How Did the Prophet Mohammad [saw] Spend Ramadan?
Salam.
Mashallah a nice short summary article. Inshallah I wud like to write a few points.
Indeed it is an extraordinary blessing from Allah who gives w/o measures to make the month of Ramadan so special n filled with rahmah (blessing) , barakah (special blessing) n najah (forgiveness from hell fire). These three rewards from Allah divides accordingly the entire month into equal three parts. Does it then mean that during the 10 days of rahmah the other two blessing r withdrawn? Of course not. They never stop n not only during Ramadan but 24x7x365 for yor entire life. It is just that Muslims r encouraged to work harder with their quality of saum (eating - talking less, more nafal/extra ibadahs, supplications, control gazes n libidos althou permissible conjugations r allowed during non fasting times ie., from iftar to suhoor etc) on each segments of the three blessed periods. As he does inshallah he will b blessed with the three rewards from Allah with the progression of his steadfastness, tawak (fear n follow Allah), piety, honest efforts etc. All Muslims generally feels the extraordinary power of this sacred month it keeps hidden in itself as soon as the month is over. The next few days it makes us feel a pain of discontent due to the void created by Ramadan leaving us n makes us somewot craving of its continuity (yet fasting nafal Siams never gives the same satisfaction). It's departure feels as if an unknown invisible unselfish true friend has left who is incomparable n irreplaceable that makes one sad but not cry. Subhanallah!
It is indeed an special opportunity allowed to b around during Ramadan n b in a state to b able,to inshallah perform it. However, we hav started lots of beedah (haram/ forbidden acts of new invention in the religion) or exaggerated wastes n expenses which is hurting our amalnama of akhera (the balance sheet of the final judgement day). I hav written about some n others were deleted by the jahannamis (future residents of hells).
I take this opportunity to discuss something with u all. Taraweeh is an integral part of Siam. Most masjids organise taraweeh with isha salah. A twenty rakah salah where the entire Quran is recited within the salahs from the first day of Ramadan upto the nite of qadar (usually considered 27th Ramadan but actually on any odd #ed day of the last 10 nites). So these r lengthy, tidious but non mandatory salahs but earns benefits to the participants. Studying various Islamic scholars n hadids I hav grown a thot Mashallah about taraweeh. Shud someone feel that after all days job stress n fasting the taraweeh is burdensome or others thinks it is beneficial in the sense that it refreshes with a gym sort of workout bcoz the recitations to the performing of salahs r done rather hurriedly, usually to finish within two hours, then they might want to consider an alternative as well. I wud recommend instead of daily taraweeh stay few days at home (say half the Ramadan) but use the time wisely. Study the thaemetics of Quran, review hadids, read Islamic literatures, group up with family members to exchange Islamic ideas, encourage to study Islamic lits like Yahya Ulum, masnabi, scientific n philosophical discoveries relating to Islam, listen to the lectures of various Islamic scholars etc.. I can guarantee u inshallah that all these activities r if not more definitely not less then taraweeh, n helps u grow knowledge n wisdow thus brings yor heart n mind very close to Allah n helps build a strong bondage with Allah.
Let us all pray to Allah so that this Ramadan becomes the best reward for our lives n we can attain the heights of our iman n amol to such levels that, with Allahs complete satisfaction, they become the benchmark of our lifestyle for the rest of our lives. Rabbana takabbal dua, hey Allah accept my supplication.
Note: I didn't expect my portion to be this long, please accept my apologies. Maybe a compensation n answer for removing the slides blog played a role, Allah knows better.
How Did the Prophet Mohammad [saw] Spend Ramadan?
Our relationship with him is fascinating. He stood up all night praying for us 1400 years ago. He didn't see us, we never met him but we are attached to one another by a special bond. Perhaps that's what being an Ummah means.
No matter how low we may be feeling, the moment someone shares with us an incident from the Prophet's
life we instantly brush off the blues and get motivated all over again.
Ramadan is a time when despite our high goals and aspirations, we are not to be found slacking. Everyone wants to make the best use of their time, but it seems overwhelming. So let's review how our beloved Messenger
spent the blessed month of Ramadan.
Worship and Remembrance of Allah
We all know that the Prophet
found his solace and comfort in the worship and remembrance of his Creator. However, when the month of Ramadan approached he intensified his efforts. Humbly supplicating to his Lord, he sought help, support, victory and guidance. It was his spiritual power that kept him strong and motivated throughout the day and night.
Why do we fall behind our religious commitments? It is because we lack spiritual power.
