For a second year Covid overshadows Ramadaan
TRADITIONALLY, the blessing month of Ramadaan commences and ends with the appearance of the crescent moon.
It has been a second successive year that Ramadaan is overshadowed by the novel coronavirus cluster, but the unflinching spirit is there to commemorate the month with submission to the divine will.
It is the most sacred month on the Islamic calendar, devotees resetting the compass for acquiring mercy. The giving up of food and water is about detaching themselves from their material needs to focus on worshipping the Supreme Creator.
The significance of this month is so great in the minds of faithful followers that two months in advance, Muslims intensify their intention and anticipate mercy from Almighty for the swift entry to Ramadaan. Thus, during this pious period, they able to perform all acts and obligations according to the Holy Qur’an guidelines to attain benefit.
Every moment is worthwhile, therefore believers offer excessive prayers, recite Qur’an repeatedly to understand, complete Qur’an in the nocturnal congregational prayers, discharge charity and extend help to humanity. It’s also been incredibly spiritually nourishing, a time of intense community and a point of solace and healing.
Ramadaan is a time for Muslims to practise self-restraint, in keeping with the fast, a pillar of Islam.
There are five pillars of Islam but in Ramadaan, believers are fortunate enough to perform four pillars.
Muslims gratify their effort of worship and grasp an opportunity to accomplish four core beliefs and practices of Islam – Profession of Faith, Fast, Prayers and Alms – simultaneously. Indeed, it is a distinct quality of the month to accumulate bountiful benevolence of Almighty.
Patience and endurance are required for fasting. Extreme care is being taken not to speak false words, or foul deeds or intentions while fasting, because these are destructive of a fast, as is eating and drinking.
Ramadaan is said to be classified into three phases: preliminary
10 days for mercy, middle for forgiveness and the final phase is emancipation from hell fire. Everyone prays to make the most of each portion to receive the blessings related to each.
In the final leg, the odd number of nights are precious for prayers. The last night is devoted to atonement, introspection, selfexamination.
The Prophet’s practice was to spend some time in seclusion for retreat in the Mosque during the last third of Ramadaan. In the community, many follow the noble practice in search of a Lailat Ul-Qadar night (Great Night).
The faithful devotees meditate most of the night in devoting prayers and remembrance of Almighty. Humbly pray for forgiveness from all faults and shortcomings and protection from hell fire.
Ramadaan is the best time to strengthen the spirit, following the submission, the noble teaching of Islam, by subscribing universal morality to make the world an ever-better place. We reciprocate Ramadaan Kareem to all readers!