“Ramadan is a time for inner reflection and renewal, exercising self control and patience as well as engaging in gratitude and forgiveness”.
Fasting means to abstain from all those things that are forbidden during fasting from the break of dawn to the sunset, and to do this with the intention of fasting. Fasting requires resilience, perseverance and a strong will. Muslims fast out of love to Almighty Allah, and are comforted by the spiritual connection that fasting nurtures. The Prophet Muhammad (SAW) tells Muslims: “For the fasting person there are two times of joy; a time of joy when they break their fast and a time of joy when they meet their Lord”. There are also various personal, lifestyle and communal benefits associated with fasting. These include the improvement of will and self-control, cleansing the body from toxins and gaining an appreciation of the struggles that the poor go through. During fasting Muslims do not eat or drink from Fajar to Maghrib and also restrain from all other activities inimical to the spirits of the fast. Relieved of these basic human needs for a restricted period of time, the believers instead focus on their spiritual development. Muslims also focus on increasing their acts of worship, prayers, good deeds, giving charity and strengthening family and community bonds in the holy month of Ramadan. This is why for individual Muslims and their community at large, Ramadan is a time for inner reflection and renewal, exercising self control and patience as well as engaging in gratitude and forgiveness. It is a perfect opportunity to connect and deepen one’s connection with Almighty Allah.
“The first ten days of Ramadan are known by some as the “Ten Days of Mercy”, and are considered a time of great blessing and reward in Islam. Dua is a direct means of communication between a person and Allah. It is a way to seek guidance, forgiveness, and blessings, as well as to express gratitude and ask for one’s needs to be fulfilled. Muslims are encouraged to make sincere and heartfelt Dua, as it is believed that Almighty Allah is especially receptive to the prayers of His servants during this time. During these days we should make Dua at Iftar time, make Dua for others to receive mercy, Keep good relationship with the family, increase Zikr, encourage family to pray at night and show mercy to others.”
Ramadan starts with the first Ashrah (Ashra e Rehmat), which depicts richness and blessings. It is a lovely way to begin this holy month. In this Ashrah, one must implore pardon from the Lord, who wishes no greater than to bestow the blessings of life and the Hereafter on His Ummah. During this Ashrah of Ramadan Dua is marked by divine mercy and spiritual opportunity. Muslims engage in Dua, seeking forgiveness, guidance, and protection from Allah. Specific supplications are recommended for this period, aiding believers in deepening their connection with the divine. We increase worship by reciting the Quran, giving charity, seeking forgiveness, avoiding sinful acts, and strengthening family bonds. This Ashrah is delicately woven with threads of divine mercy and spiritual opportunity. It is the time when the gates of heaven are open wide, and the whispered supplications of the faithful are heard with exceptional clarity. The first ten days of Ramadan are known by some as the “Ten Days of Mercy”, and are considered a time of great blessing and reward in Islam. Dua is a direct means of communication between a person and Allah. It is a way to seek guidance, forgiveness, and blessings, as well as to express gratitude and ask for one’s needs to be fulfilled. Muslims are encouraged to make sincere and heartfelt Dua, as it is believed that Almighty Allah is especially receptive to the prayers of His servants during this time. During these days we should make Dua at Iftar time, make Dua for others to receive mercy, Keep good relationship with the family, increase Zikr, encourage family to pray at night and show mercy to others.
