The Month Of Mercy ...

Assalamau Alaykum Warhamatullah!

Today i want to talk about a month which holds a great importance in Islam and in the lives of the Muslimeen.

This month, as you all may be aware is Ramadhan.

..Whilst Ramadhan is drawing closer and closer we need to now be asking ourselves, what is it that we have done to prepare for this amazing month? Or, what is it that we need to do so that when we get to this month, we're ready, enthusiastic and full of energy?

If you were to ask me to tell you about the beauty and joy of Ramadhan, words would do no justice.

However, i can tell you that Ramadhan is a month where a slave of Allah takes a break from this Dunya and its desires and temptations, and travels to the vastness of the hereafter. It is a month in which a servant of Allah is reminded that this world is but a temprary abode, and the hereafter is what is the eternal life, and so in the humble state he's in, he tries to change his ways, habits, and character, and persists in doing good deeds, so that it lasts him for a whole year until the next Ramadhan.

Ramadhan is a month where you do all you can to uplift your Imaan, and cleanse your self from the filth of sins. It is a month, where shayaateen are locked away, hells gates are closed and Jannahs doors are open, and deeds are multiplied. A Muslim should take this month as training.

Phsycologists have said that if a person starts to do something for several days, it becomes a habit, and so this is why Ramadhan is 29/30 days so that a Muslim cans start to develop his or her rountine and ways in accordance to the commandments of Allah.

This month is also a month in which the Quran was revealed, and in it lies one of the best nights. Laylatul Qadr. We should take full advantage of these precious days that await us, and treat it as if its our last Ramadhan, so we can get the most out of it.

For many, Ramadhan is seen as just long continious hours without food and drink. However, it is also a time for us to fast from our desires, and sins such as backbiting, lying etc.

Realistically, going without food or drink (fasting) makes one humble and reliant and so a servant in this state draws closer to his Lord, and doing good deeds is made easier for him.

Hence, why Allah (swt) says:

"The month of Ramadan is the one in which the Qur'an was revealed as guidance for mankind and with vivid features of (earlier) guidance and the Criterion (of right and wrong); so those of you who witness the month must fast therein and should anyone be sick, or on a journey, then, a number from other days. Allah wants ease for you and does not want hardship for you. And all this because you may complete the number and proclaim the Takbir of Allah for having guided you and that you be grateful." (2:185)

Allah (swt) is giving us this month, so we can become better Muslims. Allah (swt) prescribed on all those who are able to, and have reached the age of pubery to fast. Fasting in this month, is also one of the pillars of Islam, and without doing this, one is neglecting a basic fundamental of Islam.

It may be long days of fasting, but the reward is huge! You will not only see the benefits of this in the hereafter but also in this dunya, as it keeps you away from evil desires and temptation.

We all need to strive to make this Ramadhan the better than the last, and strive to utilise each moment in the best way possible.

Set yourself targets, write them down. Even, if for some reason you were unable to perform this certain act in Ramadhan, then even still, that paper and pen will testify for you on the day of judgement and also your will be rewarded for your intention.

Keep the Quran your company at night in these blessed days, and help others. Whether its helping your mum prepare for iftar, or having study circles with your siblings. Remember you will be rewarded multiple times for it, if your intentions were sincere, and for Allah!
May Allah (swt) allow us to live to see another Ramadhan, and grant us the ability to utilies each moment in pleasing Him, and doing good deeds. May Allah (swt) give us the ability to keep steadfast in all the good we start, and reward and accept our actions. Aameen.

On that note:

Al Kauthar Bradford will be holding a one day course on Ramadhan - "The Month Of Mercy"
And one way of making our Ramadhan, a good one, is getting to know more about it, its widoms, etc and also if you havn't prepared, then this is the course for you!

The Prophet Muhammad (saw) said: "Whoever treads the path in search of knowledge, Allah will make the path to paradise easy for him"

Scholars of the past, would travel far and wide to seek knowledge, and here, in todays world many of us have it right at our fingertips!

Please do not miss this oppurtunity!

Email me on smilingmuslimahs@hotmail.co.uk

To enrol please visit: www.alkauthar.org or simply email me :)

Jazakumullah Khair.

Wassalaamu Alaykum!