Ramadan; Welcome Ramadan

 

                        "Welcome Ramadan"

Ramadan is one of the twelve Arabic (Hijri) months. It is a month which is valued in the Islamic religion, and it is distinguished from the other months by a number of characteristics and virtues, including the following:

• Allah has made fasting this month the fourth pillar of Islam.
• Allah revealed the Qur’aan in this month.
• Allah has made Laylat al-Qadr in this month, which is better than a thousand months.
• In this month, Allah opens the gates of Paradise and closes the gates of Hell, and chains up the devils.
• Every night Allah has people whom He redeems from the Fire.
• Fasting Ramadan is a means of expiation for the sins committed since the previous Ramadan, so long as one avoids major sins.
• Fasting in Ramadan is equivalent to fasting ten months.
• Whoever prays qiyaam in Ramadan with the imam until he finishes, it will be recorded for him that he spent the whole night in prayer.
• Umrah in Ramadan is equivalent to Hajj.
• It is Sunnah to observe i’tikaaf (retreat for the purpose of worship) in Ramadan, because the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) always did that.

                     The Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) used to say these words when the month of Sha`ban draws to a close, "O Muslims! A noble and generous month has come to you. A month in which a night is better than one thousand months, and this month is the month of charity, patience, and mercy. In this month the gates of Paradise become wide open and the gates of Hell are shut, and the devils are chained…” 

                                                                                                   (An-Nasa'i)

The Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) urged us to fast, not only from food and drink, but also to refrain from any bad behavior, whether it is against one’s self, the society or the humanity at large.

How to Welcome Ramadan?

Allah is giving us another opportunity in our life to witness the month of Ramadan. Ramadan is a great time of God’s blessings and His mercy. Every Muslim should take full advantage of this time. We should get ready to welcome this month and receive it with happiness.

Following are some ways to welcome this month: 

1. Special Du’a

Pray to God that this month reaches you while you are in the best of health and safety so that you can fast and do all your acts of devotion with ease and enthusiasm.
It is reported by Anas ibn Malik that, when Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) used to see Ramadan’s crescent, he used to pray:

"O Allah, make this crescent to shine on us with safety, faith, security, Islam and good fortune to do what is beloved and pleasing to our Lord. Our and your Lord is Allah."  (At- Tarmidhi)

2. Thanks and Happiness

When the month comes, then you should be thankful to God and show happiness. The companions of the Prophet used to greet each other on the beginning of Ramadan.

3. Planning and Determination

You should make a good plan for the whole month about how you are going to organize your days and evenings during Ramadan. Plan special schedules for your work so that you can pray on time, read the Quran and take Sahur (the meal consumed early in early morning before fajr prayer) and Iftar (breaking the fast at sunset, Maghrib prayer) on time.
Have sincere intention and determination to take full advantage of this time. Also have a full determination and commitment that you will not do any sin or anything wrong during this time. In this way you can benefit much more from your fasting and prayers.

4. Learn about the Rules of Fasting

Fiqh of fasting is very important so that you do not do anything that will spoil your fasts. Learn the way of Prophet Muhammad in fasting. That is the best way. Fast is not spoiled only by eating and drinking during the fast, but also by speaking bad words and doing wrong things.
The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said:

"Whosoever does not give up bad words and bad deeds, Allah has no need in that he leaves his food and his drink." (Al-Bukhari, 1903) 

5. Charity, Generosity and Kindness

The month of Ramadan is the month of kindness, charity and generosity. Plan to invite your neighbors, co-workers, friends, Muslims and non-Muslims to have Iftar meal with you. Let your non-Muslims friends and neighbors know about this month and its blessings. Be more generous and help the poor and needy. Plan to give your alms and charity at this time and help others as much as you can.