Make the most of the holy month of Ramadaan

YESTERDAY millions of Muslims throughout the world began observing the holy month of Ramadaan.

This is considered one of the holiest months on the Islamic calender and is a month in which Muslims have been commanded to fast. It is the month of Allah’s mercy and blessings, keeping obligatory fasts and a training session for Muslims to increase their piety levels.

The Prophet Muhammad said: “There has come to you Ramadaan, a blessed month during which Allah has enjoined you to fast, and during which the gates of heaven are open and the gates of Hell are closed, and the rebellious devils are chained up. In it there is a night which is better than a thousand months, and whoever is deprived of its goodness is indeed deprived.”

How does this month help us get close to Allah? In one word: fasting Allah The Most High has made the purpose of fasting crystal clear in His Book.

“O you who have believed, decreed upon you is fasting as it was decreed upon those before you that you may become righteous.” (2:183)

And when we fast with this in in mind, we come out feeling spiritually rejuvenated. Fasting is a unique spiritual experience. It is an act of worship that testifies to our submission to Allah; we can’t survive without water and food normally, but for Allah we can.

Fasting helps us develop a strong personality and character. Not giving in to the temptation of having a sip of cold water when no one is around says volumes about a person’s self-control. It instils patience, willpower and determination in us.

It also instils humility in us by giving us a feeling of deprivation. We learn that life isn’t always perfect and this leads to us developing generosity. We learn to give because we learn how it feels to have nothing.

“At every breaking of the fast, Allah has people whom He redeems.”

There is also a night in this month that can change our lives, making Ramadaan all the more special. This is called the Night of Decree.

“Indeed, We sent the Qur’an down during the Night of Decree. And what can make you know what is the Night of Decree? The Night of Decree is better than a thousand months. The angels and the Spirit descend therein by permission of their Lord for every matter. Peace it is until the emergence of dawn.” (97:1-5)

This is the night when prayers are answered – a night that Muslims do not want to miss.

Ensure you make the most of this holy month.

Jaasiya Witness Njelenje is an Imam (Islamic scholar) who is a member of the Imam Development Project.