect yourself, but render it accustomed to the noblest and best of actions, and send to your grave that which will please you when you arrive to it." [Imam Ibn Al-Jawzee]

Ramdhaan, a month of enormous blessings…

Ramdhaan, a month of enormous blessings…

 

We are now so fortunate that Allah Ta'ala has blessed us with this great Month of Ramadhaan. We wish to share with you some beautiful advise as passed on to us by The Greatest Teacher The Noble and Final Messenger of Allah(Peace be upon him).This message was delivered on the Last Day of Sha'baan.

 

Salmaan (Radhiallaho Anhu) reports On the last day of Shabaan, Rasulullah (Sallallaho Alaihi Wasallam) addressed us and said: Oh people there comes over you now a great month, a most blessed month in which lies a night more greater in virtue than a thousand months.

It is a month in which Allah has made fasting compulsory by day and has made sunnah the Taraaweeh by night. Whosoever intends drawing near to Allah by performing any virtuous deed, for such person shall be the reward like the one who had performed a Fard in any other time and whoever performs a Fard, shall be blessed with the reward of seventy faraaidh in any other time.

This is indeed the month of patience and the reward for true patience is Jannah (paradise). It is the month of sympathy with one's fellowmen. It is the month wherein a true believer's rizq is increased.

Whosoever feeds another who fasted, in order to break the fast (at sunset), for the feeder there shall be forgiveness of sins and emancipation from the fire of Jahannam (hell) and for such feeder shall be the some reward as the one who fasted (who he fed) without that persons reward being decreased in the least.

Thereupon we said, 'O messenger of Allah, not all of us possess the means whereby we can give a fasting person to break his fast' Rasulullah (Sallallaho Alaihi Wasallam) replied Allah grants the same reward to the one who gives a fasting person to break the fast a mere date or a drink of water or a sip of milk.

This is a month, the first of which brings Allah's mercy, the middle of which brings His forgiveness and the last of which brings emancipation from the fire of Jahannam.

Whosoever lessens the burden of his servants (bondsmen) in this month; Allah will forgive him and free him from the fire of Jahannam.

And in this month four things you should continue to perform in great number, two of which shall be to please your Lord, while the other two shall be those without which you cannot do. Those which shall be to please your Lord, are that you should in great quantity bear witness that there is no deity to worship except Allah (i.e. recite the Kalimah Tayibbah Laa Ilaaha illallah) and make much Istighfaar (beg Allah's forgiveness with Astaghfirullah) and as for those without which you cannot do, you should beg of Allah entrance into paradise and ask refuge in Him from Jahannam.

And whoever gives a person water to drink, Allah shall grant that giver to drink from my fountain, such such a drink whereafter that person shall never again feel thirsty until he enters Jannah.

(HADITH-BAIHAQI)

Kids and Fasting

Salmaan wants to fast!

A motivational story to make kids understand why we fast...

 

"But, Mum, I do not want to eat. I am a big boy and I can fast," Salmaan told his mother.

"But you are fasting, Salmaan, 7-year-old children eat in the morning and a little in the afternoon and then they don't eat anything else till evening."

"But you do not fast like that, Mum," the little boy insisted.

"I am older, Salmaan. Grownups fast that way."

The young boy sat deep in thought and then asked, "Mum, why do we fast?"

"That's a good question, Salmaan." She got up and went to the kitchen cupboard. She removed something from it.

"Do you know what this is, Salmaan?"

"It's a blender."

"Do you know what it is supposed to do?"

"It blends fruit for juice." His mother laughed. "Yes, it does blend. Our body does the same thing. It grinds the food we eat; it takes what it needs and removes the rest. It does this everyday, day in day out."

"Doesn't the body get tired, Mum?"

"It does. Just like the blender. When we have blended juice for too long, it refuses to work. Then it needs fixing. So we have to give our body a rest so it can work better for us. That's why we fast in Ramadan and some other days in the year."

"Does everybody fast, Mummy?"

