Outline
- Introduction
- Reading Al-Qur’an
- Constant Remembrance of Allah (Zikr)
- Giving Sadaqah
- Being Helpful and Kind
- Performing Ṣalāh in Congregation
- What About the Sunan (the Voluntary Prayers)?
- Al-Kalimah Al-Tayyibah
- Doing a Small Da’wah to a Non-Muslim
- External Links for More Readings
- Conclusion
Introduction
Alhamdulillah; all praises are due to Allāh. All thanks are for Alalh. All good are in the Good Hands of Allāh. All affairs shall be returned to Allāh. No god deserves to be worshiped but He, s.w.t. We seek His forgiveness at all time, and to Him, alone, we repent. May His Peace and Blessings be upon Habibi Muhammad, his family members, his companions and all those who follow their guided path.
It’s Ramaḍān today! Please allow me to wish you and your loved ones a blessed fasting experience. May any good deed you carry out in this most awaited blessed month be accepted unconditionally, and may it be rewarded handsomely. May you be hounoured to consciously witness the ‘Night of Power’ (Lailatul-Qadr). Ameen.
This article is a complementary to my previous ‘6 Virtues We Must Do in Ramaḍān‘, which I assume you have read by now. If you’ve not read it yet, I would advise that you consider reading it first. The points outlined there are considered as the primary framework of Ramaḍān, whereby the points I'm presenting in this article come as decoration for that framework, insha Allāh.
So, what are the secrets, which can make our Ramaḍān more rewarding?
Reading Al-Qur’an
Ramaḍān is the best time for reciting the Qur’an. I mean, Ramaḍān is the most rewarding time for reading the Qur’an.
One of the facts that make reading the Qur’an in the month of Ramaḍān unique and more rewarding is that, the entire Qur’an was descended from the Lauhul-Mahfouzh (the Preserved Tablet) to Baitul-‘Izzah (the House of Pride) in the lowest heaven, in Ramaḍān, in the Lailatul-Qadr (Night of Decree). And it was then separately revealed to Rasulillah s.a.w. over the period of 23 years.
Also, reading the Qur’an consists of various acts of worship (‘ibadah) at a time. Such ‘ibadahs include communicating with Allāh, supplicating to Allāh, remembering Allāh, purifying one’s soul and heart. In addition to that, any time spent reading the Qur’an is a time well spent.
Reading Al-Qur’an also ensures spiritual and physical healing to our countless sicknesses.
Engaging one’s self with Al-Qur’an in Ramaḍān (and outside Ramaḍān), may come in different forms. Such as reading the texts of the Qur’an, memorizing it, or learning its meaning and reflecting upon it. Whichever form one chooses, it’s blessed, insha Allāh.
However, people are more familiar to reading or reciting the texts of the Qur’an in Ramaḍān more than relating to it in other forms. So, if, let’s say, one intends to read the whole Qur’an in Ramaḍān, what they can do is to ‘simply’ read 20 pages a day, in a way that will enable them to recite the whole Qur'an (604 pages) by the end of Ramaḍān.
20 pages can be read at one go. It can also be spread over different times of the day. One of the best methods, which I sometimes follow, is to divide the 20 pages into 5, and read 4 pages during each prayer time; 2 pages before and another 2 after prayers, that means 5 minutes before ṣalāh, and another 5 minutes after ṣalāh. Click here. or click here to see how you too can do it.
Constant Remembrance of Allāh (Zikr)
Allāh promises those who are Allāh-conscious through any form of Zikr in Surah Al-Ahzab, 13:35 with forgiveness and greater reward:
وَالذَّاكِرِينَ اللَّـهَ كَثِيرًا وَالذَّاكِرَاتِ أَعَدَّ اللَّـهُ لَهُم مَّغْفِرَةً وَأَجْرًا عَظِيمًا
It means, “Surely …men and women who are ever mindful of Allāh, Allāh is ready with forgiveness and an immense reward for them.”
Rasulullah said in a Hadeeth reported by Imam Al-Turmuzhi, that Allāh s.w.t. said:
مَنْ شَغَلَهُ ذِكْرِي عَنْ مَسْأَلَتِي؛ أَعْطَيْتُهُ أَفْضَلَ مَا أُعْطِي السَّائِلِينَ
It means, “Whoever remembering Me engages him from asking me, I will grant him the best of what I grant those who ask.”
Zikr is one of the powerful tools for attaining inner-peace in the Muslim’s life. People who are consistent in zikr are given brightness in the face, lightweight hearts, and acceptance in the hearts of good people.
