Ramadan Reflections 1444/2023 Part 1

Ramadan Mubarak! Image & Decor: Courtesy of a Dear Friend

Why do Muslims observe the Month of Ramadan?

“O You who believe, fasting is prescribed for you, as it was prescribed for those before you, so that you may be mindful of God.”

[Surah Baqarah: 183]

1. Oh you who believe [pay close attention because what comes next is of special emphasis].

2. Fasting is prescribed [there is much benefit in a prescription].

3. It was prescribed for those before you [this prescription benefitted others before you].

4. So that you may become those of TAQWA (mindful/conscious/aware/reverent/in awe of God) [Realign your life from a ME-centric reality to a GOD-centric reality]

“Fast for a specific number of days, but if one of you is ill, or on a journey, on other days later. For those who can fast only with extreme difficulty, there is a way to compensate - feed a needy person. But if anyone does good of his own accord, it is better for him, and fasting is better for you, if only you knew.”

[Surah Baqarah: 184]

1. Fast for a specific/prescribed/limited number of precious days.

2. There is concession for the sick and the traveller but do make it up later [From His Mercy, Love, Compassion, Kindness, Gentleness].

3. If it’s extremely difficult, then pay a compensation by feeding a needy person.

4. However, if you can fast, and/or make it up later, that is better for you if only you knew why.

“It was in the month of Ramadan that the Quran was revealed as guidance for mankind, clear messages giving guidance, and distinguishing between right and wrong. So any one of you who is present that month should fast, and anyone who is ill or on a journey should make up for the lost days by fasting on other days later. God wants ease for you, not hardship. He wants you to complete the prescribed period and to glorify Him for having guided you, so that you may be thankful.”

[Surah Baqarah:185]

1. The Qur’an was sent down to the lowest heaven in its entirely, on the 27th of Ramadan. Then over the next 23 years of the Prophet’s life ﷺ, from the age 40 onwards, it was revealed piecemeal, via the Archangel Gabriel, as appropriate and relevant to the events and circumstances of the Prophet’s life ﷺ and that of the early Muslims.

2. The Qur’an was revealed as a Guidance (Huda).

3. Contained within are clear proofs [Bayyinah] showing you the way of guidance.

4. A criterion that distinguishes between right and wrong. [Al-Furqa'an]

5. If you witness the month, fast.

6. Again, be reassured, that there is a concession given for the sick and the traveller, provided you intend to make it up later.

7. Allah wants ease for you, not hardship [From His Mercy, Love, Compassion, Kindness, Gentleness].

8. He wants you to complete the prescribed period (so much goodness in a prescription for the wellness of the heart, mind, body and soul).

9. Glorify Him, for He gifted you guidance [the greatest gift because without it, you would be lost and wandering aimlessly without direction or destination through this worldly life].

10. Therefore, be thankful; have gratitude (SHUKR).

“[Prophet], if My servants ask you about Me, I am near. I respond to those who call Me, so let them respond to Me, and believe in Me, so that they may be guided.” [Surah Baqarah: 186]

1. Reassure My [Allah’s] servants if they ask you about Me [Allah], that I am indeed near/close/with them.

2. I [Allah] respond to the invocation of the supplicant who calls upon Me [Allah].

3. So they must also respond to Me [Allah], believe/have faith in Me [Allah].

4. For the purpose of being rightly guided (RUSHD) [with steadfastness/certainty/firmness].

So what then is the PURPOSE of The Blessed Month of Ramadan?

To REORIENT the human heart and RECONNECT it to The One Who Owns it, The One Who Created it, The One Who Designed it.

HOW?

By Attaining these three states of consciousness....

1. TAQWA - mindfulness/consciousness /awareness/reverence/awe of Allah

2. SHUKR - gratitude for the gift of existence, guidance and the ability to call upon the Creator, directly, without intermediaries.

3. RUSHD - Absolute certainty of guidance on the pathway with a clear map of directions, towards a clear destination - The Aakhirah.

Allah and the Messenger ﷺ know best.

May Allah Bless us, Forgive us and Have Mercy upon us in Sha’baan and allow us to reach Ramadan.

Ameen.