The holy month of Ramadan is the best time for repentance, hope, better change, a new chapter in life and reconciliation with creator and creatures, scholars have said.
As urged by Prophet Muhammad (Peace be upon him), Muslims are advised to supplicate Allah in the month of Shaaban (before Ramadan) to keep them alive to better worship Him and enjoy His rewards in the holy month of Ramadan. “Fasting is never an abstention from food and drink. It is rather instructed for deeper grounds that play a critical role in changing Muslims for better,” said Islamic researcher Dr Shaikh Mohammed Ashmawy.
As stressed in the Holy Quran, fasting is basically prescribed on Muslims to learn piety and righteousness. “Fasting provides us with motivation, self-control and firm will to give up bad manners and habits, otherwise such a vital worship will turn futile,” said Imam of Al Faruq Masjid Shaikh Mohammed Al Arabi.
According to Hadith (saying) of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), “Whosoever does not give up telling lies or acting in a false manner, Allah has no need for his giving up eating or drinking.” Shaikh Mahmud Marey, Imam of Al Huda Masjid, said fasting makes us more conscious about our behaviour. “Being more mindful for 30 days does help us maintain better habits after Ramadan.” Professor of Jurisprudence Dr Noah Al Sayed said as travellers mostly get ready physically and mentally before embarking on a journey, Muslims need to think deeply about every organ of their body.
“Taking our heads in consideration, we should know if our minds are clear on what are we required to do and why.” The same monitoring must apply with our eyes and ears that we have to shut them down to anything impermissible, and properly use them in a way that pleases our God. “Before saying a word, we should think twice and see how to better use our mouths, and stop blabbering unnecessarily,” said Shaikh Esam.
By Ahmed Shaaban
