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The month of Ramadhan is not like any
other month; its purpose is to rid man of those habits which he has accumulated
throughout the rest of the year. It is a month that prepares man for the
remaining eleven months by teaching him discipline and self control. Thus, Allah
has made some acts which are beloved to man, like eating, drinking and
fulfilling one’s desires, Haraam. If man can control these desires in this
month, which are usually permissible for him, then he can surely control himself
from other desires which are not permissible throughout the remaining months.
This blessed month has been sent by Allah to His bondsmen so that can create a
connection and draw closer to Allah by reaping the many rewards that lie in this
month. A person who has been given the opportunity to be present in this month
can take this as a sign that Allah Ta’ala has given him another opportunity to
draw closer to Him and earn His paradise through worship in this month.
In this month we will be given many opportunities, as mentioned above to reform
ourselves and seek forgiveness for our bad sins. This is a month of reformation
and self reflection, where a believer can ponder of over spirituality and piety
and bring a change for the better. The Prophet of Allah صلي الله عليه و سلم has
clearly stated:
مَنْ لَمْ يَدَعْ قَوْلَ الزُّورِ وَالْعَمَلَ بِهِ فَلَيْسَ لِلَّهِ حَاجَةٌ فِي
أَنْ يَدَعَ طَعَامَهُ وَشَرَابَهُ
“Whoever does not give up lying and evil actions, then Allah is not in need of
his leaving his food and drink” [Saheeh al-Bukhari]
It is clear from this Hadeeth which has been narrated on the authority of
Hadrhat Abu Huraira رضي الله عنه that Allah is not in need of any person to
leave his food or drink. Allah is far from needs and desires. However, it is the
mercy of Allah that He wants each and every person to leave those things which
will lead him to the hellfire and by controlling one’s desires throughout this
month it is hoped that one will be able to control himself throughout the
following months also.
For those who can relate, we can look at the month of Ramadhan like an MOT test.
It is vital to be on form during this test. Once the test is over then we should
be at a standard where we can continue through the following months. Indeed,
there will be repairs and faults in between, but these will be minor and can be
dealt with on the spot.
May Allah Ta’ala make us successful in this test, for the one who is
unsuccessful in this test may not be given an opportunity for a re-test.
ان جبرئيل عرض لي فقال بعد من ادرك رمضان فلم يغفر له قلت آمين
“Jibreel came to me and said, ‘Whoever reaches the month of Ramadan and does not
have his sins forgiven and so enters the Fire, then may Allah distance him, say
ameen.” So I said “Ameen” [Mustadrak al-Haakim]
In summary, the month of Ramadhan has been made so that mankind can take benefit
of the merits and blessings contained within to change themselves for the better
and by doing so create a bond with Allah that will continue throughout the
eleven remaining months.
It is a month within which Allah has instructed us to place more emphasis on
actions regarding our Deen (religion) as opposed to our daily routine and
emphasis on worldly matters.
I pray that this information comes in use and aids the readers in preparing for
the month of Ramadhan.
As a reminder, please commit the following Du’a to memory and make a habit of
reciting it daily until the day of Ramdhan.
اللهم بارك لنا في رجب وشعبان وبلغنا رمضان
“O Allah, make the months of Rajab and Sha’ban blessed for us, and let us reach
the month of Ramadhan.” [Musnad-e-Ahmed]
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