The Month of Mercy
Fast approaching is the holy month of Ramadhan, a blessed month, full of gifts and blessings. Ramadhan is the ninth month in the Islamic calendar and is distinguished from all other months by a number of virtues. Fasting has been prescribed in this holy month. Muslims all over the world fast from dawn till dusk, ensuring not a morsel of food or a sip of water is consumed during daylight. The Holy Qur’an was revealed in this month. A special prayer has been placed in the night known as the tarawih prayer, where the complete Qur’an is recited over the month. A night has been placed in this month better than a thousand months known as ‘laylatul qadr’ or ‘the night of Power’.
These are but some of the virtues of the holy month of Ramadhan. The messenger of Allah, upon him be peace and abundant salutations said ‘There has come to you Ramadhan, a blessed month in which fasting has been prescribed for you, the doors of Heaven are opened, the gates of Hell are closed and the devils are chained. In it there is a night better than a thousand nights. Whoever then does not acquire its goodness is surely deprived.’
A very special virtue of this month is forgiveness of all past sins, for those fasting in the day and standing in the night to worship, seeking the pleasure and reward of Allah. Ramadhan brings hopes to those lost in despair.
Ramadhan is a time for reflection. Ramadhan allows us to connect to our spiritual existence, an existence that is overpowered in a world dictated by materialistic objectives, lusts and desires. Fasting, reciting the Holy Qur’an, giving in charity, helping the needy, praying are all nourishment for the soul. Ramadhan allows us to look deep within ourselves and rejuvenate our connection with Allah.
Ramadhan brings families together and strengthens the relationships we cherish. Twice a day, at suhur (pre dawn meal) and at iftar (post sunset), the whole family comes together and share food. Every suhur and iftar feels like an annual festival. These times are ever so more blessed for these being times of the acceptance of supplications.
The central objective of Ramadhan and fasting in particular is to become pious and be more God-conscious. Fasting has been prescribed for us as it had been prescribed for nations before us, and is from the favours of Allah upon us.
It is important to prepare yourself for receiving Ramadhan. A person will truly benefit from this month of mercy if one understands its rank and greets this blessed month with love and yearning. May Allah allow us to benefit from and honour this blessed month.
A free one day seminar covering the rulings pertaining to fasting, its spiritual aspects, the do’s and dont’s etc, will be delivered at 9.30am till 12pm on Sunday 14th June 2015 @ Ghamkol Sharif Education Centre, 113 Golden Hillock Rd, Small Heath, Birmingham, B10 0DP
In Association with Ghamkol Sharif Mosque (Birmingham)
Written by Shaykh Mohammed Yaseen – Education Coordinator, Ghamkol Sharif Education Centre
