Monday, August 15, 2011

Ramadan Diaries: Halfway Through Ramadan

@ssalamoalekum,
It's nisf (half) Ramadan already. I must congratulate myself and all others who have been benefiting from the auspicious month. Spending Ramadan like a regular month is like letting go of easy goodness out of sheer stupidity. 
Sheikh Navaid Aziz had this flashing on his Facebook Page today:
Jabir bin 'Abdillah (RA) said: "When you fast, your hearing, your vision, and your tongue should also fast – by avoiding lies and sins. You should not abuse your servant. You should maintain your composure and dignity on the day that you fast. Do not make your fasting day the same as your normal day." Musannaf Ibn Abī Shaybah (8880)

Some of us are beginning to feel the effects of the beautiful struggle. The physical effects may be a bit uncomfortable, for instance I have stomach acids flaring up, but the spiritual cleansing is very, very peaceful. If you've been keeping a check on your thoughts, words, and deeds then the change must be obvious. Ramadan is a cleanser for each one of us if we pay attention to its philosophy.
Despite its challenges, the 15 hours of fasting, dedicated extra prayers, early wake-ups, and the race with time, I am getting toned to the feeling of peace and tranquil that's part of Ramadan. 
Waking up each morning at 3am, being careful not to disturb the neighbors, performing wudu (ablution), and getting breakfast ready has become my favorite routine. We keep the pots and pans ready the night before so we're ready to fry and sizzle for Seher at 3am without clattering them and waking up neighbors. After all, Ramadan is about sharing the love, peace, and tranquil.
There's the pre-Iftaar buzz in the house which is the prime event of the day!

The meals bring families closer and makes each individual thank Allah (swt) for the goodness He's provided us on our tables. It helps us empathize with the feelings of those who don't have enough, and help excite the spirit of charity and generosity in our hearts.
The days are spent reading the most beautiful of books. I have taken up the reading of Quran's translation and exegesis (tafsir) so I know what exactly my Creator wants me to know. I've added RasoolAllah (saww)'s biography to the package to make it even more beautiful this Ramadan.
People have been attending Taraweeh prayers. The scene before the Ka'abah is so, so beautiful mashAllah. That's a snapshot of it from my television. It's the most beautiful place on earth.

The last 10 days of Ramadan are the crux of the month. Hidden in them is Laylatul Qadr (the Night of Power) which marks the day when the Quran was revealed to Prophet Mohammad صلى الله عليه وآله وسلم (peace and blessings on him and his family). There are great merits of praying on this night and most definitely it can change the destiny of the person who is sincere. The deal is, this night can be the 21st, 23rd, 25th, 27th, or the 29th of Ramadan It is hidden so that those who seek it must worship all these dates to find the treasures that Allah (swt) has reserved for them. InshAllah, there shall be more on the Night of Power on Sisterly Yours. 

Coming up on Ramadan Diaries, inshAllah:
  • Laylatul Qadar entries: 21st, 23rd, 25th, 27th, & 29th

  • Jumu'ahtul Wida (last Friday of Ramadan) entry

  • List of sins and prohibits 

  • Eid Buzz

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