Ramadan Kareem

Assalamu Alaikum Waraghmatulaahi Wabarakatu.

I greet you with the universal greeting of peace.

Reminders are good for the soul. Whenever we share knowledge or information pertaining to Islam the complete way of life, it serves not only as a reminder to the person it is given to but also serves as a reminder for the one who is giving it as well. We all need reminding of the true purpose of life.

“And I did not create the Jinn and Mankind except to worship me” Surah 51:56

Ramadaan is upon us and in a previous post I went back to basics

We will be embarking on a month of intense spiritual training that is incumbent of every muslim male and female that is of age and physically able to participate in fasting during this holy month.

“O ye who believe, fasting is prescribed for you as it was prescribed to those before you so that ye may attain righteousness. Fasting for a fixed number of days. But if any of you are ill or on a journey, the prescribed number of days must be made up later. As for those who can do it with hardship a ransom, the feeding of one that is indignant. But he that will  give more of his own free will it is better for him. And it is better for you that you fast, if you only knew. Ramadan is the month in which the Quran was sent down as a guide to mankind, also clear signs for guidance and judgement between right and wrong. So whosoever sights the new moon for that month, should spend it fasting” Surah 2:183-185

Fasting is the fourth pillar of Islam. It is aimed at solidifying the connection between the master and his servant.

It creates Taqwa and is an act of worship and obedience done only for the pleasure of Allah.

Taqwa (Arabic: تقوى‎‎ taqwā / taqwá “) is an Islamic term for being conscious & cognizant of Allah, of truth, of the rational reality, “piety, fear of God”^. It is often found in the Quran. Al-Muttaqin (Arabic: لِّلْمُتَّقِينَ‎‎ Al-Muttaqin) refers to those who practice taqwa, or in the words of Ibn Abbas  “believers who avoid Shirk (associating partners ) with Allah and who work in His obedience.” Defenition sourced from Wikipedia.

How can we become more conscious of Allah? As per our Jumuah lecture (attended at the Yusufia Mosque in Wynberg) this past Friday we can attain a greater level of consciousness by practicing three principles. When I heard this it resonated with me as it was practical things that we can all implement daily that will be of great benefit during this holy month.

• Remembrance of Allah
• Gratitude to Allah
• Obedience of Allah

Remembrance: We need to spend more time in worship making the Thikr (remembrance) of Allah . We need to remember that Allah is all-knowing, all-seeing and all-wise. He is omnipotent and ever-present. So if He sees all that we do let us do what will be pleasing to him. We need to ponder on who Allah Subghana Wata Allah really is and what His capabilities are. One way of doing this that has helped me to get a glimpse into who my Lord really is, is reflection upon the Asmaul Husna.

Gratitude: It is important to reflect and enumerate the bounty of our Lord. His gifts upon us are endless and way too many to mention. The greatest gift of all being the gift of Imaan (faith) and guidance towards the path that will lead to His pleasure and favor. A life of gratitude is a life spent in the Service of Allah Subghana Wata Allah.

Obedience: Obedience simply put means to practice upon the commands which have been ordained by Allah Subghana Wata Allah and  to stay away from that which has been prohibited. Allah Subghana Wata Allah created man and for me it is only logical that He would know what is best for us.

I hope that this Ramadan will be a productive one for everyone and that we all attain the spiritual goals we have made Niyah (intention) to complete In Shaa Allah. May you all have a blessed Ramadaan In Shaa Allah.

Please note that it is always recommended to verify any and all information pertaining to matter of Deen with a qualified scholar. I referenced some information for this post from The book on Fasting by Abdurraghiem Salie.

Shukran for reading, until next time!