Blessings of Ramadan

 

 

The month of Ramadan is the crown of all the months of the Islamic calendar. It is the month in which Allah (swt) began revelation of His Word (Kur’an) to Muhammad (saws), as well as the month in which we accomplish the third requisite of Islam, fasting. The word Ramadan comes from the Arabic verb (ramada) that means to burn. This is because the thirst and heat exhaustion of the fasting person burns the sins.

 

Fasting means to stay away from food, drink, and spousal intimate relations during the time interval between daybreak and sun-set. But that is not all; fasting also means to refrain from nonsense speech and actions. It is imperative upon the fasting person to keep the calm, steadiness, and spiritual tranquility attained even if offended with words or threatened with physical actions. The Messenger (saws) advises us:

"Fasting is a shield. So, the person observing fasting should … not behave foolishly and impudently, and if somebody fights with him or abuses him, he should tell him twice, 'I am fasting." (Muslim)

 

Even though during Ramadan Muslims deprive themselves from the earthly food and drink, their soul is prepared to accept nourishment that comes down from the sky. Therefore while fasting we are more cognizant of our soul and so we engage more in spiritual matters and understanding.

Ibn Abbasi r.a. reports: “The most generous person was the Messenger of Allah. Especially during the month of Ramadan…”

 

Human nature is constituted of body and soul; it is of the earth and the sky. True Muslim is one who maintains a balance between these two.

 

The elderly and those traveling are relieved from the obligation of fasting while in that situation. However, they are required to compensate for the missed days. Those who are suffering from a sickness and do not expect their health to improve, they do not have to make up the missed days; however, they are obligated to compensate by paying the amount of Sadekatu-l-Fitr to charity for every missed day of Ramadan. Sadekatu-l-Fitr is a charity that has to be paid for every member of the family in order that the fasting of the adults be accepted, otherwise the fasting will not reach Allah s.w.t. but will remain between the earth and the sky. It is generally paid in the last 10 days of Ramadan. Sadekatu-l-Fitr is given, among others, to the poor and needy people as well as to institutions that work in the way of Allah (swt). It is appropriate to mention that our Center operates due to your generous donations, sadaka and zakat. We pray to Allah (swt) to reward your contributions in this world and in the hereafter.

 

Dear members,

Decisive moments regarding our destiny can come at anytime. Anxiously awaiting these moments makes life more meaningful. For Muslims Ramadan is the most happiest and blessed time, it is the month when the doors of happiness and paradise are wide open, and the doors of hell are closed. That is why the companions of the Prophet (saws) joyfully were awaiting for this month, and six months before were beginning their preparations for Ramadan. And the Messenger (saws) used to ask Allah (swt):

 

O Lord, bless us in Sha’ban and let us witness Ramadan!!!

 

We wish for you a blessed month of Ramadan, praying to Allah the Merciful that He accept your worship, increase your good deeds and cleanse you from sins. May Allah (swt) bless you and your families.