الَّذِينَ آمَنُوا وَتَطْمَئِنُّ قُلُوبُهُم بِذِكْرِ اللَّـهِ، أَلَا بِذِكْرِ اللَّـهِ تَطْمَئِنُّ الْقُلُوبُ
It means, “Those who believe and whose hearts find comfort in the remembrance of Allāh, surely in the remembrance of Allāh hearts can find comfort.” [Surah Al-Ra'ad, 13:28].
Examples of Zikr which we can familiarize ourselves to, and recite frequently are:
أَسْتَغْفِرُ اللَّهَ
“I seek forgiveness from Allāh.”
سُبْحَانَ اللَّهِ وَبِحَمْدِهِ.. سُبْحَانَ اللَّهِ العَظِيمِ
“High, glorified and praised is Allāh… High and glorified is Allāh, the Great.”
لاَ حَوْلَ وَلاَ قُوَّةَ إِلاَّ بِاللَّهِ
“[We have] no ablility nor power, except with Allāh.”
حَسْبُنَا اللَّهُ وَنِعْمَ الوَكِيلُ
“Allāh is sufficient for us. And the best trustee is He.”
لاَ إِلَهَ إِلاَّ اللَّهُ
“No god [deserves to be worshiped] but Allāh.”
اللَّهُمَّ صَلِّ عَلَى [سَيِّدِنَا] مُحَمَّدٍ
“O Allāh… Send praises and blessings upon [our Master] Muhammad.”
رَبِّ اغْفِرْلِي وَلِوَالِدَيَّ وَارْحَمْهُمَا كَمَا رَبَّيَانِي صَغِيراً
“My Lord… Forgive me and my partents, as they raise me up from childhood.”
اللَّهُمَّ إِنَّكَ عَفُوٌّ تُحِبُّ العَفْوَ فَاعْفُ عَنِّي
“O Allāh, You are Forgiving; You like forgiveness, so please forgive me.”
The above are just a few from many forms of remembrance that Rasulullah s.a.w taught his ‘Ummah”. One can repeat them uncountably, at any time of their convenience. They simple in words, but they carry powerful impact. You should try them out!
Giving Sadaqah
‘Sadaqah' means charity. One of the things we can do to maintain happy mood in ourselves, at all times, is to give sadaqah on regular basis. We don’t have to wait to become millionaires before we give out charity. We should give charity according to our capacity. What one may regard as little is a lot to another. Those who wait to be rich before they give are unlikely to give once they become rich.
Show Allāh that you wish you could give more if you had it, by giving part of the little you have. He will give you more, so that you too, can give more.
If you give sadaqah with the end reward in mind, then rest assured that Allāh is the Only One who fully fulfills His Promises. For your reward, He says in Surah Al-Baqarah, 2:274:
الَّذِينَ يُنفِقُونَ أَمْوَالَهُم بِاللَّيْلِ وَالنَّهَارِ سِرًّا وَعَلَانِيَةً فَلَهُمْ أَجْرُهُمْ عِندَ رَبِّهِمْ وَلَا خَوْفٌ عَلَيْهِمْ وَلَا هُمْ يَحْزَنُونَ
It means, “Those who spend their wealth night and day, both privately and publicly, will receive their reward from their Lord. They shall have no fear, nor shall they grieve.”
Being Helpful and Kind
Any form of giving physical sadaqah is considered as being helpful. We can also be helpful by offering our services at discounted prices or offer them for free to deserving parties. Giving advice in the right time to the right (deserving) people is among the best things that can earn us rewards for being helpful.
WE can be kind in the way we give our Sadaqah, too…
I experienced seeing a person who would wind down his car’s window to give some money to the cleaner (not the beggar), with his left hand (when he could do that with right hand) and his face would be turned to another direction (not looking at the person receiving the Sadaqah). In this scenario, the person has obviously given Sadaqah, but he could be kind.
قَوْلٌ مَّعْرُوفٌ وَمَغْفِرَةٌ خَيْرٌ مِّن صَدَقَةٍ يَتْبَعُهَا أَذًى وَاللَّـهُ غَنِيٌّ حَلِيمٌ
It means, “A kind word and forgiveness is better than a charitable deed followed by hurtful words: God is self-sufficient and forbearing.” [Surah Al-Baqarah, 2:263].
Performing Ṣalāh in Congregation
Performing the daily five times prescribed ṣalāh is obligatory, but doing them in congregation (Jama’ah) is an “emphasized” sunnah which many of us choose to neglect these days. We need to revive the spirit for doing our obligatory prayers in congregations.
