Countdown to Ramadan
By Zubair Bayat
Friday
September 7, 2007
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An Islamic artist, Abdlfattah Adeyemi showing one of
his artworks during a press briefing on the first Muslim
art exhibition at the National Mosque Abuja recently
PHOTO: MUDASHIRU ATANDA
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The countdown has already begun. Just a little over one week
remains for the arrival of Holy Ramadan. The very name of
Ramadan evokes a feeling of expectant joy and pleasure in
the heart of the Mu’min (Faithful).
A restlessness overtakes the Mu’min in eager anticipation
of the Holy month. Sometimes, this feeling even turns to fear
and anxiety. "O Allah, will I see Ramadan this year?"
Allah alone knows who will live to see Ramadan. The reassurance
comes in the form of a fervent Dua, "O Allah bless us
in Rajab and Sha’ban and let us make it to Ramadan."
The Dua for this must continue with vigorous fervour –
"O Allah! Make us witness Ramadan!"
The anticipation of this great month is not just a matter
of emotion and thought. It requires action and activity. Preparation
for receiving the honourable guest, Ramadan must start in
earnest right away.
Where do I start? What am I to do?
Well, a good starting point can be to spare a bit of time
daily for preparation for Ramadan. A person needs to start
by making adjustments to the current lifestyle. The daily
timetable must be altered, allowing more time for spiritual
rejuvenation. Can I take out quality time from my present
busy lifestyle? How much of time and when? Sit down and work
it out.
Maybe half an hour before Fajr and another half-hour before
going to bed? Or will half an hour before and after Isha be
more appropriate?
Whatever it may be, at least an hour out of 24 hours must
be set aside with discipline and consistency from today onwards.
This is time dedicated to Allah and Allah alone. Unless for
an emergency, no intrusion in this time must be allowed –
no phone calls or other distractions. This time should be
spent in developing a strong bond of love and affinity with
the Noble Qur’an, with Dua (prayers) and Dhikr (remembrance
of Allah). A lot of time must be spent in introspection and
self-appraisal.
What is my current state of Islam? Strong or weak? What are
main weaknesses? How do I overcome these? Who do I turn to
for spiritual help and guidance? Deep, soul-searching questions
have to be posed. This is one of the highest form of Ibadah
(worship). It is the Ibadah of Fikr or Tafakkur (contemplation),
a moment of which equals many years of Nafl Ibadah.
Finally, all the "T’s" of Ramadan Shareef
must be kept in mind so that when Ramadan comes, "everything
is to the T!" These "T’s" are: Tilawah
(recitation of the Glorious Quran), Tahajjud, Taraweeh, Tasbeehat,
Tadharru’ (fervent Dua), Tatawwu’ (Nafil Ibadah),
Tasahhur (eating Sahri), Taubah (repentance), Tawadhu (humility)
and Tafakkur (contemplation).
May Allah Ta’ala make this Ramadan a turning point in
the life of our Ummah. Aameen.
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