Ten ways to receive Ramadan

Ten ways to receive Ramadan and ten incentives to make use of it

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful

We praise Allah, Lord of the Realms and peace be upon the most noble of Prophets' and Messengers, our master Muhammad and upon all His family and companions.

This Message addressed to the Muslim who are approaching Ramadan, while being in good health, to utilize it in the obedience of Allah Almighty. It deals with some means and incentives to make a believer more energetic and enthusiastic while worshiping Allah Almighty in that holy month. This explains the title: Ten ways to receive Ramadan and Ten incentives to utilize it. I ask Allah Almighty to aid me and grant me success, and let this work be just for the sake of His Honored Countenance; and may Allah's Prayers and Peace be upon our leader Muhammad and upon all his family and companions.

How should we receive Ramadan?

Q: what are the correct ways to receive that holy month?

A: A Muslim must not abandon the seasons of worship: on the contrary, he should hasten to proceed to it and compete others for it, in response to the statement of Allah Almighty: "So for this let the competitors compete." [Al-Mutafifin 83:26]

Transliteration: wafee thalika falyatanafasi almutanafisoona

My Muslim brother, be keen to receive Ramadan with the following correct ways:

The first way:

Supplicate to Allah to enable you to approach Ramadan while being in good state and health, in order to be active in worship of Allah Almighty, fasting, standing (at night in prayer) and remembrance (of Allah).

Moreover, the righteous forefathers used to supplicate to Allah, first to enable them to approach Ramadan, and then to accept (their deeds in) it from them.

When the crescent of Ramadan appears, supplicate to Allah saying: "Allahu Akbar! 'O' Allah! Let it approach us in peace, soundness and Islam, and aid us to do what's beloved and pleases you (O new moon) my Lord and yours is Allah" ["The goodly words" p.162, Al-Albani said authentic with its evidences]

«الله اكبر اللهم أهله علينا بالأمن والأمان والسلامة والإسلام ,والتوفيق لما تحب وترضى,ربي وربك الله» الكلم الطيب الصفحة 162، قال الألباني صحيح بشواهده

The second way:

Praise and thank Allah that he enabled you to approach Ramadan. An-Nawawi, may Allah have mercy upon him, said in his book 'Al-Athkar': "It should be known to you that if one receives an apparent favor, or is relieved of an apparent disfavor, he should prostrate out of gratitude to Allah Almighty, or praise Him as much as is fitting His Glory." One of the greatest favors Allah confers upon a servant is to enable him to obey and worship Him. Just the emergence of Ramadan upon a Muslim while being in good health is a great favor, which deserves gratitude and gratefulness to Allah, its Giver, and Grantor out of His Grace: all praise be to Allah, as much, good and blessed as is fitting for the Glory of His Countenance and the Magnificence of His Authority."

The third way:

Rejoice and be cheerful. It is proven that the Messenger of Allah, used to give his Companions the glad tidings about the approach of Ramadan, saying: "The month of Ramadan has approached you: Ramadan is a blessed month, which Allah Almighty imposed its fast upon you. In it, the gates of Paradise (of Paradise) are opened, and the gates of Hell-fire closed….." [Reported by Ahmad]

Our righteous forefathers, from among the Companions of the Messenger of Allah and their followers, who followed them righteously, used to care for the month of Ramadan, and rejoice upon its approach. Which delight is better than being informed with the near upcoming of Ramadan, the season of blessings and descent of mercies?

The fourth way:

To previously be determined, and plan to take advantage of Ramadan. Many people, and even the religious among them, put detailed plans for the worldly affairs, but few are those who plan for the hereafter matters. This goes back to the lacking of perception to the mission of the believer in this world, and forgetfulness, or say closing the eyes to the fact that the believer has so many opportunities and important chances with Allah Almighty to discipline himself and keep it firm on that religion. Planning to utilize the month of Ramadan in doing the acts of worship is typical planning for the hereafter. In this issue, a Muslim could put a program to avail himself with the days and nights of Ramadan in obedience of Allah Almighty. The message you are reading helps you utilize the month of Ramadan in obedience of Allah Almighty.

