Allah states in Surah Al Ankabut, ‘And as for those who strive in Our path — We will surely guide them in Our ways. And verily Allah is with those who do good’ (29:70) This lets us understand Allah helps those who strive to be close to him and do good.
Many Muslims however, may indeed be fasting and experiencing the hunger, thirst and hardship during the hot summer weather but may not be reaping the rewards of their efforts from Allah. Simply refraining from food and drink does not bring a person closer to God.... it is prayer that builds that connection.
In verse 29:70 the word Sobolona (in Our ways) signifies that the grace is for anyone who makes an endeavour with purity of intention. Allah creates an atmosphere in Ramadan which facilitates attaining piety. He brings closer all the remote ways of acceptance of prayer. Hadith relates that during Ramadan Allah opens the door to Paradise and shuts down the doors leading to Hell and restrains Satan.
Satan has been given free rein and many pious people are deceived by him. At times he leads people to badness through apparent piety. However, in the aforementioned Hadith the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be on him) having been informed by God, declared that during Ramadan Satan is restrained as are his accomplices. Thus we have an opportunity to benefit from the spirituality of this month and enter Paradise from as many doors as we can. Try and reach those heights where Satan dare not reach and then make an effort to make what we have attained a part of our life.
Try and emulate the blessed model of the Holy Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be on him) in worship of God, in alms-giving etc. these are tremendous sources of attaining nearness to God. To abide by the commandments of the Holy Qur’an is also a source of attaining God’s pleasure. Fortunate will we be if we tried and gained maximum benefit from these special blessings of the month of Ramadan.
The long fasts during the hot weather will be hard, but the pleasure Allah has from the sacrifices you make and the prayers you offer will provide the greatest satisfaction of all. May Allah bless you this Holy month and may all your prayers be answered insh'Allah.
By Farhan Hayat Regional Nazim Taleem for Tahir Region London. To read more inspiring and motivating articles like this visit www.tahirregion.weebly.com/blog. Please feel free to comment and share this article with your friends.