By: Haqqseeker (Based on an article by Sister Yasmin)
Source: MuslimVillage
Is the month of Ramadhaan solely for eating samosas, creamy cakes and other savoury and sweet dishes?
‘Ramadhaan’ is the month of Mercy! The month of Forgiveness! Wherein we increase our ‘Ibadaah’ and hope to gain a closer connection with Ar-Rahmaan!
But…for many, the sweetness of this month lies solely in the special, savoury and sweet dishes they are served during ‘Iftaar’!
‘Ramadhaan’ then becomes a month wherein they may gather with family and eat special foods they do not eat for the rest of the year. And if ‘Ramadhaan’ looms significance only for this aspect, how then are we to extract the many benefits of this blessed month…?
If one spends his day fasting only thinking of the dishes and delicacies they will have after sunset, then they may only think of this month in black and white! That is…fasting as a time of hunger and thirst and the time after the fast as a time of food, drink and perhaps indulgence!
Compare this to the one who doesn’t hold this simple mentality, but one who understands the reality of this month!
For them, fasting during this month is not a time to dwell on the lack of food and anticipation for the special dishes that await, but rather a time to race towards good deeds, to increase in their Qur’aan recitation, to make fervent Du’aa & Istighfaar, to pray their Salawaat with the utmost Khushoo, and to strive to please Ar-Rahmaan!
As for the time after fasting, it is a time for gratitude for the food that has touched our lips! To increase the bonds with family and friends as we break our fast with one another! To make it to the ‘Masjid’ to pray ‘Ishaa’ and ‘Taraweeh’ and to continue with the ‘Duaa’, the ‘Qur’aan’ and the Salaah!
Once we realize the immense value of this month, the simplistic view of it as the month of special foods shall vanish, rather the remembrance of ALLAH (Azza Wa Jall) will loom large and be of our utmost priority!
Prophet {SalAllahu ‘Alayhi Wa Sallam} has stated…
“The son of Adam does not fill any vessel worse than his stomach; for the son of Adam a few mouthfuls are sufficient to keep his back straight. If you must fill it, then one-third for food, one-third for drink and one-third for air.”
Narrated by al-Tirmidhi, Ibn Maajah.
Many of us may forget this admonition at the time of breaking our fast, and as such a typical feast may ensue afterwards. But it is upon us to be mindful of it, and more so to ask yourself how it is you will gain ‘Khushoo’ in ‘Isha’ and ‘Taraweeh’…?
The admonition here does not cease upon us acknowledging and appreciating alone the true value of this month and what it offers.
Rather, it must be followed by action.
Refuse to take that extra bite or take on that appetizing dish, because of the admonition of our beloved Prophet [SalAllahu ‘Alayhi wa Sallam] & also because you anticipate the ‘Salaah’ that shall come afterwards…!
You want to have the utmost concentration, you want your heart to be softened, and you want that tranquility to descend in your prayer; undoubtedly such a state of ‘Khushoo’ cannot coincide with one who has eaten past their limit… !
May Allah (Azza Wa Jall) make us those who have a fruitful ‘Ramadhaan’ (or what remains of it), immersed in ‘Ibaadah’ and seeking the Pleasure of ALLAH (Azza Wa Jall).
And may He accept our Duaa, our Siyaam and especially our Laylatul Qadr Ibadaah plus all our Good deeds…Aameen.
And Allah Ta’ala knows best.