The fifth way:

Declare firm-will to make use of it and occupy its times with righteous deeds. Whoever is sincere to Allah Almighty, Allah will be sincere with him, helps him to obey Him, and makes easy upon him all ways of good. Allah Almighty confirmed the previous saying: "if they had been true to Allah, it would have been better for them." [Muhammad 47:21]

Transliteration: falaw sadaqoo Allaha lakana khayran lahum

The sixth way:

Acknowledge and understand well the rulings of Ramadan. A believer should worship Allah Almighty based on knowledge, and not be excused for his ignorance of the obligatory duties enjoined by Allah upon the servants. This includes, for example, the fasting of Ramadan. The Muslim should learn the questions and rulings related to fasting before Ramadan arrives, in order that his fast would be valid and accepted by Allah Almighty: "so ask the people of the message if you do not know." [Al-'Anbiya' 21:7]

Transliteration: faisaloo ahla alththikri in kuntum la taAAlamoona

The seventh way:

We have to receive it with determination to give up misdeeds and sins, true repentance from all mistakes, and decision not to return to them once again. It is indeed the month of repentance. Whoever does not repent in it, then, when will he repent? Allah Almighty says: "And turn to Allah in repentance, all of you, O believers, that you might succeed." [An-Nur 24:31]

Transliteration: watooboo ila Allahi jameeAAan ayyuha almuminoona laAAallakum tuflihoona

The eighth way:

The spiritual preparation, by reading religious books and leaflets, listening to Islamic cassettes of lectures and lessons, which clarify the good merits and rulings of fasting, in order that the soul would be prepared for (doing the deeds of) obedience in this month. It was the habit of the Messenger of Allah spiritually prepare his Companions to utilize that month, saying to them on the last day of Sha'ban: "The month of Ramadan has approached you…" [Reported by Ahmad and An-Nasa'i] (Lata'if Al-Ma'arif)

The ninth way:

Be well prepared for inviting people to the obedience of Allah in Ramadan through:

1. Prepare some words and instructions to deliver in the Masjid of the district.

2. Distribute the Ramadan-related instructive and juristic booklets and media on the people praying and dwellers of the neighborhood.

3. Prepare the "Gift of Ramadan," by placing two cassettes or cds and a booklet in an envelope labeled "The Gift of Ramadan."

4. Remember and remind others of the poor and needy, give them alms and objects of charity.

The tenth way:

Receive Ramadan by opening a new white page with:

1. Allah Almighty, by turning to Him in true repentance;

2. The Messenger of Allah , by compliance with his commands and orders, and avoidance of what he forbade and deterred;

3. Parents, relatives, kinsmen, wife and children, by being dutiful to and maintaining kinship ties with them;

4. Lastly, the community in which you live in, until you become a pious servant of benefit to the people. The Messenger of Allah , said: "The best of people (in the Sight of Allah) is the most advantageous of them to the people." [Reported By Al-Albani]

This is the manner that a Muslim should receive Ramadan with, like a dry land in thirst for rain, a patient to his medication, and a lover to his absent long-awaited beloved. O Allah! Enable us to approach Ramadan, and accept (our deeds in) it from us: You are the All-Hearing, All-Knowing.

How should you enthuse to utilize Ramadan?

In order to enthuse to utilize Ramadan in the acts of worship, follow the instructions below:

1. Fasting only for the sake of Allah:

To be sincere to Allah Almighty is the essence of all acts of worship, the key to accepting the righteous deeds, and a means to obtain the aid and guidance of the Lord of the beings. Allah Almighty assists His believing servant in intending to do good in proportion to this intention, sincerity, and honesty with Him. Ibn Al-Qayyim, may Allah have mercy upon him, said: "Allah Almighty helps and guides a servant as much as is fitting for his intention, endeavor, will, and desire for good."

