HAROON RASHID BHAT
The holy month of Ramadan- the best of all months is showering its blessings. It is the month in which the gifts constantly pour forth from the ocean of divinity and generosity. While illuminating the importance of this sacred month, Abu Bakr al-Balkhi RA said: “The month of Rajab is the month for planting, the month of Sha’ban is the month of irrigating crops, and the month of Ramadan is the month of harvesting the crops” During this month, Muslims do some special practices (Ebadaat) which made this unique and more virtuous like:
Fasting: Fasting is a universal custom and is advocated by all the religions of the world, with more restrictions in some than in others. The Islamic Fast, as opposed to mere starvation or self-denial, is an act of worship and obedience to God, thanksgiving, forgiveness, spiritual training, and self-examination. Fasting is an institution for the improvement of the moral and spiritual character of a human being. The purpose of the fast is to help develop self-restraint, self-purification, God-consciousness, compassion, the spirit of caring and sharing, the love of humanity, and the love of God. Fasting inculcates patience, unselfishness, and gratitude. When we fast we feel the pains of deprivation and hunger and learn how to endure it patiently. The meaning of this powerful experience in a social and humanitarian context is that we are much quicker than anybody else in sympathizing with the oppressed and needy around the world. It elevates the human spirit and increases our awareness of God. It strengthens our willpower as we learn to rise above our lower desires. In one of the sayings (Hadith), our beloved Prophet (SAW) says “Your day of fasting should not be like ordinary days; when you fast, all your senses, eyes, ears, tongue, hands, and feet must fast with you”.
Taraweeh: This prayer is one of the remarkable specialties of Ramadan nights; for the whole month, Muslims line up at night to observe several optional Rakat and listen to and reflect on the recitation of the Qur’an. It is a very blessed and highly spiritual experience. This special prayer improves physical and emotional health. The gentle up and down movements, including Sajdah and Ruku, performed while praying improves physical and emotional health as well as enhance the endurance of the person praying. It has been reported that people who fast the whole day and then perform Taraweeh prayers at night feel more prosperous. Another advantage of Taraweeh is to encourage visiting the mosque most for offering this special prayer more often in the congregation. Taraweeh prayer gets all Muslims together from different walks of life in one place. A balanced meal at Sahoor and Iftar followed by Taraweeh prayers can help a person reduce weight. In short, every Muslim must try to offer to pray Taraweeh regularly. Not to make it a matter of discussion but rather to make it a matter of act.
Shahrul-Quraan” (The Month of Quran): What makes it even more special is the revelation of the Quran in the month. That is why it has also been known as “Shahrul-Quraan” (the month of the Quran). “Ramadan is the (month) in which the Qur’an was sent down, as a guide to mankind, also clear (Signs) for guidance and judgment (Between right and wrong). So every one of you who is present (at his home) during that month should spend it fast.”(Quran-2:185). This squarely explains the inseparable link between the Quran and the month of Ramadan. The revelation of the Quran to the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon Him) began this month.
The Night of Power: The night in which the Quran was revealed is known as The Night of Power or The Night of Destiny or Laylat-al-Qadr. This is considered to be the Holiest night in the Islamic calendar. This was the night when the first verses of the Holy Qur’an were revealed to the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), by Angel Jibrail. This night falls within the last 10 days of Ramadan. Muslims have been ordained to recite the Qur’an regularly and even more so in the holy month of Ramadan. On this night, a single good deed brings the blessings of 1,000 months. Just some of the good deeds that we can carry out on the Holiest of nights include dedicating the day to worship to increase your Taqwa, reciting the Holy Qur’an to familiarize yourself with its teachings, and giving to those most in need, thus fulfilling one of the Five Pillars of Islam.
Zakat and Charity: In Ramadan, when we experience the effects of hunger during our fast, we establish a closer association with those people who usually go through the condition due to a lack of food. So fasting serves two purposes. It tests your obedience and devotion to Allah (S.W.T) and how well you can restrain yourself from the pleasures of life and it also reminds you of the people who are starving and living in famine. This feeling inspires and enables us to help others. Therefore, Muslims tend to donate generously in this month and pay Zakat whole heartedly. For the most part, they spend Ramadan in a state of prayer and meditation but they also invest equally in helping others. Whether it’s a child charity of their choice or assisting a relief aid organization to provide aid to other Muslim countries, Muslims feel salvation by giving Zakat. One of the many great things about Ramadan is Eid-ul-Fitr when the entire Muslim Ummah reunites and celebrates the occasion together, enjoying all the festivities that follow afterwards.
Haroon Rashid Bhat is a teacher andcan be reached at minamharoon123@gmail.com