"Not everybody. If you are ill or expecting a baby or if you are old and weak like your grandpa or if you are 7 years old like yourself then you don't fast.

The little boy thought some more. He ate the food his mother had set before him without much fuss. "What if you don't want to fast?"

"What is your sister Laika's favorite colour?" "Pink".

"And what is the colour of her uniform for Madrassa (School)?" "Blue".

But she says she'd like to wear her pink hijab when she goes."

"And why doesn't she?"

"She is afraid Muallim (Teacher) will punish her."

"You see, she was afraid the teacher would punish her. The teacher will punish her because she has broken the rule of the madrassaby wearing pink.

You see, Salmaan, Allah knows what is good for us and so we have to do as He commands, because He sees and knows everything. We love Him and fear Him and we don't want Him to be displeased with us."

"But Salmaan the real reason fast is to please Allah.Only Allah can give us the reward and fasting creates taqwa in our hearts."

"What is taqwa" Salmaan asked?

"Umar bin al-Khattab asked Ibn Ka'ab for the meaning of Taqwa. Ibn Ka'ab asked Umar how he would travel on a road full of thorns. 'Umar said he would carefully walk, gathering his clothes so they would not get stuck on the thorns which could cause him injury. Ibn K'aab said "This is the meaning of taqwa, to protect oneself from sin during our life's dangerous journey so that one can successfully complete the journey untouched by sin."

"So Salmaan if a person is fasting and drinks water secretly when making wudhu will anybody know?"

"Nobody will no know Mum"

"But Allah will surely know as Allah sees everything and knows about all that we do! So when we fast we do it only for Allah and this will create the fear of Allah in our hearts. We will then be able to obey Allah at all times!"

"But don't you get hungry, Mum?"

"Of course we do. But we keep ourselves busy on other important things to take our mind away from the food and also do things which our dear Rasulullah told us to do.We read the Qur'an, or we visit the sick people or we go to the mosque to read of Salaah and make Zikr and also take part in taalim and dawah. You see there's plenty to do and before you know it, it's time to eat!"

"Is there another reason why Muslims fast?"

"Yes. You are fortunate, Salmaan, because you have food everyday. Not everyone has food to eat, like the poor people in the squatter camps?"

" If we go hungry like them, we will be able to understand that they need help."

The little boy Salmaan seemed satisfied with the answers, his mother had given him.

"Mum, can I go with you and Daddy to help the poor?" "By the Grace of Allah, you can."

" Mum, one more request"

"Yes Salmaan?"

"Can I fast tomorrow?" Salmaan asked

Salmaan's Mum smiled and replied " Allah has allowed 7 year old's not to fast until they grow bigger"

"But my sister Laika fasted yesterday " Salmaan pleaded to his Mum.

"Ok Salmaan I will wake you up for Sehri and then you can try. But if you do get very hungry you may eat ok!"

"Ok Mum!"

Happy with reply of his Mother Salmaan read his Salaah and went to bed praying to Allah to let him also fast tomorrow!

 

We need to explain to our children the essence and importance of Islamic practises so as they grow up they learn to appreciate and understand the wisdom of this beautiful Deen that Allah has gifted us with!

Preparing for Ramadhaan

 Preparing For Ramadhaan-The 'Month Of Mercy'
By Sister  S Bemath

As the dawn of Ramadhaan approaches, offering us glimpse of its golden rays of purity, every Muslim around the world prepares to experience the warm ambience which only this month can bring. From Suhoor to Iftaar to Taraaweeh Salaah, Ramadhaan brings together brothers, sisters, parents and children. In order to derive the utmost benefit from the sacred month of Ramadhaan, it is crucial to recognize the spiritual significance and importance of this month. Fasting during this month should be only for ALLAH TA'ALA, and that HE will give the reward for it, for the reward of ALLAH, the Bountiful and Munificent, is greater and vaster than anyone could imagine, Subhaan-ALLAH!