Allah Almighty commanded us to be sincere in our deeds to Him Alone, when He said: "And they were not commanded except to worship Allah, [being] sincere to Him in religion, inclining to truth" [Al-Bayyinah 98:5]

Transliteration: Wama omiroo illa liyaAAbudoo Allaha mukhliseena lahu alddeena hunafaa

If a fasting person knows that sincerity in his fast to Allah Almighty is a means to obtain His aid and success, he will be motivated to utilize the month of Ramadan in obedience of Allah the Most Merciful: (Fasting + sincerity to Allah Almighty) = (enthusiasm and motivation).

2. Know that the Messenger of Allah used to give glad tidings to his Companions of the arrival of that holy month.

Another incentive that enthuse you to observe Ramadan in obedience of Allah, the Most Merciful, is to know that the Messenger of Allah used to give glad tidings to his Companions for it saying: "The month of Ramadan has approached you, a blessed month, which Allah Almighty ordained upon you to fast. In it, the gates of Paradise are opened, and the gates of Hell-fire closed." [Reported by Ahmad]

This signifies the importance of utilization of the month of Ramadan in worship and obedience of Allah; and this is why the Messenger of Allah gave glad tidings to his glorious Companions for it, in order to get ready to avail their selves for it.

3. To expect the great reward prepared by Allah Almighty for the fasting person, including:

a) The reward of a fasting person is so great that none is able to know except Allah Almighty: "All deeds done by the son of Adam are for him, except fasting, which is for Me, and for which I give reward." [Reported by Muslim]

b) Whoever fasts only a day for the sake of Allah, Allah Almighty will distance Hell-fire seventy years from this servant. What if he fasts a whole month?
c) Fasting will intercede for a servant on the Day of Judgment until he enters Paradise.

d) In Paradise, there is a gate called Ar-Rayyan, from which none will enter but the fasting person.

e) The fast of Ramadan expiates all the previous sins.

f) In Ramadan, the gates of Paradise are opened, and the gates of the Hell-fire are closed.

g) The invocation of a fasting person is answered in Ramadan.

Brother! Why do you not obtain the great reward prepared by Allah for the fasting persons?

You have but to roll up your sleeves, and endeavor, actively and energetically, to be one of the winners of those great rewards.

4. Acknowledge the diversity of acts of worship that the Messenger of Allah used to perform.

He used to specify Ramadan with kinds of worship that wasn't specified for other months of the year. You would be enthused more to utilize the month of Ramadan if you knew that your magnificent Messenger used to multiply the various acts of worship such as prayer, remembrance, supplication (of Allah), and giving in charity. He used to specify Ramadan with kinds of worship that wasn't specified for other months of the year. Now, do you believe that the Messenger of Allah is an excellent pattern and a good example to follow? Allah Almighty says "There has certainly been for you in the Messenger of Allah an excellent pattern" [Al-'Ahzab 33:21]

Transliteration: Laqad kana lakum fee rasooli Allahi oswatun hasanatun

So, multiply the various acts of worship in this month.

5. Know that a Muslim attains blessing in that holy month. You would be more enthused, if you the features of this blessing:

a) The blessing in fiducial sensuality: in this month, the believer endued with strong faith, living heart, permanent contemplation, and responsive memory: this kind of blessing is indisputably apparent, as a part of Allah's gifts to the fasting person.

b) The blessing in physical power: in spite of your leaving food and drink, my fasting brother, you seem stronger and more enduring of difficulties. On the other hand, Allah Almighty blesses you in your power as you become able to perform the obligatory prayers, along with their Sunan Ratibah (i.e. the spererogatory prayers to be associated with obligatory prayer performed regularly, according to a specific order and number), and the other acts of worship, regardless of hunger and thirst.

c) The blessing in time: consider how blessed is time, to an extent you could achieve deeds in one day and night (24 hours) in Ramadan what you could not accomplish within a whole week in any other month.

