Ramadhan - the month of training
By: Iftikhar Islam
The most honored month in which the Quran was revealed as guidance to judge right from wrong. The month of training, the month of punctuality towards salah and other things, the much awaited Iftaar, the early waking up for Suhur, the listening to beautiful Qirats, the purification of wealth; what a great enjoyment! The Most Merciful God multiplies the rewards, the satans are chained, and the blessing befalls.
O mankind, let's be thankful to Allah who provided us with this blessed month, and take guidance from the Quran so that we can lead our life peacefully. In this month we become more honest, upright, we manage our time, establish our salah, purify our wealth and what not!
Ponder on how do we pray in this blessed month, what is the condition of our Taraaweeh? Do we pray taraaweeh sincerely? Do we pray taraaweeh the entire Ramadhan or do we pray the so called “Shabeena” – finishing the recitation of the entire Quran in one day, three days, five days, etc. and do not pray entire Ramadhan with devotion – what an evil innovation! Do we pray with Takbir-e-tahrima or do we directly join the imam while in ruku?
O brothers, be dutiful towards Allah. Pray your salah with entire devotion as Allah does not require your prayers; it is you who will get benefited. Did any time our Prophet (peace be upon him) prayed this type of Salah? Did any time He (peace be upon him) organized one-day, three-days, five-days, seven-days Quran finishing program? Or do we find the companions praying these short-cut salah? NO! Certainly Not! Then repent for being part of great evil innovation, for every innovation in religion leads to hell fire.
O Muslims! Fear Allah, for He is most severe in punishment. The Prophet (peace be upon him) said: "If somebody innovates something which is not in harmony with the principles of our religion, that thing is rejected." [Sahih Bukhari 3:49:861] And Allah says “And whoever contradicts and opposes the Messenger (peace be upon him) after the right path has been shown clearly to him, and follows other than the believers way. We shall keep him in the path he has chosen, and burn him in Hell - what an evil destination.” [Al Quran 4:115]. O Muslims, fear Allah, He is most severe in punishment. He does not require our deeds neither in Ramadhan nor in other months. It is we who are in need of Allah.
The beautiful morning waits, but we – the most beloved Ummah of Allah – stretches ourself on the bed, even in the state of fasting we miss fajr salah; even if we pray, soon we will be back to sleep. Is this what Ramadhan expects from us? This month is of tremendous blessings, gather as much as possible. This month is of Forgiveness, ask forgiveness from your Lord, from your friends, relatives, brothers and sisters and also forgive them before they ask you. The most merciful Lord commands us to - replace the evil with good, for those who have enmity with you will become a good friend [Al Quran 41:34]. Pray for your parents, it is they who nourished you when you could not even think of, they gave you support when you needed, they put up with your naughtiness in childhood - be dutiful towards your parents.
The beautiful morning waits, but we – the most beloved Ummah of Allah – stretches ourself on the bed, even in the state of fasting we miss fajr salah; even if we pray, soon we will be back to sleep. Is this what Ramadhan expects from us? This month is of tremendous blessings, gather as much as possible. This month is of Forgiveness, ask forgiveness from your Lord, from your friends, relatives, brothers and sisters and also forgive them before they ask you. The most merciful Lord commands us to - replace the evil with good, for those who have enmity with you will become a good friend [Al Quran 41:34]. Pray for your parents, it is they who nourished you when you could not even think of, they gave you support when you needed, they put up with your naughtiness in childhood - be dutiful towards your parents.
This month is also of rescue from Hell fire, so ask Allah to save you from the Hell fire; ask Allah to save your parents, brothers/sisters, relatives, neighbors, etc. The leader of Angels – Jibraeel alyhis salaam cursed the person who receives Ramadhan and did not rescue himself, and the leader of the Messengers – Prophet Muhammad (Peace be upon him) said “Aameen” in reply to the curse. O you, who believe! It is Allah alone who can save you from the Hell fire, so ask from Him alone, and convince Him by obeying with full devotion.
Remember, this month is of training. Don’t be neglectful of your deeds. Beware of the zina of your eyes – especially on internet and newspapers - and other parts of your body. This month gives you the opportunity to become a good human being for the entire year to come. If we neglect this month and involve in all kinds of innovations, then what about our life for the rest of the year? We don’t behave well with our friends, brothers /sisters and especially with the parents. What have we gained in this month? Nothing! It is because we have involved ourselves in various kinds of innovation in this sacred month - in these training hours. Is this what Ramadhan demands from you? If a bowler practices without wickets, his practice sessions will no longer help him. Similarly if you get involved in various innovations, then what will you achieve in the blessed month? Stick to the Sunnah, do whatever is approved from the Prophet (peace be upon him), the companions, and the rightly guided salaf.
Our Lord! Give us good in this world and good in the Hereafter, and defend us from the torment of the Fire! Aameen.
Remember, this month is of training. Don’t be neglectful of your deeds. Beware of the zina of your eyes – especially on internet and newspapers - and other parts of your body. This month gives you the opportunity to become a good human being for the entire year to come. If we neglect this month and involve in all kinds of innovations, then what about our life for the rest of the year? We don’t behave well with our friends, brothers /sisters and especially with the parents. What have we gained in this month? Nothing! It is because we have involved ourselves in various kinds of innovation in this sacred month - in these training hours. Is this what Ramadhan demands from you? If a bowler practices without wickets, his practice sessions will no longer help him. Similarly if you get involved in various innovations, then what will you achieve in the blessed month? Stick to the Sunnah, do whatever is approved from the Prophet (peace be upon him), the companions, and the rightly guided salaf.
Our Lord! Give us good in this world and good in the Hereafter, and defend us from the torment of the Fire! Aameen.
About the Author:
Iftikhar Islam is the Admisnistrator-Founder of GPRF Network. A Public Speaker and a Da'ee well known for his articles on Islam and Social issues. He is an ardent of Islam, Comparative Religions, Education, Entrepreneurship, Media, and Law. | Know more|
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