Now is the time for dedication

ABU DHABI // Ramadan is a time for believers to forge deeper connections both with their religion and each other, mosque-goers will hear today.

The imam will call on believers to dedicate themselves in prayer, good deeds and obedience during Ramadan as doing so allows them to be more devout in their relationship with God.

These acts in Ramadan are of particular importance as they weigh more according to the Messenger of Allah when he said: “When Ramadan begins, the gates of Paradise are opened.” Mosque- goers will hear how fasting goes beyond the act of abstaining from eating as it also asks that believers stay away from all that may invalidate fasting from the break of dawn until sunset, accompanied with a proper intention to fast.

Those fasting must also conduct themselves in a gracious and kind way. To make fasting easier, believers should take caution from temptations of food and lust.

The Prophet said: “If one of you is fasting, he should avoid obscene talk and raising his voice in anger, and if somebody should fight or quarrel with him, he should say, ‘I am fasting’.”

Mosque- goers will hear that upholding peace, maintaining a sense of humbleness and avoiding hurtful actions is just as important while fasting as refraining from food and water.

In the same regard, Jabir bin Ab- dullah, one of the Prophet’s companions, said: “When you are fasting, all your senses: ears, eyes and tongue must fast with you … and do not let your fasting day be like any normal day.” However, Ramadan is also a time for forgiveness, as the Prophet said : “Whoever fasts the month of Ramadan out of sincere faith and hoping for a reward from Allah, then all his past sins will be forgiven.”

Furthermore, a fasting Muslim is also recommended to show diligence in reciting the Quran, as one of the first ayas in the Quran was revealed in Ramadan. “The month of Ramad an [ is that] in which was revealed the Quran, a guidance for the people and clear proofs of guidance and criterion.” (Al Baqara: 185)

Mosque- goers will hear that Ramadan is the time to be good to those less fortunate as empathy is key. Believers should put in effort towards doing good deeds in the form of zakat.

Those fasting must also conduct themselves in a gracious and kind way