The virtue of longing to offer prescribed ṣalāh in congregation in the mosque is an indication of one's iman. Rasulullah said, in a Hadeeth narrated by Abu Sa’eed Al-Khudri, r.a., and reported by Imam Al-Turmuzhi:
إِذَا رَأَيْتُمُ الرَّجُلَ يَعْتَادُ المَسْاجِدَ فَاشْهَدُوا لَهُ بِالإِيمَانِ. قَالَ اللَّهُ عَزَّ وَجَلَّ: إِنَّما يَعْمُرُ مَسَاجِدَ اللَّهِ مَنْ آمَنَ بِاللَّهِ وَاليَوْمِ الآخَرِ
It means, “When you see a man frequenting the mosque, testify that he is a believer because Allāh says: `Allāh's mosques are visited only by those who believe in Allāh and the Last Day.”'
In addition to that, performing our prescribed ṣalāh in congregation in the mosque is rewarded with extra rewards from Allāh, s.w.t. Rasulullah said with regards to that, in a Hadeeth narrated by Abu Hurairah, r.a. and reported by Imam(s) Al-Bukhari and Muslim:
صَلاةُ الرَّجُلِ فِي جَمَاعَةٍ تَضْعُفُ عَلَى صَلاتِهِ فِي بَيْتِهِ وَفِي سُوقِهِ خَمْساً وَعِشْرِينَ ضِعْفاً؛ وَذَلِكَ أَنَّهُ إِذَا تَوَضَّأَ فَأَحْسَنَ الوُضُوءَ ثُمَّ خَرَجَ إِلَى المَسْجِدِ لاَ يُخْرِجُهُ إِلاَّ الصَّلاَةُ لَمْ يَخْطُ خَطْوَةً إِلَّا رُفِعَتْ لَهُ بِهَا دَرَجَة، وَحُطَّتْ عَنْهُ بِهَا خَطِيئَةٍ. فَإِذَا صَلَّى لَمْ تَزَلِ المَلاَئِكَةُ تُصَلِّي عَلَيْهِ مَا دَامَ فِي مُصَلاَّهُ مَا لَمْ يُحْدِثْ، تَقُولُ: اللَّهُمَّ صَلِّ عَلَيْهِ.. اللَّهُمَّ ارْحَمْهُ. وَلاَ يَزَالُ فِي صَلَاٍةٍ مَا انْتَظَرَ الصَّلاةُ
It means, “A man's ṣalāh in congregation is twenty-five times more rewarding than his ṣalāh at home or in his shop, and that is because when he performs his wuḍūʾ properly and proceeds towards the mosque with the purpose of performing ṣalāh in congregation, he does not take a step without being raised a degree (in rank) for it and having a sin remitted for it, till he enters the mosque. When he is performing ṣalāh, the angels continue to invoke Blessings of Allāh on him as long as he is in his place of worship in a state of wuḍūʾ. They say: `O Allāh! Have mercy on him! O Allāh! Forgive him.' He is deemed to be engaged in ṣalāh as long as he waits for it.”
What About the Sunan (the Voluntary Prayers)?
Optional prayers are of two categories:
- Rawatib
- Nawafil.
Rawatib are the emphasized Sunan which are encouraged and tied to the prescribed prayers, such as 2 Raka'ahs before Subh, 4 Raka'ahs before Zuhr and 2 after Zuhr, 2 after Maghrib, and 2 after Isha. Other “emphasized” Sunan but not tied to prescribed prayers include Witr and Eid prayers.
Nawafil include any other Sunnah prayers, such as 4 Raka'ahs before Asr, 2 Raka'ahs before Maghrib, and 2 Raka'ahs before Isha. Nawafil also refers to Taraweeh, Qiyamullah (or Tahajjud), Ṣalāh Al-Istikharah, Ṣalāh Al-Hājah, Ṣalāh Al-Istisqaʾ, and etc.
Abdullah Ibn Mughaffal r.a., narrated a Hadeeth that was reported by Imam(s) Al-Bukhari and Muslim, that Rasulullah s.a.w. said:
بَيْنَ كُلِّ أَذَانَيْنِ صَلاَةٌ.. بَيْنَ كُلِّ أَذَانَيْنِ صَلاةٌ.. بَيْنَ كُلِّ أَذَانَيْنِ صَلاةٌ. قَالَ فِي الثَّالِثَةِ: لِمَنْ شَاءَ
It means, “There is a ṣalāh (prayer) between every Adhan and Iqamah; there is a ṣalāh between every Adhan and Iqamah.” (While saying the same for the) third time (he (s.a.w.) added), “It is for the one, who wishes to do so.”
