Welcoming Ramadhaan

The honouring and welcoming of a guest begins long before his arrival, and the greater the personality, the more elaborate the arrangements. The preparation done beforehand determines the eventual happiness and comfort of the guest.

The guest of the auspicious month of Ramadhan is now less than a month away, and there is no month superior to this month. Described by Allāh Ta’ālā as the month in which the Qur’ān Karīm was revealed; this is a month wherein the rewards for Deeds are tremendously increased, wherein gaining closeness to Allāh Ta’ālā becomes extremely easy.

However, our preparation in advance will determine how much we are able to benefit. If one gears himself up spiritually, then it becomes much easier to achieve Taqwa and draw from the abundant Mercies that Ramadhān brings. We need to “get the engine running and warmed up”, so we do not lose a moment when Ramadhān arrives.

One of our pious predecessors, Sheikh Abū Bakr Al-Balkhi Rahimahullāh gave a beautiful example: “Rajab is similar to strong winds (that gather the clouds), Sha’bān is similar to the clouds (which are gathered by these winds), and Ramadhān is like rain (that now falls and benefits one and all as a result). Subhānallāh!

What can we do to prepare? 

– The first and most important thing is to make a concerted effort to stop sinning. For example, if a person is accustomed to casting evil glances; if he does not control himself now then Ramadhān will be upon him and he will find himself inadvertently continuing to sin. A good portion of the sacred month will pass before he is able to bring this under control.

– Taubah (to ask Allah Ta’ala for forgiveness).

– If one is not in the habit of frequenting the Masjid or has somehow lost connection with the House of Allah, a concerted effort should be made to connect himself to the House of Allah once again.

– Fast in abundance in this month of Sha’bān. ‘Āishah Radhiyallāhu ‘Anha mentions: “I have never seen Nabi Sallalāhu ‘Alayhi wa Sallam fast more in any other month than I have seen him do in Sha’bān.” (Bukhāri, 1969).

– Increase or begin the recitation of the Qur’ān Karīm, even if it be little by little. This will aid us in completing at least one Khatam of the Qur’an Karīm in the month of Ramadhaan. Those who are unable to recite the Qur’an Karīm should approach an Alim or Hafiz of Qur’an and begin learning as soon as possible.

– We should physically attend Dīni talks and programs to create within us the enthusiasm and zeal for this blessed month.

– Reading of the kitaab ‘‘Virtues of Ramadhan’’ by Sheikh Muhammad Zakariyya Rahimahullah together with our families will assist greatly in this as well.

– Join the effort of Tablīgh.
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– The 15th night of Sha’bān is a night of great virtue. Therefore, we should exert ourselves in spending the night or even a part of it in the worship of Allāh Ta’ālā. In South Africa, the night of 15 Sha’baan 1443 corresponds to Thursday night (17 March 2022).

May Allāh Ta’ālā make the coming Ramadhān one that changes our lives for the better, Āmīn.

07 Sha’bān 1443/10 March 2022 A0030

A0030 - Welcoming Ramadhaan

 

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