RAMADHAAN THOUGHTS
Hassan

You can feel it coming before it arrives. Long before the crescent is sighted, it engages us in many ways. People talk about it, prepare for it and spend much time discussing issues typically associated with Ramadhan.

Whether they discuss opinions of the most accurate beginning of the month, food preparation, or programs at the local masjid, these recurring issues tend to take over the community and, in many ways, make it stronger.

Indeed, Ramadhan is the best month of the year. For as Muslims struggle in their hectic pace of life to live in harmony with Allah's Guidance in everything they do, Ramadhan continues to provide them with the best opportunity to achieve this goal.

Most Muslims have experienced that giving up food, drink, and marital relations, while avoiding lies, dishonesty, backbiting and evil, helps them establish a stronger connection with their Lord, Allah, subhanahu wa ta'ala. Many come to understand that Ramadhaan enables them to avoid anything Haraam during this month, and some continue to do so long after Ramadhaan passes. This is the very essence of righteousness, and the month of Ramadhan is the best time to acquire it. "O you who believe! Fasting is prescribed for you as it was prescribed for those before you, that you may become the pious." [2:183] Because most of us worship more and do more good deeds while continuing normal activities during Ramadhan, it helps us to better realize our potential, and we feel better and do better in all things. We realize that by increasing the time we worship Allah, we can accomplish more in this life. Ramadhan teaches us that "life of this world is nothing but illusion." This is a great help in our daily life. No matter how bad a situation, once we have done our best, we can move on and trust in Allah's Will. In essence, Ramadhan puts the wordly life in perspective, becoming a better Muslim leads to a happier live. I long for Ramadhan.

Hassan

Last modified: July 19, 2007

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