BY: G M MIR NADIM
Dear Muslim Brethren, congratulations to all of you on the
arrival of Holy month of Generous and Blessed Ramadhan, the
ninth month of Islamic calendar. Let us all be happy and jolly for
finding ourselves again engulfed by Rehmat and Barakah of
this sacred month. Hopefully, all of us wait eagerly throughout
year for the arrival of these “Iyamul-Madoodat” (few counting
days) of Ramadhan.
The date for Ramadhan, popularly called Ramazan
Mubarak changes yearly because the Islamic calendar is based
on the lunar cycle, hence, its starting and end date depends
upon the sighting of the crescent moon. This year, Ramadhan
may begin in India from the evening of April 2, Ramadhan 1443
AH with the first fast being observed on April 3, 2022,
depending upon the sighting of crescent moon. Usually, the
crescent of Ramadhan is first sighted in Saudi Arabia and some
parts of India alongwith some western countries and then
usually a day later in the rest of India, Pakistan, Bangladesh
and other countries. It is that time of the year already when
muslims across the world are gearing up to sight the crescent
moon of Ramadhan 2022 tonight.
As we all know that Ramadhan is the 9 th month of Islamic
calendar that takes place for 720 hrs i.e, 4 weeks and 2 days
during which the followers of Islam fast between dawn and
sunset, pray for peace and guidance, give back to the
community in the form of charity or Zakaat, or engaging in
humanitarian activities such as feeding the under privileged and
introspect to enlighten their souls.
Pertinently, the revelation of Holy book of Qur’an was
made to Prophet Muhammad (SAW) during the month of
Ramadhan making this Holy month a highly significant one.
The act of fasting is a blessing on its own as it is one of
the pillars of Islam. The 5 pillars of Islam, with the Qur’an as a
guide shape a muslim into a better human being. It is an
obligation for muslims to fast during the month of Ramadhan.
Allah says in Holy Qur’an in Surah Al-Bakarah 2:183, “O
you who have believed, decreed upon you is fasting as it was
decreed upon those before you that you may become
righteous.”
Fasting in the case of Islam is self-restraint. A muslim
must abstain from food, drink and abusive language and ill
deeds and restrain from negative thoughts during their fast in
the month of Ramadhan. Fasting is not only beneficial for your
physical well-being. It benefits your mental and spiritual health
too.
Dear friends, the month of Ramadhan is all about patience
and sincere commitment and you will be rewarded for them.
These rewards come from sincerely performing good deeds
and fulfilling your duties as a muslim during this Holy month.
Rewards will be especially plenty for muslims who spend
most of their time in masajid during the Holy month in prayers.
Muslim who fast during the month of Ramadhan and follow it
with the six optional days of fasting in the month after that
(Shawwal), will also be heavily rewarded.
The Prophet Muhammad (SAW) mentioned, “Whoever
fasts during the month of Ramadhan and then follows it with six
days of Shawwal will be rewarded as if he has fasted the entire
year.” (Narrated by Abu Aiyub Al Ansari).
The five pillars of Islam include the Shahadah, daily 5
times prayers, fasting, charity and pilgrimage. It is beneficial for
muslims to perform such duties especially during the month of
Ramadhan including heading to Makkah Sharief for their
Umrah (minor pilgrimage). The rewards will be stacked up and
these will in return, draw up the path to Paradise in the life
hereafter, in sha Allah.
The month of Ramadhan is also a month of forgiving.
Allah SWT is the most forgiving to all His believers. Most
muslims would make use of this Holy month to pray for
forgiveness for their sins, intentional or unintentional, they have
committed in the past year.
The Prophet Muhammad (SAW) has said, “Whoever
observes fast during the month of Ramadhan, out of sincere
faith, and hoping to attain Allah’s rewards, then all his past sins
will be forgiven. (Hadith narrated by Abu Huraira Sahih-Al-
Bukhari).
Few muslims can and will use this Holy month as an
opportunity to rebuild or renew their ties with friends or loved
ones. With the current situation, you can keep in touch with
your loved ones through social media or video communicating
tools. Others may wish to turn over a new leaf and get rid of
their bad habits, some of which may be toxic to their religious
faith. This may include addictions or bad habits such as
drinking, smoking or intake of drugs.
How many of you have always felt lazy or too tired to
wake up before the sunrise for your pre-dawn meal (Sahur)? I
am sure there are a few who have done it at least once before.
With your parents pulling you out of your bed every time. Did
you know every pre-dawn meal during the month of Ramadhan
has a blessing in disguise. Have Sahur for verily there is a
blessing in it, followed by Subuh prayers, Fajr.
From a medical stand point, Sahur provides muslims with
the energy to last a day, to prevent dehydration and weakness
in the body. A muslim should always be energetic and active
during his fast and laze around the whole day.
Fasting muslims would break their fast with Dates, milk or
water after sunset (during the call for Maghrib prayer). The
breaking of their fast for day or Iftar is truly a blessing and a
moment of joy for every muslim as he or she completes a day
of worship to Allah SWT. “There are two pleasures for a fasting
person. One at the time of breaking his fast, when Allah
blesses him with all His bounties and other at the time when he
will meet his Lord. Then he will be pleased because of his
fasting.” (Narrated by Abu Huraira, Sahil-Al-Bukhari).
Muslims are advised not to delay their Iftar and do so as
soon as the call for Maghrib prayer sounds.
“The people will remain on the right path as long as they
hasten their breaking of the fast”. (Narrated by Sahl Bin Sa’d
Sahih-Al-Bukhari).
Continued…..
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