A Hadith so beautifully encapsulates:"The reward for every good deed of Adam will be multiplied anywhere between ten and seven hundred times. ALLAH said: 'Except for fasting, because it is for ME and I MYSELF will give recompense for it. He gives up his food and his passion for ME.' For the one who fasts, there are two times of rejoicing, one when he breaks the fast, and one when he meets his Lord. Verily the smell that comes from the mouth of one who is fasting is more pleasing to ALLAH than the scent of musk." (Hadith:Bukhari and Muslim)

Beloved Reader! This is a month which ALLAH TA'ALA has designated for the revitalization of the soul and one's spiritual ascension after a year full of sin and spiritual retrogression. However, all this will only be possible if we value this precious month and prepare for it accordingly. It is reported that Muhammad (Sallallaahu Alaihi Wa Sallam) used to commence His preparation two months prior to Ramadhaan by reciting the following supplication at the beginning of Rajab, "O ALLAH! bless us in Rajab and Sha'baan and make us reach Ramadhaan" .This shows the importance of conditioning oneself mentally and spiritually for the advent of this month. Ramadhaan is a long- awaited celestial guest; accordingly, we ought to prepare the grandest reception in appreciation for all of it's beautiful blessings and barakah. It is only through such yearning and longing that the significance of Ramadhaan will develop in our hearts serving as a catalyst to increase our good deeds and to fulfil the objectives of Ramadhaan.

Therefore, we should strike a balance, during this all-too-short blessed month, between our domestic duties and the opportunity this month brings, to draw closer to ALLAH through worship and good deeds. Do not let our household chores and other work distract us from performing the obligatory Salaah at the appointed times or from reading the Qur'aan Kareemf or Nafl Salaah. Nor should we let traditional late-night family gatherings keep us from performing Qiyaam al-Layl and making Du'a. There are three main objectives to attain from this blessed month, namely absolution of one's sins, attainment of piety and enhancing one's communion with ALLAH TA'ALA. In regards to absolution of sin, Muhammad (Sallallaahu Alaihi Wa Sallam) mentioned, "Whoever fasts and stands for worship in Ramadhaan out of faith and anticipation of reward, all of his previous sins will be forgiven." (Ibn Majah)

The main element mentioned in this Hadith is that our effort and striving in worship throughout the month should be with the zest of Imaan and zeal of reward. The recompense of this will be a thorough effacement of sins. The veil of inhibition that impedes a person from his or her Rabb will be removed and the doors to a life of spiritual bliss, ecstasy and harmony will be flung open. Subhaan-ALLAH!

ALLAH TA'ALA states,

"O you who believe, fasting has made compulsory upon you as it made compulsory upon those before you so that you may become ALLAH fearing." (Quran:2:183)

Alhamdulillah! Fasting is one of the best spiritual exercises to establish piety, patience and a perpetual consciousness of ALLAH TA'ALA and the reward for true patience is Jannah. In this beautiful month four things you should continue to perform in great number, two of which shall be to please your Rabb, while the other two shall be those without which you cannot do. Those which shall be to please your Rabb, are that you should in great quantity bear witness that there is no diety to worship except ALLAH (i.e. recite the Kalimah Tayyibah Laa Ilaaha Illallaah) and make much Istighfaar (beg ALLAH'S forgiveness with Astaghfirullaah)." And as for those without which you cannot do, you should beg of ALLAH, entrance into Paradise and ask refuge in HIM from Jahannam(Hell)." Once a person feels the bliss of being completely pardoned and relieved from the burden of sins coupled with the feelings of ALLAH'S Omnipresence, he or she would have reached a very high pedestal of divine communion. This pedestal is what referred to as the stage of Ihsaan; where a person worships ALLAH as if he or she is seeing HIM or with the full conviction and cognizance that ALLAH is watching him or her.

Beloved Reader! The Mubarak month of Ramadhaan requires special preparation because it requires complete dedication on part of the Mu'min. Below are a few easy ways to Inshaa-ALLAH (ALLAH willing) help prepare our minds and hearts for this upcoming Month of Mercy.

