Just like a dear guest giving a brief visit, Ramadan comes and goes. Ramadan is the season when rewards are doubled, devils are chained, the gates of Paradise are opened, and the doors of the Hell are closed. It is the season of blessings.
Muslims are thus required to pay it special welcome. So, let’s get ready for Ramadan so that we reap its fruits in full. Truly happy is the one who makes the best use of every second of the month of Ramadan.
How to Reap the Fruits of Ramadan
Fast in Sha`ban
This is the sunnah as mentioned in the hadith narrated by Usama ibn Zayd (may Allah be pleased with him) when he asked the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him), “I have never seen you offer fast in a month as you do in Sha`ban.” The Prophet said, “It is a month people disregard that is between Rajab and Ramadan. In that month deeds are presented to the Lord of the Worlds, so I like my deeds to be presented while I am fasting.”
Make Du`aa’(supplication)
We should spare no effort in supplicating Almighty Allah to give us life till we reach this blessed month. This was always the practice of the Salaf (righteous predecessors); they used to supplicate for a whole six months that they would live till Ramadan. Once it came and departed, they would spend another six months in imploring Allah to accept the deeds they had offered in Ramadan. What a great reception and great love for that month!
Have a Good Heart for All Muslims
A Muslim never carries malice, hatred, or bad feelings against any fellow Muslim. The Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) said: “Allah looks to His servants on the fifteenth night of Sha`ban and forgives all of them except a muskrik (one who associates others with Allah) or a mushahin (one who carries malice or envy to his Muslim brothers).”
Carry Out Religious Duties
We should show utmost care to our religious duties, such as attending congregational prayer, observing Fajr Prayer on time, and leaving all types of major and minor sins because they hinder us from gaining reward.
Gain Heaps of Reward
Qiyam Al-Layl (Night Vigil Prayer), du`aa’ (supplication), and the daily quota of reading Qur’an are all sources of plenty of rewards. A Muslim may also specify certain times between Prayers for reciting the Qur’an.
Learn the Rulings on Fasting
A Muslim should resort to books and tapes to learn about fasting and its rulings.
Make Da`wah (invite others to Islam)
Helping others find their way to Allah is really amazing.
Be a Mentor
Teach others by being a mentor and a good example of practicing what you preach. Avoid all forms of bad manners and be manifest morality.
Use Your Time Well
Schedule your time in Ramadan and never lose any moment. Spend your time in good deeds that bring you great reward and make you win Allah’s pleasure.
Build a Spirit of Unity
Encourage your mosque mates to hold a collective iftar (meal to break the fast), even if only once in the whole month. Let them know how meritorious it is to exchange visits. Organize a get-together after `Eid Prayer at the mosque or somewhere else.
May Allah help us welcome Ramadan and spend it in good deeds! Amen!
By Khalid Baig
