10 objectives of Ramadan
WITH Ramadan 1442 fast approaching, every Muslim is to prepare and maximise the benefits therein.
Allah says: “...Whatever good you do, Allah fully knows of it. Take necessary provisions for the journey — surely the best provision is righteousness. And be mindful of Me, O people of reason!” (Al-Baqarah 2/197)
And behold! Knowledge with sincerity of purpose and searching for the truth is the only guide to better choice whose bearer would never be misguided but remains with light and vision rather than in the darkness of ignorance.
Thus, learning and reading relevant materials about the importance, manners, benefits, rewards and nullifiers of fasting should be of utmost priority.
And remember that “The two feet of the son of Adam will not move on the Day of Judgment in front of his Lord until he is asked about five things: how he lived his life, and how he utilised his youth, with what means did he earn his wealth, how did he spend his wealth, and what did he do with his knowledge.” (Tirmidhi).
More importantly, what is the essence of fasting in the blessed month of Ramadan?
Allah, The Almighty says: “O you who believe! Fasting is prescribed to you as it was prescribed to those before you, so that you may (learn) self-restraint (taqwa)”. (Al-Baqarah, Quran 2:183)
Thus, the essence of fasting is to attain a unique form of nourishment, which purifies and satisfies the soul.
Only fasting, which is not just a mere ritual, but for the sole purpose of seeking Allah’s pleasure while being preoccupied with the remembrance, praise, and adoration of Allah will ultimately lead to this unique nourishment.
Other choices we should make before, during, and after Ramadan are highlighted as below:
SINCERE repentance to Allah from all sins and negligences.
LEARNING with good intention and striving to get closer to Allah.
ENGAGING in different forms and acts of worship to please Allah alone, such as tarawih (night prayer), tadarus Quran (studying the Quran), iftar so’himeen (providing food for those who are fasting), umrah, zakat and giving alms.
DOA (supplication) to Allah for oneself, relatives, colleagues, community, nation and the entire world.
IMPROVING our relations with others.
BEING generous and compassionate to the weak and poor.
AVOID keeping malice, enmity and hatred against others.
RESOLVE all conflicts, disputes, disagreements, rancours, and misunderstandings.
AVOID wasting time and other resources on frivolities.
AND lastly, being consistent in all these good choices.
The Messenger of Allah (Peace be upon him) said, “Take up good deeds only as much as you are able, for the best deeds are those done regularly even if they are few.” (Ibn Ma?jah)
DR IDRIS ADEWALE AHMED
Visiting research fellow
Centre for Natural Products Research and Drug Discovery
Universiti Malaya