10 ways of receiving Ramadan

Source: Brother P. M. Abdul Salam

Muslims should not neglect the seasons of worship; rather, they must be among the first to excel in and compete in them. Allaah The Almighty Says (what means): {So for this let the competitors compete.}[Quran 83:26]

So, we must try our best to receive the month of Ramadhaan in the following recommended ways:

The first way: Supplicate Allaah The Almighty to keep you alive and in good health untilRamadhaan comes so that you will be able to actively worship Allaah

At the sighting of the new moon, supplicate Allaah The Almighty saying: “O Allaah, let this moon come to us with security and faith; with safety and Islam; and guidance to what You love and approve. My Lord and your Lord is Allaah.” [At-Tirmithi, Ad-Daarimi, and Ibn Hibbaan: Saheeh]

The second way: Thanking Allaah The Almighty for attending this month. In his book Al-Athkaar, Imaam An-Nawawi says, “It is recommended for the person who experiences an obvious favor or is protected from an obvious curse that he prostrates in gratefulness to Allaah The Almighty or praises Him duly.”

The third way: Happiness and joy. The Prophet, , was authentically reported to have congratulated his Companions on the coming of Ramadhaan. The Prophet, , said: “Ramadhaan has come to you. It is a blessed month during which Allaah The Almighty Prescribed fasting and in this month the gates of the heavens are open and the gates of Hell are shut…” [Ahmad]

There is no happiness greater than receiving the news of the approach of Ramadhaan, the season of blessings and the descent of mercy.

The fourth way: Planning in advance how to benefit from Ramadhaan. Unfortunately, many people — even practicing Muslims — draw detailed plans for worldly affairs of this life, This message is supposed to help the person spend the duration of Ramadhaan in obeying Allaah The Almighty – Allaah willing.

The fifth way: Beingsincerely determined to be among the believers who achieve success and felicity in Ramadhaan and fill its days with righteous deeds. Allaah The Almighty Says (what means): {If they had been true to Allaah, it would have been better for them.} [Quran 47:21]

The sixth way: Learning and understanding the Fiqh rulings related to fasting in Ramadhaan. The Muslim is obliged to learn the issues and rulings related to fasting before the coming of Ramadhaan so that his fasting will be correct and accepted by Allaah The Almighty Who Says (what means): {So ask the people of the message if you do not know.} [Quran 21:7]

The seventh way: We have to receive this month with the decision to give up sins and misdeeds, sincerely repent of them all, stop them, and not commit them again. Ramadhaan is the month of repentance and if a person misses this chance, when will he repent? Allaah The Almighty Says (what means): {And turn to Allaah in repentance, all of you, O believers, that you might succeed.}[Quran 24:31]

The eighth way: Being spiritually and psychologically prepared. This could be done by reading books and articles, and listening to beneficial lectures and discourses which highlight the virtues and rulings of fasting, so that the soul is prepared for worship in this month. The Prophet, , used to prepare the souls of his Companions to utilize this meritorious month

The ninth way: Prepare oneself well for calling to Allaah The Almighty in Ramadhaan. This can be done in the following ways:

1- Preparing short sermons and lessons to be given in the neighbourhood Masjid if possible.

2- Distributing some booklets and articles of admonition and jurisprudence related to Ramadhaan to the worshipers and people in your area.

3- Preparing some gifts for Ramadhaan, which could be envelopes containing two tapes and a booklet marked “Gift for Ramadhaan.”

4- Reminding people of our duties towards the poor and needy and giving them charity). Identify neighbors that are poor and sent them food for this month, so they observe fast with the food you supplied

The tenth way: We receive the month of Ramadhaan by opening a bright new page with:

a- Allaah The Almighty by sincerely repenting to Him.

b- The Messenger of Allaah, , by obeying his orders and avoiding what he prohibited and warned against.

c- Parents, relatives, and one’s spouse and children by being dutiful to them and maintaining ties with them

d- Society by being a righteous and useful person. The Prophet, , said: “The best of people is the one who benefits them most.”

This is how the Muslim receives the month of Ramadhaan like a barren land which is in need of water, a patient when he sees the doctor and the lover when he receives his long-awaited absent loved one.

O Allaah, Keep us alive till the coming of Ramadhaan and accept it from us! Indeed, You are The Hearing The Knowing!