Ramadan is a sacred month for Muslims. Observing Ramadan through fasting is a compulsory form of worship that reaps some of the highest rewards. Allah (SWT) commands us in the Holy Qur’an: “O ye who believe! fasting is prescribed to you as it was prescribed to those before you that ye may (learn) self-restraint.” (Surah Al Baqarah: Ayah 183). To make the best of Ramadan and to maximize the blessings we receive from observing it, there are numerous Sunnah that can help you attain greater closeness to Allah (SWT). Below are a few: 1. Increasing your Charity While it is incumbent on every Muslim (who can afford to do so) to pay their Zakat-ul-Fitr in order for their fast to be accepted, being extra generous during this month through voluntary acts of charity is highly desirable. Ibn 'Abbas said, "The Messenger of Allah, may Allah bless him and grant him peace, was the most generous of people in giving charity. He was even more generous in Ramadan when Jibril, may Allah bless him and grant him peace, used to meet him. Every night of Ramadan, Jibril used to come to him and the Messenger of Allah, may Allah bless him and grant him peace, would read the Qur'an to him. When Jibril came to him, the Messenger of Allah, may Allah bless him and grant him peace, was more generous in giving charity than the blowing wind." It was widely known that Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) was even more generous during the month of Ramadan and he is the ideal example for us to follow. 2. Eat Suhoor Sometimes, fatigue can set in, and it can be difficult to wake up in the early hours of the morning to prepare a meal for the coming day. However, these are all tests by Allah (SWT), and we should try our best to overcome these challenges to please Allah (SWT). It was narrated from Abu Hurairah that the Prophet said: In the above Hadith, the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) informs us that it is highly beneficial for us to eat Suhoor before beginning our Fast. Allah (SWT) rewards us for eating and taking care of our bodies. It is also an ideal time to spend in supplication and get your day off to a good start. 3. Feeding others While Ramadan is a time for spiritual cleansing by seeking forgiveness and learning self-restraint by abstaining from food and drink during the day, it also serves as a reminder of the less fortunate. As an Ummah, we have a duty upon ourselves to take care of one another. It is for this reason that there is numerous blessings in being mindful that there are people who might not even have something to break their Fast with or have something for Suhoor. It was narrated from Zaid bin Khalid Al-Juhani that the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said: 4. Seeking Forgiveness during Layaltul Qadr Ramadan is known as the month in which the Holy Qur’an was revealed. The first revelation took place on Laylatul Qadr which is a night that falls during one of the last 10 nights of Ramadan. During this auspicious night, Muslims are encouraged to seek forgiveness. It is a night of great commemoration and devotion to Allah (SWT) and places higher than that of 1,000 months. "O Messenger of Allah, what do you think I should say in my supplication, if I come upon Laylatul-Qadr?" He said: "Say: 'Allahumma innaka 'afuwwun tuhibbul-'afwa, fa'fu 'anni (O Allah, You are Forgiving and love forgiveness, so forgive me).'" This is a well known Hadith in which Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) encourages us to spend this night in seeking forgiveness from Allah (SWT). 5. Avoid any negative talk We should always try our best to be gentle in our speech and speak good or remain silent. During Ramadan, it is a great way to practice this habit as it is part of self-restraint. Narrated Abu Hurairah: The Prophet (PBUH) said: “Fast is a shield; when one of you is fasting, he should neither behave in an obscene manner nor foolishly. If a man fights or abuses him, he should say: I am fasting, I am fasting.” It is one of the most important habits to sustain during and after Ramadan as it relates to good character. One of the biggest things we should be mindful of is that none of our good deeds will be accepted if we don’t practice good character. What are some other Sunnahs that you will be practicing this coming Ramadan? Written by: Zaghra Savahl
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IntroductionAs humans in this dunya we are inundated by many distractions, misguidance, and falsehoods therefore making life much more confusing and difficult. What are we thinking, saying, observing, and experiencing in our lives? Are we truly living by Islamic ideals? This is where we can choose to actively “Strive For Clarity.” Archives
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