So, avail yourself of the blessing of Ramadan, besides the blessing of the Holy Qur'an, and be eager to seek its aid on your obedience of Allah, the Most Merciful, and adherence to uprightness every time and place, perchance you would be enthused and motivated more to take advantage of the blessing of that month.

6. Recall to mind the good merits of the month of Ramadan enthuses one more to utilize that excellent month in obedience of Allah:

My dear brother! Allah Almighty has favored Ramadan with a lot of good merits and characteristics more than any other month, including:

1. The odor coming out of the mouth of a fasting person is better in the Sight of Allah Almighty than the odor of musk.

2. Angels keep praying for forgiveness for the fasting persons until they break their fast.

3. The gates of Paradise are opened, and the gates of the Hell-fire are closed.

4. It has the Night of Al-Qadr, which is better than one thousand months (of worship): whoever deprived of its reward, indeed he's deprived of all good.

5. The fasting people are forgiven on the last night of Ramadan.

6. Allah Almighty liberates many of his slaves from the punishment of Hellfire in the last night of Ramadan.

7. To be well-aware of the fact that Allah Almighty has favored fasting for Himself (with a special reward) over all the other deeds:

A great privilege received by one who likes to utilize Ramadan in good, encouraging him not to abandon that month is that Allah Almighty has favored fasting for Himself (with a special reward) over all the other deeds, to estimate by Himself the amount of reward given for it (which is not fixed). As confirmed in the Hadith in which the Messenger of Allah said: Allah Almighty says: "All deeds done by the son of Adam are for him, except fasting, which is for Me, and for which I give reward." This selection enthuse the believer to utilize that great superiority.

8. To know to what extent the Companions, may Allah be pleased with them, and the righteous forefathers exerted their utmost effort in obedience during that holy month:

The pious Companions learnt the superiority of the month of Ramadan in the Sight of Allah Almighty; thereupon they exerted their utmost effort in worship: they spent its nights in standing (in prayer) and recitation of the Qur'an; and looked after the poor and needy by giving them charity and doing good to them. They also used to feed people and serve food and drink to the fasting people to break their fast. They mortified their bodies by obeying Allah Almighty, and fought enemies of Allah to raise His word, and all worship be (acknowledged) only for Allah.

9. To know that fasting will intercede for its observer on the Day of Judgment:
Another characteristic that makes you more attached to and keener on fasting is that it will intercede for its observer in front of Allah Almighty on the Day of Judgment, and be a means to remove sins from him. What an excellent companion is that which will intercede for you when you will be in the gloomiest and the most difficult state. The Messenger of Allah said: "Both fasting and Qur'an will intercede for a servant on the Day of Judgment. Fasting will say: 'O Lord! I have caused him to abstain from food and all desires by day. So, please, accept my intercession for him.' The Qur'an will say: 'O Lord! I have caused him to spend the night sleepless. So, please, accept my intercession for him.' Thus, their intercession will be accepted for him." [Reported by Ahmad in his Musnad]

10. To know that Ramadan is the month of the Qur'an, and the month of patience:

That is, to spend its nights standing (in prayer) and fast its days result in forgiveness of sins. Fasting is a remedy for many social, psychological, sexual and health problems.

To know all those worldly and hereafter characteristics and merits of fasting enthuses the individual to utilize it, and maintain it with care.

Those are some incentives, which help the believer, utilize the seasons of the acts of worship, and the month of mercy and blessed gifts. So, beware of abandoning such seasons, lest you will be regretful, when regret will be of no profit. Allah Almighty says: "But the Hereafter is greater in degrees [of difference] and greater in distinction." [Al-'Israa' 17:21]

Transliteration: walalakhiratu akbaru darajatin waakbaru tafdeelan

We ask Allah to accept from us our fasting and standing (at night in prayer); and our last supplication is all perfect praise be to Allah, Lord of the Realms; and may Allah's Prayers and peace be upon our Prophet Muhammad , and upon his family and Companions.



Translated by Wathakker.net website