Let Ramadan Do Its Work

•*• Ramadan Mubarak! •*• Alhamdulillah for the arrival of this sacred
and special month! May Allah bless our brothers and sisters all over
the world.
Going into Ramadan, manyof us are experiencing hardships of some kind.
Some of us are dealing with painful relationship problems,
difficulties in our marriages, problems with in-laws, breakups, debt,
loneliness, or are struggling with feelings of shame and guilt.
Let's allow Ramadan to be a soothing balm for our souls. Let it purify
us. Let Ramadan remind us of Allah's immense and infinite favors. Let
Ramadan do its inner workon us, and when it's over let's not go back
to what we were.
If Ramadan allows us to climb ten steps higher on the ladder toward
Jannah, then maybe after Ramadan we fall back two or three steps, but
not all the way. Be better and stronger than we were. This holy month
will teach us, if we let it.
New Habits, Insha'Allah
I told my daughter Salma a few days ago – she just turned six years
old – that Ramadan is a time for giving up not only food and water,
but also bad habits. I said, "Let's make adeal. I will try not to lose
my temper when you misbehave, and you will work on being less grouchy
and more gratefulfor all your blessings." To my pleasure, Salma smiled
and said, "Okay, that's a deal."
Of course I don't want this to be a change in Ramadan only. I hope
that Ramadan will set me on a new course, enabling me to be a better
parent all year long, and will teach my daughter how to be more aware
of the ne'mah (blessings and provisions) in her life.
As for the fast itself, it is hard. Ramadan is in summertime, while
much of the world is suffering from heat and drought. When we get to
Maghreb, it's a relief and a joy to break fast, especially with family
and friends.
Even better than that is Allah's reward, which comes when we need it
most and least expect it, and is always greater than we can imagine,
Insha'Allah.
As the Messenger of Allah (sws) said, "The fasting person experiences
two joys: one when he breaks his fast, and one when he meets His Lord"
(Muslim).
Give Sadaqah and Make Dua'
Lastly, let's remember those who are suffering. Afghanistan and Yemen
are in the midst of famine. The Horn of Africa is withering from
drought. The people of Syria are struggling and dying as we speak.
Give sadaqah if you can, through organizations such as Islamic Relief
, Islamic Relief UK , and Life for Relief and Development .
And make dua'! Your dua' matters. The Prophet Muhammad, may God bless
him and grant him peace, said that there are three whose dua is never
rejected by Allah: a fasting person at the time of breaking fast, the
just rulerand the one who is oppressed.' (Ahmad,Tirmidhi)
O Allah, for You do we fast,and for You do we break our fast. All
praise is due toYou, who fed us, and gave us to drink, and made us
Muslims. Purify us during this month, relieve us fromour burdens, and
forgive us. – Ameen.