A sacred time

SHAFEEN MUSTAQ on the significance of Ramadan

Ramadan is here again, the month of immense blessings and reward. Ramadan is the ninth month of the Islamic lunar calendar. Every day during this holy month, Muslims around the world spend daylight hours fasting from sunrise to sunset, and abstaining from food, drink and other physical needs. As a time to purify the soul, refocus attention on God and practice self-sacrifice, Ramadan is much more than just not eating and drinking.

“O ye who believe! Fasting is prescribed to you as it was prescribed to those before you, that ye may (learn) self-restraint”. Qur’an 2:183

Muslims are called upon to use this month to re-evaluate their lives in light of Islamic guidance, to make peace with those who have wronged us, to strengthen ties with family and friends, do away with bad habits – in essence, to clean up our lives, thoughts and feelings. The Arabic word for “fasting” (sawm) literally means “to refrain”, and it means not only refraining from food and drink, but from evil actions, thoughts, and words. Most Muslims try to get home before sunset so that they can break the fast with family and friends.

Ramadan in 2009 started on August 22 will continue for 30 days, ending on September 19, which is a day of celebration marking the end of Ramadan, known as Eid-ul-Fitr. These dates are dependent on the sighting of the moon, as the Muslim calendar goes by the cycle of the moon.

There are several Islamic radio stations which you can tune into to hear the azaan at iftaar time, daily lectures, Islamic messages and news. Tune into Sydney’s Voice of Islam radio station 87.6 Fm (www.sydneyislamicradio. com) and Sydney Islamic Radio 92.1 FM (www.2mfm.org)

Let us keep the following things in our mind when we observe this month:

Intention Remind yourself that you are fasting in obedience to Allah. The Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) said: “Whosoever fasts in Ramadan with faith and seeking Allah’s reward, all his past sins are forgiven.” (Al-Bukhari, Hadith no. 37)

Sunnah (The way and manners of Muhammad) Observe the Sunnah in fasting. As much as you can, try to fast as much like the Prophet Muhammad fasted. Wara (Avoiding everything haram or makruh) Fasting is not just avoiding food and drink. Fasting is to learn how to avoid bad words and bad deeds. The Prophet said: “Whosoever does not leave bad words and bad actions, Allah does not care if he leaves his food and drink.” (Al-Tirmidhi 641)

Qur’an Read the Qur’an every day. Try to complete a personal reading of the Qur’an at least once during this month.

Prayer or Salah, Du`a’ and Dhikr Pray on time and observe all the prayers. Do more dhikr (remembering Allah) and du`a’ (supplication) for yourself and for others. This is the best time for devotion and seeking Allah’s forgiveness. Seek the Night of Qadr by special devotion during the last ten nights of this month.

Zakah, Sadaqah and generosity Ramadan generates the spirit of giving and sacrifice. When we deprive ourselves of food and drink we realize the pain of those who cannot have the basic necessities of life. Be very charitable and generous.

Family Goodness must begin at home. Spend more time and quality time with your family members. Break your fast and pray together. Allah’s special mercy comes on the families that are united, harmonious and peaceful.

The Arabic word for “fasting” (sawm) literally means “to refrain”, and it means not only refraining from food and drink, but from evil actions, thoughts, and words.

Good Conduct Try to be extra kind and courteous during this month. Forget your quarrels and disputes. Reconcile and forgive. Do not get involved in backbiting, lying, cheating and anything that is wrong. Be good to your friends and neighbours. Let your non-Muslim neighbours and coworkers know that this is your blessed and sacred time.

Tafakkur (reflection) Think, reflect and plan to improve the moral and spiritual condition of your own self and your family. Think about any wrong things and sins you might be doing and decide to correct yourself.

Be cheerful and happy Ramadan is not a time of mourning or sadness. It is a time of thankfulness to Allah. In a Hadith it is reported that the Prophet said, “When you fast, anoint yourself. Let not the signs of fast be seen on you.” (Al-Bukahri, Al-Adab al-Mufrad) Do not feel tired and miserable. Feel alert and relax. Take things easy. This time is for your own good.

May Allah swt grant us all the taqwah tawfiq and sabr to attain the spirituality we seek this month and continue our good deeds till the next Ramadan. May we attain Allah swt’s barkat and rahmat on us, our families and the Ummah at large.