1. INTENTION TO PREPARE:
One of the most essential elements of preparing for the arrival of Ramadhaan is to make the intention for preparation for verily "every action judged by it's intention"(Hadith-Bukhari).  The preparation begins the day you start practicing humility and patience and learn how to control your nafs (desires) and anger.

2. PERFORM REWARDING ACTIONS:
In the spirit of Ramadhaan, it is best to start preparing for the blessed month by performing actions that are rewarding and appreciated by our beautiful ALLAH. According to a Hadith, "If a person says, "SubhaanALLAH"(Glory be to ALLAH) 100 times, a thousand good deeds are recorded for him and a thousand bad deeds are wiped away."

3. INCREASE THE WORSHIP:
To start preparing for the blessed month of Ramadhaan, it is best if you start increasing your worship. This will allow you to adjust your routine for the arrival of Ramadhaan.  Increase all forms of Ibadah(worship) such Fasting,recitation of Qur'an, Zikr, Sadaqah(Charity) , Nafl (voluntary) Salaah etc

4. DETERMINE SPECIFIC DAYS FOR FASTING:
To adjust your body to fasting, it is best that you start fasting beforehand. You should define specific days for fasting. For example, if you fast every Monday and Thursday, you will be more fully prepared for Ramadhaan making the adjustment much easier.

5. READ THE MUBARAK QUR'AAN  REGULARLY:
For individuals who have not prepared for reading and reciting Qur'aan during Ramadhaan, Qur'aan Kareem recitation while fasting becomes difficult. It is best if you start reading the Mubarak Qur'aan  after Fajr salaah on a daily basis just to prepare for the Ramadhaan spirit.

6. ADJUST SLEEPING HABITS:
Ramadhaan teaches us to adjust the way we lead our life. Therefore, before the arrival of Ramadhaan, it is ideal if you start adjusting your sleeping habits. You should start off by going to bed early and rising early. If you are used to this routine, you will not feel sleepy and tired when Ramadhaan arrives.

7. DEFINE OBJECTIVES:
Ramadhaan is the ideal month to embark on your journey to fresh objectives. If you are a smoker and want to quit this habit, you should start off with this month. If you want to be an early riser, still Ramadhaan is the perfect month for you.

In essence, Ramadhaan is the most blessed and rewarding month. Therefore, all Muslims should try their best prepare for this auspicious month of Ramadhaan. Regular recitation of Qur'aan, voluntary charity and recitation and offering prayers will help you prepare for the Ramadhaan spirit. Inshaa-ALLAH!

O Beloved Reader! Let us embellish our Akhlaaq(character) in this beautiful and blessed month with gifts presented by the Prophet of guidance (Sallallaahu Alaihi Wa Sallam). Let us make this Ramadhaan a means of gaining nearness to Allah Ta'ala and preparing for the eternal journey that each and every one of us must traverse.

Ramadhaan

RAMADHAAN

By BintSalim

 

 

I glimpse at your arrival

Through the ummahs

Sudden increase of discipline-

How good is overcoming evil.

And our homes have become delirious

In preparation of your presence.

I too await for you.

But I am baffled at

The effect of a single guest.

How do you hold so much importance?

My mind is at mess.

I try to make sense ,

And I ask myself.

Who are you?

What do you do?

Where do you come from?

Please answer me for I am lost.

I am an unprepared host!

Oh Dear one!

Your guest?!

That , I am not.

You are mine

On life's noble quest.

My importance is dependant

On the strength of faith in your heart

And it's Creator.

Welcome oh visitor!

: take heed to the pattern

Some faces newly embrace the deen

Others I have previously seen

While among you there's those who don't return.

I am your host Ramadhaan-

To you dear one I say

Ahlan Wa sahlan.

Of me I am sure you heard.

I am titled as the 30 day restriction.

Mind you, to those who's Imaan is mature.

I am no torture.

I am a protection,

A golden connection.

To the Creator of Creations.

What I do,

Is help you.

Therefore take heed

As for what I bring

Is what you desperately seek.

I am sent from your Lord above.

