Ramadan – A month of countless blessings
Mohd Siddiqur Rahman :
In the beginning, we express our heartfelt thanks and gratitude to Almighty Allah, the Most Gracious and the Most Merciful, for having enabled us to reach the second part of the holy month of Ramadan through fasting and practicing austerities.
Allah says that fasting is for Him alone, Almighty Allah has promised to reward his servants directly for their fasting if observed perfectly.
How fortunate we are to be passing these precious days in good health and strong spirit performing the rituals of Islam, including the Tarawee prayers with devotion and sincerity.
As we know, this blessed month is divided into three parts: the first ten days are Rahmat (Mercy), the second ten days are Maghfirat (Forgiveness), and the last ten days are Najat (Salvation).
As regards Rahmat(Divine Mercy), Allah the most gracious and the most merciful has subjugated the sun, the moon and all his countless creations for the service and benefit of Mankind. We can’t breathe even for a single moment without His grace.
It is He who raised the heavens, spread out the earth and established a perfect balance and measure to ensure the sustainability of human existence and all other living beings on Earth. His mercy surrounds us at every step of our lives.
Regarding Nazat( Salvation),it can only be obtained when our deeds are performed in obedience to the commands of Allah as revealed in His sacred book – The Quran.
In Ramadan, In every four Rakats of Taraweeh , we turn to our creator with deep humility and devotion, earnestly seeking emancipation from the punishment of the Hellfire.
With hearts full of hope and submission, we call upon Him again and again : “O Protector, Oh Protector ! You are the most kind and the most merciful”.
Allah has glorified and dignified this holy month by revealing the Holy Qur’an during its last part. It was in this sacred month that the divine message was sent down as guidance for mankind.
Ramadan is further honored by the presence of LailatulQadr (The Night of Destiny), which is better than a thousand months.
The prayer performed on this night with sincere faith and devotion brings immense reward and forgiveness.
It is in the knowledge of us that out of four religious books of Allah, the Quran is the last and complete one wherein in the beginning Allah says there is no doubt about this book and it is guide to the believers.
The holy Quran is called the complete code of life because it provides comprehensive guidance for every aspect of human existence–spiritual, moral, social, economic and legal.
It is not merely a book of rituals, rather, it is a divine constitution for mankind revealed to the Prophet Muhammad ( peace be upon him) for the guidance of all humanity.
Here it can be deeply felt and perceived that it is absolutely obeying the Allah’s commandments and following the ideals of Prophet Muhammad ( peace be upon him) who preached and established Islam can navigate mankind to the right directions.
This month is truly a golden opportunity for the Muslim Ummah worldwide. It is a special month for the servants of Allah to purify their souls, strengthen their faith, control their desires, and develop patience and compassion.
Fasting teaches self-discipline, humility, and sympathy for the poor and the needy.
Unfortunate are those who miss the opportunities offered in this special month of Ramadan to avail.
In this blessed month, the training of regular prayers, the practice of austerity, self-restraint, and discipline are meant to shape and transform our character.
If observed sincerely, these spiritual exercises will undoubtedly leave a lasting impact on the rest of our lives, guiding our thoughts and actions.
They help us build a life founded on righteousness, patience and moral strength hereby ensuring peace, success and beauty in this world and eternal prosperity in the Hereafter.
Dear readers, Alhamdulillah (all praise is due to Allah), let us again give expression of thanks and gratitude to Allah (s) and ask Him for the ability to observe the remaining days of this blessed month with sincere repentance, increased prayers, recitation of the Holy Qur’an, charity, and seeking forgiveness from Almighty Allah. May Allah accept our fasting, prayers, and good deeds, and grant us mercy, forgiveness, and salvation.
Ameen.
(The writer is Ex Country Manager, in Frankfurt, Germany of Biman Bangladesh Airlines.)
