Muslim Blog Muslim BlogIn order to derive the utmost benefit from the sacred month of Ramadān, it is crucial to recognize the spiritual significance and import of this month. Abdullah ibn Mas‘ūd radiallahu anhu states, “The master of months is the month of Ramadān and the master of days is the day of Jumu‘ah.” Ramadān is the month, after a year full of sin and spiritual retrogression, which Allah Ta’ala has designated for the revivification of the soul and one’s spiritual ascension. Ramadān is the month, after drifting away from Allah, wherein a servant once again is able to draw near to his Cherisher. However, all this will only be possible is we value this precious month and prepare for it accordingly.
Preparing for Ramadān
It is reported that Rasulullah salallahu alayhi wasallam used to commence preparation two months prior by reciting the following supplication at the beginning of Rajab, “Oh Allah, bless us in Rajab and Sha‘ban and make us reach Ramadān.” This shows the importance of conditioning oneself mentally and spiritually for the advent of this month. Ramadān is an long-awaited celestial guest; accordingly, we ought to prepare the grandest reception in appreciation for all of its concomitant blessings and barakah. It is only through such yearning and longing that the significance of Ramadān will develop in our hearts serving as a catalyst to increase our good deeds and to fulfill the objectives of Ramadān.
Objectives of Ramadān
There are three main objectives to attain from this blessed month, namely absolution of one’s sins, attainment of piety and enhancing one’s communion with Allah Ta’ala. In regards to absolution of sin, Rasulullah salallahu alayhi wasallam mentioned, “Whosoever fasts and stands for worship in Ramadān out of faith and anticipation of reward, all of his previous sins will be forgiven.” The main element mentioned in this Hadīth is that our effort and strife in worship throughout the month should be with the zest of Iman and zeal of reward. The recompense of this will be a comprehensive exoneration from sins. Generally, we fail to fathom what that really entails. Everyone knows what sins he or she has committed throughout the year. Furthermore, everyone also knows the quality of his or her repentance. This is a chance to submerge oneself in the endless ocean of Allah Ta’ala’s mercy and pardon wherein complete forgiveness is guaranteed.
The burden and anguish of sin, which leads to frustration and anxiety, will be lifted; the veil of inhibition that impedes a person from his Rabb will be removed and the doors to a life of spiritual bliss, ecstasy and harmony will be flung open. In regards to attaining piety, Allah Ta’ala states, “Oh you who believe, Fasting has been made compulsory upon you as had been made compulsory upon those before you so that you may become Allah-fearing.” Fasting is one of the best spiritual exercises to establish piety and a perpetual consciousness of Allah Ta’ala. It is such a personal and sincere act of worship that is only known by Allah and the person keeping the fast. What is it that prevents a person from breaking his fast before sunset? One can easily deceive the people; it is only the consciousness of Allah and fear of His divine reproach that prevents a person from doing so.
Once the realization sets in that the same Omni-cognizant and Omnipotent Allah who knows about the state of our fast is aware of all our actions throughout the year, it will be extremely easy to abstain from any other type of sin. Once a person feels the bliss of being completely pardoned and relieved from the burden of sin coupled with the feeling of Allah’s figurative omnipresence, he or she would have reached a very high pedestal of divine communion. This pedestal is what is referred to as stage of Ihsān; where a person worships Allah as if he or she is seeing Him or with the full conviction and cognizance that Allah is watching him as mentioned in the famous Hadīth of Rasulullah salallahu alayhi wasallam . May Allah grant us the ability to reap the benefits of Ramadān.
Source: daruliftaa
