By: AHMED ALI
The month of Ramadan is highly honoured by Almighty. His Prophet (peace be upon him,) as well as the Muslims throughout generations. The Qur’an says “O you who believe! Ramadan is prescribed for you as it was prescribed for those before you, that you may become Al-Muttaqun (the pious)” (Qur’an, surah no: 2 verse no: 183)
Allah says in the Qur’an “Ramadan is the month in which was sent down the Qur’an, as a guide to mankind, also clear Signs for guidance and judgment (between right and wrong). So every one of you who is present during that month should spend it in fasting, but if anyone is ill, or on a journey, the prescribed period (Should be made up) by days later. Allah intends every facility for you; He does not want to put to difficulties. (He wants you) to complete the prescribed period, and to glorify Him in that He has guided you; and perchance ye shall be grateful.”(Qur’an surah no: 2 verse no: 185)
This is the month about which the prophet (peace be upon him) said: when the first night of Ramadan comes the rebellious devils are put in chains and the door of the hell are closed. The doors of the heaven are opened. And a caller calls “o seeker of goodness, come forward and o seeker of evil, desist.And Allah has many (in this month) who will be freed from hell. This announcement is made every night.”(Al-Tirmidhi, Hadith no.618)
The Prophet (peace be upon him) said when the month of sha’ban drew to close: “O Muslims! A noble and generous month has come to you. In which a night is better than one thousand nights. The prophet (peace be upon him asked us to fast and to refrain from any bad behaviours whether it is against one’s self, the society or the humanity at large.
During Ramadan Muslims get busy seeking Allah’s mercy, forgiveness and protection from hellfire. This is the month for renewing our commitment and re-establishing our relationship with our creator. It is the spring season for goodness and virtues when righteousness blossom throughout the Muslim communities. If we combine all blessing of the other 11 months, they would not add up to the blessings of Ramadan. It offers every Muslim an opportunity to strengthen our iman, purify our heart and soul, and to remove all the evil effects of sins committed by us.”Any one who fasts during this month with purity of belief and expectations of a good reward (from his creator),” will have his previous sins forgiven.”Anyone who stands in the prayer during this nights, will have his previous sins forgiven, said Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him)
Ramadan is not merely a month of fasting: it is rather season to cultivate all sorts of virtues and good habits. It is the perfect opportunity to break free of all negative habits that have been holding us back from achieving the true happiness and perfection.
Ramadan is the time to familiarize to ourselves with the Qur’an, the true source of guidance, illumination, healing, and Allah perfect gift to humanity. We can do only justice to this Book when we go beyond merely chanting and memorizing it to reflecting upon the revealed word and respond to it in true spirit by acting upon its teachings.
In addition to fasting, mandatory prayer. And extra Taraweeh prayer, Muslims should spend the whole month in acts of worship like giving charity, recitation of Quran etc.
* The above article is sent by Ahmed Ali originally from Cachar. Assam.Currently working in Central Manchester University Hospitals,NHS Foundation Trust