For you He holds immense love.

He has made life sweet,

Jannah, is decreed

For those who are Obedient.

HE (ALLAH) loves to shower bounties

Over his noblest of servants.

He sent me with hadiya-

Listen carefully these are your

Treasured amanaah.

Use it well,

For who knows what's to come?

I've been sent

On condition Shaytaan is tied.

But keep in mind.

Through time he has planted his seed.

But remember , we replace it with Tauheed.

I bring you fasting,

From dawn to sunset.

From food and drink stay away.

From lies and backbiting run away.

Hold your anger.

Keep it in.

To purposely break your fast is a major sin.

When the sun drops

That days fast stops.

Remember –

I am a Ramadhaan.

I come from your Rabb

So how could it be

That the Speech of Allah

Is not with me.

Increase your recitation

And your reward will accumulate.

Within my 30 day span,

Allah has honored you man

Who hold the Quraan in your hearts.

At nightfall,

He wants your voices to lighten

souls causing hearts to brighten

Therefore He , places you to lead.

The extended prayer , taraweeh.

Allah is Beautiful.

Beyond imagination.

We get a glimpse through His religion.

Which is perfectly balanced

With fardh, witr , sunnah and nafl.

My days is divided into three.

Balanced perfectly.

From the Almighty.

My first ten days,

Is days of immense HIS RAHMA

During my middle ten days.

Increase your istighfar.

For these are the days of maghfira.

Your Lord is too Kind .

HE is the Most Generous.

He has given You itikaaf.

Don't hesitate on it.

.Make sincere intention

For In the last ten days of compensation

Of the fire.

He: has hidden therein for you.

The Night of Power.

Seek it in accumulation of prayer , sujud and dua.

I look forward to having you

Dear friend.

With you ,

Till the end

-Ramadhaan

 

Ramadaan Ready!

Ramadaan Ready!

By Abdur Rahmaan Umar

"Am I ready? You really asking me... am I ready!" exclaimed Farida, her boisterous voice filling the kitchen.

She hastily dusted her hands on her well-worn apron, scattering little foggy clouds of flour around her and grabbed Aneesa's wrist, her plump hand going almost twice around the young girls' wrist.

"Come, come! Let me show you how ready I am," she boomed, half dragging the delicate Aneesa out of the kitchen in to what was once a balcony now converted to accommodate two large freezers. Farida triumphantly opened the doors to a freezer stacked with plastic containers, all neatly labeled.

"See, my child, I am so ready. There we go – samoosas… chicken, mutton, vegetable, jalapeno and even tuna samoosas. And then, I have kebabs, spring-rolls and moons….vegetable and potato cutlets…pies of every kind. This time I'm ready!"

She ceremoniously closed the doors of the freezers, puzzled by the unimpressed look on Aneesa's face.

"Er…aunty," began Aneesa feebly, rubbing her wrist, "That's not what I meant…"

"I know," said Farida, who reached out for Aneesa's wrists, but they were cautiously tucked away behind her back, "You want to see what else I got….."

"Come, come," she said, rushing back into the kitchen to the corner where another tall freezer hummed noisily. Whipping open the doors, she announced, "Chicken corn soup, vegetable soup, haleem (soup), pizzas, marinated chicken fillets …..you name it my darling, and I have it all ready"

Farida didn't hear her niece's protestations about that's not what she meant, she continued: "You remember that dua you taught me…remember?"

Aneesa shook her head in silent defeat.

"Allahuma baarik lana fi Rajab, wa Shabaan,wa  balligna Ramadaan(Oh Allah bless in Rajab and Sha'baan and allow to reach Ramadaan), see I know it so well. I recited it all the time and Allah Ta'ala gave me sooo much Barakah (Blrssings)," she said, stretching her chubby arms out wide, "and I got all this done."

"Last year was just too terrible," Farida lamented, tucking a few stray greying strands of hair under her scarf, "In the last ten days of Ramadaan we were out of samoosas and chicken pies, and my poor Yusuf had to do without his favourites. But not this year! This time I'm so ready for Ramadaan."

