It is finally that time of the year Muslims wait for throughout the world. When Muslims try to become Muslims in the true sense of the word and for the world, if not for themselves. Whereas they must for the sake of the ALMIGHTY ALLAH. Guys and ladies, watch out! This could be the last year in my life or yours too. No, I am not being pessimistic here. Trust me.
But time is running out fast. And one must be very careful and intelligent. Why intelligence? Because this is the time when the sawaaab (rewards) for our deeds are multiplied 70-fold. Now, can there be anyone not intelligent enough to let go of this golden chance to earn sawaab? In this Ramadan 2023. Tell me, honestly.
For many of my Muslim brothers and sisters out there in this world and probably the universe, tomorrow is the first day of Ramadan. The first day of fasting. Have you prepared for it? Better still, have I prepared myself for it? I must ask this myself first and then to all of you out there! So, have you prepared your bucket list for this year’s Ramadan? If not, this might serve you a bit at least probably, and swerve/nudge you in the right direction.
Stay away from the accursed Satan!
It is the promise of ALLAH Azzawajal that HE will lock up Satan and his followers (the evil jinn, etc.) in chains. Now despite this, if someone persists in sinning, then ALLAH save him/her!
I am reminded of the Hadith (saying) of Prophet Mohammed (peace be upon him) – “Abu Huraira reported: The Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, ascended the pulpit and he said, “Aameen, Aameen, Aameen.” It was said, “O Messenger of Allah, you ascended the pulpit and said aameen, aameen, aameen.”
The Prophet said, “Verily, Gabriel came to me and he said: Whoever reaches the month of Ramadan and he is not forgiven, then he will enter Hellfire and Allah will cast him far away, so say aameen. I said aameen.
And whoever sees his parents in their old age, one or both of them and he does not honor them and he dies, then he will enter Hellfire and Allah will cast him far away, so say aameen. I said aameen. Also, whoever has your name mentioned in his presence and he does not send blessings upon you and he dies, then he will enter Hellfire and Allah will cast him far away, so say aameen. I said aameen.” Source: Ṣaḥīḥ Ibn Ḥibbān 907
So, how do I stay away from sins?
I know this is easier said than done. But if you surround yourself with the right people, perform the five obligatory prayers in Jamaat (congregation) preferably in the Mosque along with others. This is especially so for males. Start reading the Holy Quran preferably along with the meaning. Or at least just the entire Quran. If you can finish reading it once, start again the second time. And the third. And so on. Perform as many acts of charity as possible. Now, remember, no act of sadaqah (charity) is small.
Even a smile towards your brother is charity!
Do not forget to give your Zakat (compulsory charity if one has a wealth exceeding the Nisaab)
Zakat is a form of ‘purification of wealth.’ It is calculated as 2.5% of your annual savings and is given to the poor and needy. It is also calculated on jewelry subject to certain criteria. And give it to your poor relatives first, if any. Because relatives should be the first beneficiaries in this regard. If there are none or if you still have any amount remaining after giving it to your poor relatives, you can give it to your poor Muslim brothers and sisters.
Now, while giving Zakat, you must find out whether you are obligated to give it or not. And this is done by following the Nisaab rule. Nisaab is the minimum amount that a Muslim must possess for being obligated to give Zakat. The Nisaab was set by our beloved Prophet Mohammed (peace be upon him) at a rate equivalent to 87.48 grams of gold and 612.36 grams of silver.
Ramadan means fasting and vice-versa.
Honestly, there is no other act that comes to our mind in the month of Ramadan besides Zakat. Fasting is like the sine qua non of Ramadan. Several verses in the Holy Quran exhort Muslims to fast. And several Hadith too stress the importance of fasting.
There are a few rules to be followed while fasting, i.e., from dawn to dusk – no eating, drinking, or having sexual relations with your wife. And yes, this includes smoking too! Fasting inculcates discipline and teaches empathy. And above all makes one a better human being. We will truly understand how the poor stay and feel during hunger. All said and done, there is nothing like fasting in the month of Ramadan.
What about the mobile phone, TV, and other electronic media?
The above-mentioned electronic items have become ubiquitous in our lives. Especially, mobile has become our alter ego – our second self! Yes, we are heavily dependent upon this device. Agreed, but hey, wait. We should never forget that everything in life has both good and bad attached to it. We should be like the best and strongest magnets in attracting whatever good life throws at us and be the strongest repellents of anything bad!
All this, I know, is easier said than done. But if you give it a try and a small push, you can certainly achieve this. And utilize only the good offered by the mobile phone or any other electronic media. Not just during Ramadan but even during other months. Take care and best of luck. Happy Ramadan. I love you all for the sake of ALLAH Subahanahu Ta’aala. I expect you all to love me too. For the sake of ALLAH. Please do the best of dua for me and my family. I am in desperate need of it. JazakALLAH Khayr (may ALLAH reward you abundantly). Aameen. Summa aameen.