Ramadan
From Eid to Eid
Friday, 02 September 2011 00:00
Ramadhan has departed. It was a month of patience. It was a month that called for sacrifice of desires, sacrifice of time, at the same time calling for much bodily exertion and striving. Ramadhan was followed by the joyous day of Eid. The day of Eid wasn't a matter of taking the day off from acts of devotion and worship after a month long period of devotion, sacrifice and striving.It wasn't just relaxation and good times - it entailed extra salah, two khutbahs and distribution of fitra. The theme of sacrifice and striving was clearly evident in this! After Eid, the optional six Shawwal fasts are rewarding and virtuous. They present another wonderful opportunity for sacrifice and striving.
Eid
While Eid is certainly meant to be a joyous occasion, the true happiness of Eid should be understood in its proper perspective. Consider the situation of a student who has spent the entire year at an institution. At the end of the year a celebration is held. He is wearing the expensive new outfit that he bought especially for this occasion. All varieties of treats have been prepared. The happiness in the atmosphere is enchanting. However, he has just received his results. The results state that he has failed. What occasion will he celebrate? What will he rejoice over? Eid should be considered in a similar manner.
The month of Ramadhaan was especially given to the Ummah to acquire the wealth of Taqwa (consciousness of Allah Ta'ala). Allah Ta'ala declares: "O you who Believe, verily fasting was prescribed upon you just as it was ordained upon those before you so that you may attain Taqwa." Taqwa entails the forsaking of every disobedience of Allah Ta'ala. One who has spent his Ramadhaan in various forms of ibaadah (worship) but has not given up sin, has not attained Taqwa. What will he celebrate? What will he rejoice over? The only difference is that one's results of Ramadhaan are not received "in black and white" in this world. However, every person can, to some extent, judge for himself whether he has passed or not.
The Night Before Eid
Tuesday, 30 August 2011 00:00
Rasulullah (Sallallahu alayhi wasallam) has said; The night of Eidul Fitr, the night that is called Laylatul Jaa’izah (The night of prize giving), comes along. On the morning of Eid, Allah Ta’ala sends down the Malaaikah, to all the lands of the earth, where they stand at the entrance of roads, calling out with a voice that is heard by all except man and jinn: “O Ummah of Muhammad (sallallahu alayhi wasallam), come out of your houses towards a Lord that is noble and gracious, who grants much and pardons the big sins.”
When they go towards the places for their Eid Salaah, Allah Ta’ala says to the Malaaikah: “What is the reward of that worker who has completed his work?” The Malaaikah reply: “O Lord and master, it is only right that he should receive his reward in full.” Allah Ta’ala then says:
“I call you to witness, O My Malaaikah, that for their having fasted during the month of Ramadhaan, and for their having stood before Me in prayer by night, I have granted to them as reward My pleasure and have granted them forgiveness.O My servants ask now of Me, for I swear by My honour and My greatness, that whatsoever you shall beg of Me this day in this gathering of yours for the needs of the Hereafter, I shall grant you, and whatsoever you shall ask for your worldly needs, I shall grant it. I swear by My honour that, as long as you shall obey My commands, I shall cover up your faults. By My Honour and My Greatness do I swear that I shall never disgrace you together with the sinful people and disbelievers. Go now from here, you are forgiven. You have pleased Me and I am pleased with you.”
The Malaaikah on seeing this great reward given by Allah Ta’ala upon the ummah of Muhammad (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) on the day of Eidul Fitr become greatly pleased and happy. (As reported in Targheeb.)
Lifetime Opportunity
Saturday, 06 August 2011 00:00
You have been given an opportunity of a lifetime. A business operates twenty four hours a day. The owner wishes to take a holiday and has requested you to run the business for one month. The arrangement is that for every second that you will personally man the business, you will get paid twenty rands. If you have to leave the business for any necessity, the person who relieves you will get the money for the duration of time that you are out! You have obviously grabbed the opportunity with open arms.
Summary of the Welcome to Ramadaan Programme (Part1)
Friday, 22 July 2011 00:00
Preparation for Ramadaan
Before any event, preparations are made. In proportion to the event are the preparations. If it is a small event, then perhaps the preparations will commence a few days before and it will involve a few individuals. If it is a worldwide event, then preparations will commence weeks, rather months in advance and will involve many people.
Likewise, we will witness, if Allah Ta’ala wills, such a grand, magnificent event that preparations have commenced for it an entire year in advance. Jannah is prepared and beautified by Allah Ta’ala the entire year for the moment when its doors will be flung open on the first night of Ramadaan. Such a great month that leave alone man, the entire creation of Allah Ta’ala is mobilised for it. The fish in the ocean make dua for the fasting person (Musnad Ahmad). The angels in the heaven make dua for their forgiveness.
Read more: Summary of the Welcome to Ramadaan Programme (Part1)
Page 1 of 3