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Alhamdulillah, Ramadan is back after another year - another whole month to collect credits towards paradise. Deciding the arrival of the blessed month is always a debate by itself – whether to decide it based on moon sighting or based on scientific calculations. The sighting of the moon is a domain by itself. Should I base it based on local sighting or my area. I still can’t figure out scope of the area though. Is it anywhere on earth or is it just within the scope of my dwelling? I wonder when this debate would be over to come to a consensus. I guess as long as Muslims don’t understand the value of unity, this will continue.
Ramadan is a time when I come to know Muslims who stay away from Islam and those who are little inclined to it. At work, at one of our meeting during the noon time, I found a co-worker with a well known Muslim name having his sandwich apologizing for having the food in front of me. It seems his grandfather did not consider him as an auliya to fast! Once in a while I find myself walking through the lobby to see “name sake Muslims” having Starbucks coffee at noon. I am surprised these are people 20 or more elder than me, who have gone enough through life to understand the essence of Islam. May Allah subhanahu wa thaala show them the straight path. Fasting in the month of Ramadan is solely for Allah as He said this ibadah is for me. Isn’t that true? Take any other ibadah, there is always a chance for me to different intentions knowingly or unknowingly. Fasting is something you can’t show it to other unless you tell them you are fasting. I can also pretend fasting and hide from my fellow Muslims to have food. Actually the latter should be practised if you are ill and need to have food during the day. Only Allah alone knows our intentions and this sacrifice is only for Him. My fasting should not be like any other man who goes on hunger strike. I should be able to leverage my Iman in such a way that I get the maximum credit from Allah subhaanahu wa thaala. My first 10 days may be considered as the starting days with little trouble to cope up, but then my next 10 days should consider and be aware of all the limits and possibilities of fasting. I should then be all set for the last 10 days expecting to become the best among the fasting Muslims. If I can’t make a difference through this Ramadan, then I am no different from any other man on earth going for a hunger strike! Commencement of Ramadan starts the race of Iftar parties. Many a times, we find ourselves spending long hours preparing the best feast just to make sure our guest always says our Iftar was the best. What’s the whole intention of this? To get the name or to get the blessings of my Lord? Wouldn’t it be a waste of time, money and effort if my sole intention was to get the name and fame? Iftar should always be a time when you can bring the community together, understand the meaning of unity, provide at least a day’s meal for the poor. Poor? Yes the poor. When you consider the penalties of breaking your fast intentionally, most of them want you to provide food for the poor. Consider the amount of money, time and food you bring to the table during an Iftar. A portion of it is more than enough to feed a family for a week! Ramadan is the best time to learn more about Qur’an. Make it a habit to read Qur’an at least half an hour after your Fajr prayers; if possible a Juzu a day. That will help you keep rolling for the rest of the year, Insha Allah. If you are already into the practice of reading Qur’an, try to learn the meaning and explanation. Try to leverage yourself from what you were till now. Set the bar high. This is also a good time to start the habit of reciting Qur’an to your children. The Masajids are full with Taraweeh prayers. Some go for 8 rakaahs, others for 20 rakaahs. Some based on convenience others on the need to fulfill the soul. Some go for the early 8, while others go for the latter ones after taking some rest. Some have part of it at the Masjid and then take the latter to home. Masha Allah, there is a lot of taqwa required to go home and again continue the prayers. I wish I could do that always. While you go for Taraweeh, make it a point take your children and family. Get your children discover Islam more. I am sure they will be surprised to find long prayers! To all my brothers and sisters in Islam, forgive me and my family for any mistakes. May Allah forgive our wrong doings; may He help us to attain lot of blessings for here and the hereafter. Do pray for us.
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