ARE YOU PREPARED?
Repentance is cure to guilt
Allah Almighty has made human beings weak; they need to be guided and are prone to making mistakes and committing sins. Some do so out of ignorance of the laws set by Allah (SWT) while; yet there are some, who even though blessed by knowledge, are led to sins because of their desires, emotions, or the conditions around them. When a person sins and realizes that he has done something wrong he is overcome by remorse and an overwhelming feeling of guilt. If not dealt with in the correct manner, these feelings of guilt can greatly affect one’s self-esteem, may weigh him down and make him lose interest in doing good deeds. Fortunately, one of the many treasures of Islam is that Allah (SWT) doesn’t leave His servants to rot in their remorse and guilt, once they realize their sin.
Mentioned as Al-Ghafoor (The Most Forgiving) in more than 90 places in the Glorious Qur’an, He offers every sinner chances of redemption and repentance. He says: “Say, ‘O My servants who have transgressed against themselves (by sinning), do not despair of the mercy of Allah. Indeed, Allah forgives all sins. Indeed, it is He who is the Forgiving, the Merciful’.” (Qur’an, 39:53) Praise be to Allah (SWT) Who has created time and has made some times ,days ,dates, nights and months better than others, when rewards are multiplied many times, as a mercy towards His slaves. Even if a person commits sin time after time, his sin is forgiven every time, if he follows his sin with repentance – if his repentance each time is sincere. This encourages them to do more righteous deeds and makes them more eager to worship Him, so that the Muslim renews his /her efforts to gain a greater share of reward, prepare him/herself for death and supply him/herself in readiness for the Day of Judgment. Indeed, Allah (SWT) is the Most Merciful and Most Kind. He gives respite even to the worst of sinners so that they realize their mistakes and turn back to Him.
Ramadan is the holiest month in the Islamic calendar
It is a time when Muslims around the world fast from dawn until sunset, refrain from any form of worldly indulgence, and dedicate themselves to spiritual purification and self-reflection. The preparation for Ramadan is an important aspect of the observance of this holy month. The practice of fasting from dawn to dusk is central to this Muslim holy month and its purpose is to develop God-consciousness, or Allah’s awareness (“Taqwa” in Arabic). “It’s the one thing that God asks of us. And that’s why Ramadan is so special; it is actually a month of cleansing your sins.
Ramadan month holds significant religious and spiritual importance; it is a time of reflection, self-discipline, and strengthening one’s relationship with Allah. As the month of Ramadan approaches, Muslims begin to prepare themselves mentally, physically, and spiritually for this sacred month.
The preparation for Ramadan
The preparation for Ramadan begins long before the actual month begins. It is important to mentally prepare oneself for the upcoming month. Setting goals helps to keep one focused and motivated during the month of Ramadan. This involves making a firm intention to fast, understanding the significance of the month, and setting goals for oneself. Another important aspect of preparing for Ramadan is setting goals for oneself. These goals can be spiritual, physical, or personal. For example, a spiritual goal could be to read the Quran every day during Ramadan. A personal goal could be to quit a bad habit, such as smoking or gossiping. Holding one’s soul into account preparation also involves reflecting on one’s past mistakes and seeking forgiveness from Allah (SWT).
Ramadan is a time of spiritual reflection, prayer, and fasting
Fasting during Ramadan is an obligation for all Muslims who are physically able to do so; it is considered one of the Five Pillars of Islam. The fast begins at dawn and ends at sunset, and during this time, Muslims abstain from food, drink, and other physical pleasures. It is a time to cleanse the slate, strengthen faith, and connect with Allah (God). The preparation for Ramadan is an essential part of the observance of this holy month. It is a time to reflect on one’s spirituality, set goals, and make changes to set new direction in one’s life. The preparation for Ramadan begins in the month before, known as Sha’ban. During this month, Muslims prepare themselves physically and spiritually for the fast ahead. They also make arrangements to ensure they have enough food, water, and other necessities to sustain themselves during the month of Ramadan.
Physically preparing for Ramadan is equally important
Muslims who plan to fast need to prepare their bodies for the month-long fast. The physical preparation for Ramadan involves ensuring that the body is in good health and ready for the fast. Muslims should consult with their healthcare provider to ensure that they are physically fit to fast. They should also make sure they are getting enough rest, eating healthy foods, and staying hydrated. Spiritual preparation for Ramadan is equally important. Muslims should take time to reflect on their relationship with Allah (God) and make an effort to strengthen their faith. They should read the Quran and other religious texts, attend religious gatherings, and make an effort to engage in acts of kindness and charity.
Among the most important aspects of preparing for Ramadan, Muslims aim to strengthen their relationship with Allah (SWT) during this month and spiritual preparation is key to achieving this goal. During Ramadan, Muslims should make the most of this sacred time to seek spiritual purification. They should also try to be kind and compassionate towards others, especially those who are less fortunate. Try to share the food especially at “Iftar”, or “suhoor,” which earns huge rewards. Muslims should use this blessed time to reflect on their behaviour and make changes that will improve their lives and the lives of those around them. It is a great opportunity to practice self-discipline and to shun bad habits.
Conclusion
Preparing for Ramadan is a multifaceted process that involves mental, physical, and spiritual preparation. It is important to set goals, plan ahead, and seek knowledge about Islam during this time. Muslims aim to strengthen their relationship with Allah (SWT) during this month, and preparation is key to achieving this goal. By preparing oneself for Ramadan, one can ensure a successful and fulfilling month of fasting and spiritual growth. Fasting during Ramadan is a test of patience and self-control.
(The Author is a Consultant Surgeon, has a Diploma in Islamic studies from Islamic Online University. His work has been published in local and international Journals. Feedback: [email protected])
