Keep Up Your Zeal in Ramadhaan - II

1. Remembering that there are many virtues for those who fast:

These include rejoicing with one's fasting when he meets his Lord; entering through the special gate of Paradise called Ar-Rayyaan, which is designated for those who fast; the fact that the smell which emanates from the mouth of a fasting person is better in the sight of Allaah The Almighty than the fragrance of musk; the sealing of the gates of Hell, and the chaining of the devils. All these matters should prevent one's fasting from becoming habitual.

The Prophet  said: “When the first night of the month of Ramadhaan arrives, the devils and jinn are chained, the gates of the (Hell) fire are closed so that none of its gates are left open, and the gates of Paradise are opened so that none of its gates are left closed, and a voice will call out every night saying: O you who wants to perform good! - come forth! … O you who wants to commit evil! – retreat!”

Contemplate the great statement in a narration of the following Hadeeth – a critical statement which should cause fasting to be an act of worship for us during the entire month – a statement which certainly ought to prevent fasting from becoming a habitual act and prevents us from slacking. The Prophet  said: “Allaah has a set number of people whom He frees from Hell every night.” You may be one of those whom Allaah The Almighty will free from Hell in the middle part of this month, so why become lethargic? We must all be ambitious and work hard, and we should supplicate Allaah The Almighty to make us amongst that number.

2. Remembering that some of the Divine Books were revealed during the mid days of this month:

The Prophet  said: “The Injeel (i.e., the New Testament) was revealed after thirteen days had passed from Ramadhaan, and the Tawraah (i.e., the Old Testament) was revealed after eighteen days had passed from Ramadhaan." Likewise, the Book of Prophet Ibraaheem  was revealed in the early days and the Quran was revealed at the end of this month.

3. Reflecting on the great wisdoms behind fasting:

There are many great wisdoms behind fasting, such as achieving the unity of the Ummah (Muslim nation), being kind to one another, the effects of thirst and hunger upon a person, learning self control and discipline, and many other social, physical and psychological benefits.

4. Contemplating on the saying of the Prophet :

“May he be humiliated - he upon whom Ramadhaan arrives and passes and yet Allaah does not forgive him. May Allaah deprive him from all goodness - he who is alive throughout Ramadhaan and yet Allaah does not forgive him, and (instead) puts him into Hell." To which Jibreel, peace be upon him, said, "Aameen.”

5. Performing various acts of worship during this month:

There are many good deeds one can perform in Ramadhaan, such as reciting the Quran regularly, feeding the poor, spending in charity, giving Zakaah and so on. This renews one's spirit and energizes it. Also, do not lose out on the joy and sweetness of supplicating to your Lord during any part of this month. We must express happiness and remind people in public gatherings of the greatness of this month, the sweetness of its days, and the sweetness of worshipping during it.

Remind ourselves of our pledge to worship Allaah The Almighty alone, without partners, at all times, as He Says (what means): {Say, “Indeed, my prayer, my rites of sacrifice, my living and my dying are for Allaah, Lord of the worlds. No partner has He. And this I have been commanded and I am the first [among you] of the Muslims (i.e. those who submit to Allah).} [Quran 6: 162-163]

6. Keeping track of how many days have already passed:

This way, one stays focused and becomes eager to exert more effort.

7. Comparing one's situation before and during Ramadhaan:

This is in order to realise the value of this month before it is too late, because once this month has finished this will be of no benefit.

We should also remember the long period that we will have to wait before Ramadhaan returns and question whether we will be alive at that time in order to receive it.