ADVICE FOR RAMADHAAN
The reason for mentioning the manner in which these saintly ones
spent their Ramadhaan is not that we may just read without deriving
any benefit or pass a casual remark. It is written with the object
that we in our way may build up courage and to the best of our ability
endeavor to copy and follow their noble examples. Every pious elders
programme had its particular specialty.
How wonderful would it be if those who are not forced by worldly
necessities try their utmost to mend their religious life in this
one month after having allowed eleven months of the year go by to
destroy themselves.
As for those who have to be in their offices and be present at
eight, nine or ten in the morning, what difficulty will it be for
them if they at least in Ramadhaan, spend the time from Fajr until
their hours of employment in reciting the Qur'aan. After all our
worldly needs we do find time in spite of office hours.
For those engaged in farming, who normally are not bound to others
nothing prevents them from reciting the Qur'aan on their farm or
adjusting their daily routine. Then come the businessmen, shopkeepers
and merchants.
Nothing prevents them in Ramadhaan from reciting their Qur'aan
during their shop hours or cutting short trading time in order to
make time for recitation thereof. After all there is very strong
link between Ramadhaan and the Tilaa-wah of the Qur'aan. Almost
all Allah's great scriptures were revealed in this month. Similarly,
in this month the Qur'aan was brought down from the Lowhul Mahfoozh
to the Samaa'ud Dunyaa, from where it was revealed bit by bit to
Rasulullah (SAW) in a span of twenty three years.
Nabi Ibrahim (A.S.) received his scriptures on the first and third
of this sacred month. Nabi Dawood (A.S.) received the Zaboor on
the twelfth or eighteenth. Nabi Moosa (A.S.) received his Towrah
on the sixth. Nabi Essa (A.S.) received the Injeel on the twelfth
or thirteenth. From this we note the great connection between the
divine scriptures and the month of Ramadhaan.
For this reason, as much ti-laawah of the Qur'aan as possible should
be made during this month. Such was the habit of our saints. Jibraeel
(A.S.) used to recite the whole Qur'aan to our Nabi Muhammad (SAW)
in the month of Ramadhaan. In some reports it is stated that Rasulullah
(SAW) used to recite and he (Jibraeel) used to listen. From joining
these reports the 'ulama have said that it is mustahab to read the
Qur'aan in such a manner that while one recites the other listens.
Thereafter another recites while others listen. So recite the Qur'aan
as much as possible. Whatever time remains thereafter should not
be wasted.
Rasulullah (SAW) drew our attention to four more things and advised
that we should practice them as much as possible. They are the recitation
of Kalimah 'Tayyibah, Istighfaar, begging for Jannah and seeking
refuge from Ja-hannam. Therefore it must be regarded an honour to
spend as much as available in these recitations. This will be the
true appreciation of the teachings of Rasulullah (SAW). What is
so difficult about keeping the tongue busy with the recitation of
Durood ('salawaat) or
Laa ilaaha illallaah while being engaged in our daily tasks?
In the same Hadith Rasulullah (SAW) said a few more things, Ramadhaan
is the month of patience. Hence even if great difficulty is experienced
in fasting one should bear it with patience. One should not complain
as people are fond of doing during hot days.
If by chance sah-ri is missed then lamentations begin early in
the day. Similarly, should difficulty be experienced at the same
time of Taraweeh, it too should be borne with patience. Do not consider
it a great calamity or trial, otherwise these deeds may be void
of blessings. When we turn our backs on worldly things, forsake
our very eating and drinking, then in the face of Allah's pleasure
what are these difficulties?
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