Exasperated Aneesa held her aunt's hefty hand in both her palms and said firmly, "No, no aunty….that's not what I meant!"

Farida looked at her baffled and confused. Scratching her head she whispered, "Then what? What else is there to be ready for Ramadaan?"

"Yourself!" exclaimed Aneesa.

"Yourself? Myself? How do I prepare myself for Ramadaan?"

"Have you thought about how much Qur'an would you read each day, or how much time will you spend making dua, or how will you plan your days?" Aneesa asked.

Farida looked at her sheepishly and popped a freshly fried Bhajia(chilli bite) into her mouth, "No, not really…I'm so busy with all this that I don't even have time to think about that."

"This is the real preparation of Ramadaan!" Aneesa explained. "Last week Sheikh Hamaad was explaining that The Messenger of Allah( Peace be upon him) would increase his efforts before Ramadaan. He would fast more. Saayidah Aisha (RA) said she never witnessed him fasting as much as he did in Shabaan in preparation for the month of Ramadaan and Sheikh quoted a hadith of Umme Salamah (RA) : That she did not see The Messenger of Allah( Sallalahu Alaihi wasallam) Fasting two consecutive months except for Sha'ban and Ramadan."

Farida diverted her attention only to dip another bhajia into the red chilli sauce and pop it into her mouth. Aneesa looked at the flowery plaque on the wall that read "Never trust a thin cook" and suppressed a smile.

"Sheikh explained just how valuable this month is," continued Aneesa gently pushing away the plate of tantalizingly hot bhajias, "That an obligatory or Fardh act in the month of Ramadaan has the reward of seventy such acts and a Nafl (Voluntary)act to gain closeness to Allah Ta'ala will get the reward of an obligatory, Fardh, act. So there's no time to waste in this month. He explained we have to make the best of every moment of this precious month"

"Eat, child!" said Farida, pushing the plate close to Aneesa, "You're so thin."

Aneesa eyed the bhajias and continued, "He even told us how the pious people would spend their Ramadaan. He gave us so many examples but I only remember the on about Sheikh Abdur Rahim (rahmatullahi alaihi), who would spend his entire day in the recitation of Quran, he would not even meet anyone and even reduced his meals to the bare minimum to save time in the month of Ramadaan. And about Imaam Shafie(rahmatullahi alaihi) who would complete a Quran every day and every night during this month, plus the one he would read in the Taraweeh salaah completing 61 Qurans for the month."

Farida let out a silent whistle, "That's a lot. But…what am I to do. I have to see to the boys, and we usually have so many visitors in Ramadaan."

"Just plan yourself," advised Aneesa, "You have prepared all this foodstuff so you can steal a little time to read a little Quran every morning, and when you get up for Sehri(pre dawn meal), then get up half an hour earlier and read Tahajjud  Salaah(late night prayer) – because duas at Tahajjud time are certainly accepted. And while you are busy in the kitchen then read Durood(send blessings) on The Messenger of Allah( Sallalahu Alaihi wasallam). And before Magrib Salaah (prayer after sunset)…"

"But that's the time I'm busy frying all the savouries and warming the food, and…" protested Farida.

"Just a few minutes before you break your fast, even five, sit down and make dua (pray) asking Allah Ta'ala for all your needs because Allah Ta'ala does not reject the dua of a fasting person at the time of breaking fast. If you plan yourself, you can achieve so much – you planned, and worked hard, and you managed to pack three freezers full of food – so you can do so much in Ramadaan if you plan your time."

Farida smiled broadly, looking at the freezers that bore testimony to her hard work.

"Just think if you read just five pages of Quran after every salaah you will complete the whole Quran in the month."

Farida shook her head in disbelief, "That's all?"

"Yup, that's all it takes," replied Aneesa.

"You're a special girl, now eat something, or let me make you some tea?" looking at her niece intently, "You're so thin and we still have to find you a husband."

Aneesa laughed, "Thanks aunty, but I'm fasting"