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| Preparation for Ramadan |
As a small reminder towards the coming month I will present a few things that each and everyone should keep in mind. Something that may aid a person in the month of Ramadhan and those months that follow thereafter.
The time between now and the month of Ramadhan is ticking away. This time that is passing now is precious as it is the time in which we need to make our preparations for the holy month of Ramadhan.
Following are just few points that should be kept in mind during the month of Ramdhan:
'Ilm (Knowledge)
The Prophet of Allah Sallallahu Alayhi Wa Sallam has said, "The seeking of knowledge is Fardh (obligatory) upon every Believer"
The meaning of this Hadeeth is that we are obliged to seek the knowledge that we need in order to execute the commands of our religion, and therefore it is vital that each and every person, during this period between Ramadhan, that we seek the necessary knowledge regarding the Masaa'ils of Ramadhan, i.e. the Fiqh (rulings) regarding the fast and other matters regarding this month.
Habits
It should be remembered that what we practice is what we will take into the month of Ramdhan. It cannot be denied that the blessed month of Ramadhan will indeed encourage a person to worship Allah Ta'ala in greater amounts than in the other months, but it should be also noted that our habits will continue with us through the month of Ramadhan. Therefore, one should pay extra precaution towards their daily habits and try to minimise the habits of sinning and increase the habit of the Dhikr (remembrance) of Allah and worshipping Him.
It is during this month that we should exercise a greater level of patience and gratitude. We should increase the level of perseverance and determination in gaining His pleasure so that when the month of Ramadhan dawns upon us we are in the habit of devoting ourselves to His service.
Sins
It is during the month of Ramadhan that Allah Ta'ala chains the Shaytaan and aids us in controlling our Nafs (Self Desire). It is therefore during this time that we can concentrate on our desires and try to control them and bring them in accordance to the pleasure of Allah.
Allaamah Busairi Rahimahullah says in his Qasida-e-Burdah (Poem of the Scarf) that "Your self (desires) is like a child..." The meaning of this is that a child will desire to do something but like the self desire it will give up if its desire is procrastinated and prolonged.
Therefore, from now on, we should make an intention that whenever we have a desire to commit a sinful act, we will delay that act until our desire retreats and it is thus that we can bring our self desire under control in time for the auspicious month of Ramadhan.
Direct Worship and In-direct worship
Islam, though classed as a religion, in reality, is a lifestyle for a believer. Keeping this in mind, Allah Ta'ala has made each of our daily activities something from which we can gain reward. Therefore, Allah Ta'ala has instructed us to worship Him throughout the year; eleven months which is dominated by indirect worship and one month which is dominated by direct worship.
Therefore, it is necessary that we pay extra attention towards this month as it is the only month in which we are asked to increase the level of direct worship.
Huqooqul Ibaad
It should be remembered that when we disobey Allah it is at His discretion to forgive us, but if we cause any discomfort or difficulty to one of His servants then Allah has informed us that He shall not forgive us until that person does not forgive us and He has commanded us to seek forgiveness from that person.
The month of Ramadhan is a month in which the direct worship an individual believer does increases significantly. It is therefore a time where each person will be in a greater contact with other Muslim brothers. Hence, we should take extra care in ensuring that this does not result in us being involved in sins whilst not even realising it.
It is seen that in Ramadhan people make a greater effort to go to the Masjid to offer their Salaah. Alhumdulillah, this is a great act of worship and may Allah reward us all for making the extra effort. However, how many of us take other people into consideration? We bring our cars, block other people's vehicles and remain in the Masjid to offer our Nawaafils. Yet, we fail to realise that we have caused another person difficulty and therefore all our prayers are washed away.
Keeping a Log
Although not necessary, it is advised that a person keep a personal log on everything he does from today til until after Ramadhan.
The method that can be used is that a book be kept, on one side all the positive points can be noted and on the other side all the negative points should be noted. If this log is started in Sha'baan and continued even after Ramadhan, then one will be able to see what deeds he has been doing and what sins have also been committed. It will also allow us to see whether during the month of Ramadhan our deeds increased and our sins decreased. Thereafter, Insha Allah, we can concentrate on our actions and achieve the purpose of Ramadhan, to change for the better.
May Allah Ta'ala make out efforts for this month successful and may He grant us the rewards that He has promised His pious servants. Aameen.
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