As the Clock Ticks….
Making the Best out of the Last Week of Ramadan...
Dua:
Abu Darda reported: The Messenger of Allah, peace and blessings be upon him, said, “No Muslim servant supplicates for his brother behind his back but that the angel says: And for you the same.”
- Make dua not only for yourself but for others too. Whatever dua we make for others the angels say ameen for us.
- Making general duas that cover every aspect such as asking for mercy means asking for good health, forgiveness of sins, financial stability etc. because Allah’s mercy is key in achieving all of this.
- Making specific duas as well. Always remember Asiya (Pharoah’s wife) did not just ask for Jenna , she asked for a house close to her lord in Jennah. She even specified that – which means her worldly life was aligned to that goal and she was able to be a practicing believer despite being Pharaoh’s wife.
Dhikr:
Abu Huraira reported: The Messenger of Allah, peace and blessings be upon him, said, “To declare the glory of Allah, the praise of Allah, the oneness of Allah, and the greatness of Allah is more beloved to me than anything over which the sun rises.”
- Allah says in the Quran: “The remembrance of Allah gives peace to the heart.”
- Remembering Allah constantly helps us gather immense good deeds and also humbles us because we constantly remember our lord who created us from nothing.
Sadaqah:
The Prophet SAW said: “A charity is due for every joint in each person on every day the sun comes up: to act justly between two people is a charity; to help a man with his mount, lifting him onto it or hoisting up his belongings onto it, is a charity; a good word is a charity; and removing a harmful thing from the road is a charity.” (Al-Bukhari, Muslim).
- Fundraisers, sadaqah boxes are a great way to support causes and organizations but that does not mean it is the only form of Sadaqah.
- Asking someone if they are well, helping someone with groceries, watching someone’s children who may need help, driving someone to an appointment , tutoring , advising others, lending a listening ear etc. are so many different ways we can achieve the rewards of sadaqah.
Quran Recitation:
The Messenger of Allah SAW has said: “Brighten up your houses through the recitation of the Qur’an, and do not make them (your homes) like graves, similar to what the Jews and Christians have done (by not performing the prayers and worship of God in their house and limiting this to the Synagogues and Churches).”
- Reciting the Quran- one letter is 10 hasanaat.
- Listening to the Quran with respect.
- Teaching Qaidah, Quran recitation to others.
Increasing Sujood:
Abu Huraira reported: The Messenger of Allah, peace and blessings be upon him, said, “The servant is closest to his Lord during prostration, so increase your supplications therein.”
- This can mean increasing prayer. An extra two nafl just for the sake of a hajah or a dua to be granted. However during Salah , any dua can only be made in Arabic.
- The condition of Sajdah is an action. Therefore sajdah can be done out of salah as well. Just being in that position, asking Allah for everything, in any language possible – Subhanallah , the blessing a Muslim has.
Halal Livelihood:
The best of earning, is the earnings of that worker who well wishes [i.e. Is honest, upright, does his work thoroughly and correctly].
For those people who work throughout Ramadan to be able to provide a halal income to their families , there is reward as well. Many muslims work long hard hours while praying, fasting, and they work because they want to make sure there family has a good life. They are responsible for their children. They are responsible for themselves. Halal livelihood is a reward in itself. For those people who may not be able to pray throughout the night because they work throughout the day- as long as it is halal income they should feel proud of themselves for obeying Allah and his Prophet SAW.
Self-Reflection:
It was narrated from Abu Hurayrah (may Allaah be pleased with him) that the Messenger of Allaah SAW said: “Part of a person’s being a good Muslim is leaving alone that which does not concern him.”
- We should only be concerned for others when it comes to their well-being.
- It is not called “caring” if it means prodding in their business just to spread rumors or degrade them.
- As a Muslim we should always strive for “Ehsan”- reaching the highest status of worship and humanity.
- If Ramadan can leave us with a sense of self-awareness , where we find ourselves and set goals on how to improve ourselves , we have achieved the ultimate blessings of this month.
