1. An Attitude of Anticipation and Enthusiasm
A
believer looks forward to the month of Ramadhan. He enjoys the beauty
of spirit that Ramadhan begins, the warmth of carrying out the orders of
Allah, the hope of achieving His pleasure, and the happiness at being
able to obey the commands of Allah. He is happy when the month arrives
and sad when it departs.
2. Flexible Time and Schedule
Ramadhan
requires that we set aside more time than normal for worship and
prayers. A believer plans his time in such a way that in Ramadhan he is
not overwhelmed by the demands of the world. He lessens work if possible
and cuts down on activities which can be put to a halt for a little
while. The chance to earn rewards and blessings from Allah in this
special time will only last a limited time. Believers must make sure
their daily schedules allow maximum benefit of this special time.
3. A Qur'an with a good translation
An
important part of worship in Ramadhan includes reciting the Qur'an
regularly. A Hadith tells us, Ramadhan is the Spring of the Qur'an.
Understanding the word of Allah, and pondering over it should be daily
activities in this holy month. A believer makes sure he has a copy of
the Qur'an which is easy to read, and which has a simple translation
which he can understand. If time permits, he should also read the
commentary of the Qur'an. It is also important to have the right books
for the Duas and A`amaals for this month.
4. A Donation to a Worthwhile Charity
Ramadhan
is the best time to donate in the way of Allah. To feed the hungry or
give to the needy is an act of great reward, especially during the holy
month. Before the month of Ramadhan, a believer decides how much he can
afford to give, chooses a worthwhile charity and sends his donation.
This is a recommended charity, different from the zakatul Fitra which is
obligatory for Eid. Hadith tells us that charity cools the anger of
Allah and brings down many blessings on the giver. In the month of
Ramadhan this rewards is multiplied many times.
5. A Determination to Avoid Sins
Fastings
is not mere abstinence from food and drink, as we have heard many
times. It is also staying away from all sins. While fasting, all the
organs of the body fast, and refrain from doing anything which would
displease Allah. A believer makes a firm decision to avoid all sins that
he commits most often, and plans how he will stay away from them during
the month. This conscious preparation of a war against sins is a very
necessary item in the baggage of a believer in his journey towards
Allah.
6. A Desire to Help Others
In his sermon at the
approach of the holy month of Ramadhan, the Prophet (s) said: Whoever
lightens the work of his workers in this month, Allah will make easy his
accounting on the Day of Judgement. This does not only apply to those
who have workers working for them. To help and lessen the work of
others: parents, siblings, relatives, friends, etc. during the holy
month is an act of great virtue. It eases the load of the other person,
and brings about kindness and affection. Cooperating and assisting one
another is greatly loved by Allah.
These and other similar
important items are necessary for a successful journey during the month
of Ramadhan. Each believer must try to be prepared as possible, lest the
opportunity to redeem himself pass away. It is a great loss for the
believer if the whole month of mercy and blessings passes, and he has
not been able to achieve forgiveness of his sins, and has not won the
pleasure of Allah, and the rewards that He gives so abundantly during
Ramadhan. To avoid such a failure, it is necessary to keep a Ramadhan
checklist that is regularly updated.
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