A Muslim's approach: As Ramadan visits us this summer, in the Northern Hemisphere, we will have to load up extra spiritual power this year. Whenever your nafs whispers, "You are not good enough to worship," remind yourself of the following:
Allah
says, "O mankind, worship your Lord, who created you and those before you, that you may become righteous." [Quran: Chapter 2, Verse 21]
In this ayah, Allah
provides us the answer to becoming a Mutaqqi or righteous. The more we worship, the more God-fearing we will become.
The Days of the Prophet
While we may sit inside air-conditioned offices and homes and still complain, the Prophet
busied himself with da'wah in the scorching heat of Arabia. He met people and counseled them regarding their day-to-day affairs. Not only that but he also participated in jihad while fasting. The battle of Badr and Tabouk were fought during this blessed month.
When we compare this with our lives the mere commute between work and home seems arduous to us.
A Muslim's approach: When your motivation is declining or when your nafs whispers "rest a while, sleep a little more", remind yourself of the following:
"O you who have believed, decreed upon you is fasting as it was decreed upon those before you that you may become righteous." [Quran: Chapter 2, Verse 183]
This ayah In sha Allah will encourage you to not take fasting as a burden but rather something that was decreed on the previous generations as well. If they could achieve their goals so can we.
Encouragement to Eat Suhoor
Eating the pre-dawn meal is what distinguishes our fasts from those of the People of the Book. It is also our power meal that keeps us energized throughout the day. The Prophet
said, "Eat suhoor, for there are blessings in it." [Bukhari]
A lot of people skip suhoor because they either slept too late and could not wake up on time or did not plan their meal. Not planning at night makes them take the easy way out and simply skip it.
A Muslim's approach: A productive Muslim sleeps and wakes up early. He has his day well planned from the time he wakes up. Wake up before Fajr prayer to have your secret meeting with Allah
, and seek closeness and forgiveness from Him, to read some portion of the Qur'an before the hustle and bustle of life begins, and also to prepare a nutritious breakfast. Ask your family to join in and turn it into a family event. Do not forget to add dates to your diet. Read 10 Step Suhoor Guide for some inspiration.
Hasten to Have Iftar
The wisdom behind Allah's
commands is the best thing in our deen. Understanding that our energy levels are depleted by evening, the Prophet
practiced and advised his companions
to hasten to have iftar. And since their focus was the hereafter, they did not adorn their table with extra food. They lived simple and frugal lives.
Sometimes we get carried away by all-you-can-eat deals and different types of cuisines advertised on cooking channels. Our focus becomes the meal instead of the spirit of fasting.
A Muslim's approach: As soon as you have filled your bellies with what was needed, hasten to the masjid for the Maghrib prayer. Avoid having strong smelling food that can produce bad mouth odor. When you have performed Maghrib, return home for a light dinner. The food should be healthy and nutritious to help you stand during Qiyam-ul-Layl.
Retreat and Seclusion in the Last Ten Days
The last ten days of Ramadan were the most beloved and significant to the Prophet
. He would isolate himself from the world and only focus on his relationship with his Lord. This was his practice to attune his heart towards to Allah
.
During the last ten days of Ramadan, people are found in the shopping mall than at the masjid. Everyone is busy shopping for Eid, availing discounts and chasing new trends.
During the last ten days of Ramadan, people are found in the shopping mall than at the masjid. Everyone is busy shopping for Eid, availing discounts and chasing new trends.
A Muslim's approach: Remembering that Ramadan is a guest that comes only once a year; limit worldly occupations and increase worship and supplications. Reflect on the life of the Hereafter and hasten to perform righteous deeds that will make you successful in the Hereafter. We should remind ourselves that we can shop, eat and rest all year long, Ramadan won't be here forever. Plan your Eid shopping early. Forget about latest trends and styles and focus on what matters: the Hereafter.
Often we are unable to follow our Prophet's footsteps because we fall victim to our self-created excuses. We presume our lives are busy. But if we analyse our occupations, we realize most of the time is wasted on unnecessary and unimportant things. This Ramadan let's work on our spiritual goals.
Allah
says: "Indeed, the righteous will be among gardens and springs, accepting what their Lord has given them. Indeed, they were before that doers of good. They used to sleep but little of the night, and in the hours before dawn they would ask forgiveness." [Quran: Chapter 51, Verses 15-18]
May Allah
make us of those mentioned in the ayat, Ameen.
*The article has been adapted from Aa'id Abdullah Qarni's Book, "30 Lessons for Those who Fast."
About the Author:
Uzma Awan is a freelance writer having interests in health, nutrition, sustainability and Islam. She journals her quest for a sustainable lifestyle at Embracing Sustainability. She also has a Qur'an blog where she shares Qur'an tafseer.
Masjid e Nab'awi, Medina
Comments