Sayyidatuna Ummu Habibah, Ramlah Binte Abu Sufyan, r.a., narrated a Hadeeth which was reported by Imam Muslim that Rasulullah said:
مَا مِنْ عَبْدٍ مُسْلِمٍ يُصَلِّي لِلَّهِ تَعَالَى كُلَّ يَوْمٍ ثِنْتَيْ عَشْرَةَ رَكْعَةً تَطَوُّعاً غَيْرَ فَرِيضَةٍ إِلاَّ بَنَى اللَّهُ لَهُ بَيْتاً فِي الجَنَّةِ أَوْ إِلاَّ بُنِيَ لَهُ بَيْتٌ فِي الجَنَّةِ
It means, “A house will be built in Jannah for every Muslim who offers twelve Raka`ah of optional ṣalāh other than the obligatory ṣalāh in a day and a night (to seek the Pleasure of Allāh).”
Al-Kalimah Al-Tayyibah
“Al-Kalimah Al-Tayyibah” is an Arabic phrase, which means, “good word”. Let’s spread good words, even when we are hungry and angry. A hungry man should not necessarily be an angry man. Just like an angry man is not necessarily a hungry man.
Saying that which is good ensures we say the truth at all time. Nothing can be worse than lies. Saying good will also ensure that we say the right things to others, insha Allāh.
وَقُل لِّعِبَادِي يَقُولُوا الَّتِي هِيَ أَحْسَنُ
It means, “Tell My servants that they should always say what is the best.” [Surah Al-Israa, 17:53].
مَنْ كَانَ يُؤْمِنُ بِاللَّهِ وَاليَوْمِ الآخِرِ، فَلْيَقُلْ خَيْراً أَوْ لِيَصْمُتْ
It means, “Whoever believes in Allāh and in the Hereafter, he should say good, or let him remain silent.” [Abu Hurairah; Al-Bukhari and Muslim].
Doing a Small Da’wah to a Non-Muslim
Less than a week ago, I took a taxi, and happened to be lucky that the cabby can lecture (talkative). He claimed he had many Muslim friends, but through our conversation, I understood that he didn’t know that Muslims pray 5 times, on daily basis. This is despite being in a society where different religions ‘harmoniously’ co-exist.
It’s either the cabby had said the truth, or we (Muslims) are not doing our part in inviting our non-Muslim brothers and sisters to Islam. We don’t have to ‘lecture’ them, in order to invite them to Islam. Our attitude and actions can be our best tool in inviting others to Islam. Moreover, we don't want the Jannah for ourselves alone. Do we?
How can we invite somebody to Islam during Ramaḍān? Each one of us can consider giving a simple present of a book, of simple introduction to Islam, to our non-Muslim coleagues or neighbours. Remember to do this, this Ramaḍān.
But before we present the book to the person, we should ensure we are in good relationship with them, we also possess past record of good character (Islamic values). We are not using the book to invite them, but our actions and characters.
A book of simple ‘introduction to Islam’, which one can obtain from the bookshop in their neighbourhood will be fine, insha Allāh.
So, if we have a non-Muslim friend, neighbour or colleague, and we are in good terms with them, in addition to possessing past record of being exemplary Muslims, we can't give ourselves any excuse for not doing our part.
لِئَنْ يَهْدِيَ اللَّهُ بِكَ رَجُلاً وَاحِداً خَيْرٌ لَكَ مِنْ حُمْرِ النَّعَمِ
It means, “If Allāh grants someone ‘hidayah’ (guidance) through you, that’s better for you than owning precious stock of camels.” [Al-Bukhari].
Camels were mentioned in an indication to wealth.
External Links for More Readings
You can read more related articles regarding Ramaḍān from the following external links:
- Things to do in Ramadan
- 6 Things You Must Do This Ramadan With Your Kids – inshAllaah!
- 10 Tips for Ramaḍān
Conclusion
This Ramaḍān is unlike any other Ramaḍān which one has or shall experience. It's important that we take care of its uniqueness. Let your Ramaḍān 2012 books of records (with Allāh) make you proud, at least in the Day of Judgment.
In our next article, we'll share and discuss “Mutual Etiquettes and Values to make our Eid Visit(s) Merry”, insha Allāh.
Do you have any ideas to add? Please feel free to comment below, and let's benefit from one another?
I would appreciate it, if you care to share this article with your loved ones. A click on the LIKE button will help spread Al-Kalimah Al-Tayyibah.
Thanks for reading this. And let me know if you think of anything you would like me to write about in this blog site.
Once again, Ramaḍān Mubarak to you and your loved ones.
Allāh knows best.
Allāhu Hāfiz 🙂
Please comment here