10-10-2004, 01:21 AM
In the Name of Almighty Allah
Most Beneficent, Most Merciful
My Respected Brothers & Sisters in Islam
Assalamualaykum Wa Rahmatullahi Wa Barakaatuhu
Countdown to the Month of Glory
The countdown has already begun. Less than two weeks remains for the
arrival of the Most Holy and auspicious month of Ramadan.
The very name of Ramadan evokes a feeling of expectant joy and
pleasure in the heart of the Muh'min. A restlessness overtakes
the Muh'min in eager anticipation of this most Holy month.
Sometimes, this feeling even turns to fear and anxiety.
"O Almighty Allah Azza Wajjal, will I see Ramadan this year?"
Almighty Allah Subhanahu Wata'ala Alone knows who will live
to see Ramadan. The reassurance comes in the form of a fervent Duah:
"Allahumma Barik Lana fie Rajab wa
Sha'baan Wa baliegna Ramadan."
"O Allah bless us in Rajab and Sha'baan
and let us make it to Ramadan."
The Duah for this must continue with vigorous fervour -
"O Almighty Subhanahu Wata'ala Allah! Through Your
Infinite Mercy and Bounty let us reach Ramadan.!"
The anticipation of this great month is not just a matter of emotion
and thought. It requires action and activity. Preparation for receiving
the honorable guest of Ramadan must start in earnest right away.
Where do I start? What am I to do? What should I not do?
Well, a good starting point will be to spare a bit of time daily for
preparing yourself for Ramadan. A person starts off by making adjustments
to his or her current lifestyles. The daily timetable must be altered, allowing
more time for spiritual rejuvenation. Can I take out quality time from my
present busy lifestyle? How much of time and when? Sit down and work it out.
Maybe half an hour before Salatul Fajr and another half-hour before going to bed?
Or will half an hour before and after Salatul Isha be more appropriate?
Whatever it may be, at least an hour out of 24 hours must be set aside
with discipline and consistency from today onwards. This is time dedicated
to Almighty Allah Jallah Wa'ala alone. Unless for an emergency, no intrusion in this
time must be allowed - no phone calls or other distractions. This time
should be spent in developing a strong bond of love and affinity with the Most Noble
and Glorious Qur'an, with Duah and Zikr. A lot of time must be spent in introspection
and self-appraisal. What is my current state of Islam? Strong or weak? What
are my weaknesses? How do I overcome these? Who do I turn to for
spiritual help and guidance? Deep, soul-searching questions have to be posed.
This is one of the highest form of Ibadah. It is the Ibadah of Fikr or Tafakkur, a moment
of which equals many years of Nafl Ibadah. Who am I? Why am I here? Where am I
heading to and what happens after I depart from this egotistical and material world?
Finally, all the "T's" of Ramadan Shareef must be kept in mind so that
when Ramadan comes, "everything is to the T!". These "T's" are: Tilawat,
Tuhajjud, Taraweeh, Tasbeehat, Tadharru' (fervent Duah), Tatawwu'
(Nafil Ibadah), Tasahhur (eating Sehri), Taubah (repentance), Tawadhu
(humility) and Tafakkur (contemplation).
May Almighty Allah Subhanahu Wata'ala make this Ramadan a
turning point in the life of the long-suffering Ummah of Almighty
Allah's Beloved Rahmatul Liel Ala'meen.
Ameen!
A Joyous Ramadan Mubarak to
you and to all your loved ones.
Was Salamualaykum Warahmatullahi Wabarakatuhu
Abdul Hamid