During the ninth month of the Islamic lunar calendar, 90% of the total number of Muslims worldwide abstain from many things and activities from sunrise to sunset, this is practiced to fulfil one of the five Islamic pillars. This tradition started with the formation of Islam and dates back more than 1300 years. It so happens that these billions of people practice this act for spiritual significance not knowing that this ritual provides the opportunity to empathize with the needy and poor people globally and has many other benefits including psychological, scientific and physiological.
Abu Hurairah narrated that Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) said:
“Worship Allah, and worship none along with Him, offer the (five) prescribed compulsory prayers perfectly, pay the compulsory Zakat, and fast the month of Ramadan”.
Fasting prevents us from hellfire and leads us to Jannah (paradise), additionally, it’s only those who fast the holy month that will enter paradise via the Ar-Rayyan gate on yawumul qiyaama (day of resurrection); Muslims should fast not to receive gifts but to focus on the value and significance as fasting brings us closer to meeting the creator in the next life through rewards and blessings; fasting also enhances the ability to be mindful of Allah and avoid unintentional offences against His (Allah) way thus being cautious over one’s own life and actions as the angels are constantly watching us.
How best to prepare for Ramadhan
Try to be kind to those around you as this helps to improve your character since The Prophet ﷺ used to say: “The best amongst you are those who have the best manners and character.” (al-Bukhari)
Spend more time reciting and reflecting on the Holy Qur’an as this gets you closer to Allah and understanding of your roles in this world and to uncover more depths of meaning and benefits in the hereafter. In this regard, Aishah (may Allah be pleased with her) related that the Prophet ﷺ said: “Indeed the one who recites the Qur’an beautifully, smoothly and precisely, will be in the company of the noble and obedient angels. As for the one who recites with difficulty, stammering or stumbling through its verses, then he will have twice that reward.” (Muslim)
Help out other people through charity as this makes the world a better place for everyone; The Qur’an (57:11) says “who is it that would loan Allah a goodly loan so He will multiply it for him and he will have a noble reward?”
Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) said “Allah is in the aid of His Servant as long as His aid is in the assistance of others” (Muslim), He also said that “Give charity without delay, for it stands in the way of calamity” (Al-Tirmidhi).
Participate more in Sunnah acts as practiced by the prophet (PBUH); Qur’an 3:31, “Say, [Oh Muhammad], If you should love Allah, then follow me, [so] Allah will love you and forgive you your sins. Allah is forgiving and merciful”
Get to understand the nutritious and required food to eat before and after our fast during Ramadhan to provide the optimal energy in order to accomplish our daily tasks and increase our worship given the little time to eat. Additionally, avoid overeating because it makes our body heavy, removes clean understanding, induces sleep and makes one weak for worship.
Lastly irrespective of the many mistakes that you make, never give up on repentance because the Prophet said; “All the children of Adam constantly make mistakes, but the best of those who constantly make mistakes are those who constantly repent.” (Tirmidhi)
A blissful Ramadhan ahead
The authors are; Aisha Naava and Abdul Kareem Mzee, associates of the Muslim community in Uganda.
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