Salamun alaykum,
You will recall that during the month of Rajab amongst the supplications we recited included: “O Allah! Bless us in the month of Rajab and Sha’baan. Enable us to witness Shahru Ramadhan.”
Thereafter during the month of Sha’baan we recited:” O Allah! Bless us in the month of Sha’baan. Enable us to witness Shahru Ramadhan.”
So, here we are Alhamdulillah having completed Sha’baan. We are now witnessing Ramadhan Kareem; the noble month of Ramadhan. The fact that we are alive today, observing this auspicious month and being guests to the Divine banquet is definitely an indication that our duas have been accepted.
We are grateful to Allah SWT for responding to our prayers and giving us gift of life; a great n’imah -bounty- to be in Shahru Ramadhan. Shukran lillah.
Are we happy at the arrival of Shahru Ramadhan and witnessing it?
What is your response? Is it a positive one? Of course, the response would definitely be a loud and bold YES response.
Consequently, the next question to reflect upon is What are we happy for? What is making us celebrate the arrival of Shahru Ramadhan? Why are we delighted to witness this noble month?
What are the possible responses?
There can be numerous answers to this query. The responses would be ranging from weight loss, health gain, Iftar/Sehri parties, social events, sports programmes, recital of Qur’an, Salat, Duas / A’mal devotions, charity, silat rahm opportunity, good akhlaq, increased spirituality and various other reasons.
Which of these responses is actually delivering us to the real reason for being happy and celebrating the arrival of Shahru Ramadhan? Shouldn’t the responses be of the genre that leads us to achieving Taqwa; a closer relationship with Allah? For isn’t that the purpose for which fasting has been prescribed upon us?
Addressing the ummah at the advent of Shahru Ramadhan the Noble Prophet said, “ O people! The month of Allah with its blessings, mercy and forgiveness has come to you..”
Therefore, the responses for one to celebrate the arrival of Shahru Ramadhan need to be such that they drive one towards receiving the Divine blessings, mercy, and forgiveness. Our acts of participation in the month of Ramadhan should be such that they are authentic in our happiness and celebrations for Shahru Ramadhan.
Can it be different?
Now that we have been delivered to witness the Shahru Ramadhan what performance is expected from us?
“Let not the month of Ramadhan be with you like the other months.” Noble Prophet.
How can you make this Shahru Ramadhan not only be different from the other months, but also different to the previous one you witnessed?
Wa ma tawfiqi illa billah.
Sheikh Fazle Abbas Datoo
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Resident Alim
Wessex Shia Ithna Asheri Jamaat