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EsinIslam
Ramadan
Ramadan Explorer Almost all of us do
it - once Iftar time hits, we just keep plowing food and drink into our mouths
till it's hard to move afterwards. And those of us who do it know this is
totally contrary to the spirit of Ramadan, through which we're supposed to
learn self-control not self-indulgence. Let's try to stick to the Prophetic
rule on eating: fill our stomachs with one-third food, one-third water and
one-third breathing space, even in Ramadan.
The Prophet Muhammad, peace and blessings be upon him, was
always generous but even more so in Ramadan. Let's open our hearts and dig a
little deeper in our wallets this year. Even less than a dollar a day adds up.
Whatever you can give, it's the intention that counts. Memorizing the Quran
often seems like a daunting task. But the key is doing it in small bites.
Since there are four weeks in Ramadan, try to memorize one new Surah a week.
Start off with a short, easy one. Once you've started, you'll build momentum
and may even want to memorize a longer one the following week. Post-Iftar, the first
urge is to sleep after an exhausting day. But try your best to head out to the
mosque for Tarawih prayers. Praying alone is wonderful, but doing it in
congregation is fantastic. The community spirit is part of Ramadan's
blessings. Don't miss it this year. If going every day is not possible, try
going at least one week. Call the local mosque and find out which
day the Imam will be finishing the recitation of the Quran in prayer. Attend
to not only hear part of the Quran's recitation in prayer, but also
participate in the heart-rending Duas that follow it. You'd think that
given the easy access to email, competitive long-distance calling rates, phone
cards, etc. these days, we'd keep in touch with family and friends more often.
But the opposite seems to be the case, as we get caught up in life's
"busyness." Even if you work in the
IT industry, you can do this. Avoid checking personal email and surfing the
web during your fast. After Iftar, instead of plopping yourself in front of
the screen, go to Tarawih. The same goes for the television. The point is to
try to give our full attention to spiritual elevation this month. Still got a
festering wound from the fight with your friend last year? Still upset about
something your spouse said during a heated argument? Or are you still bitter
about the way your parents sometimes treated you as a kid? Let go of the anger
and pain this Ramadan and forgive those who have hurt you. Forgiving someone
is not only good for the body, but it's also great for the soul. And in
Ramadan, ten days of which are devoted to Allah's forgiveness, shouldn't we
lesser beings forgive too? |
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