Ramadan, a spiritual journey for the believer

By the grace and mercy of Allah, the blessed month of Ramadan is here with us once again. Muslims worldwide are going to commence fasting in this sacred month, which is in fulfillment of one of the five pillars in Islam.

It is reported in Al Bukhari that the Prophet said:
“Allah said, ‘All the deeds of Adam’s sons (people) are for them, except fasting which is for Me, and I will give the reward for it.”

Ramadan is a spiritual journey for the believer. For the whole month, he travels to get nearer to Allah. On the way he will pass many obstacles and diversions which may hinder and slow his passage. To make sure that his journey is swift and progressive, he needs many items. The following are some of the necessary items for a believer’s trip towards Allah. 

Muslims should have an attitude of anticipation and enthusiasm towards Ramadan. A believer should look forward to the month of Ramadan with great ecstasy and eagerness. He should enjoy the beauty of spirit that Ramadan begins with, the warmth of carrying out the orders of Allah, the hope of achieving His pleasure, forgiveness and the happiness at being able to obey the commands of Allah. Muslims should be happy when the month arrives and sad when it departs because Allah’s Messenger (peace be upon him) said:
“When the first night of Ramadan comes, the devils and the rebellious jinn are chained, the gates of Hell are locked and not one of them is opened; the gates of Paradise are opened and not one of them is locked; and a crier calls, ‘You who desire what is good, come forward, and you who desire evil, refrain. Some are freed from Hell by Allah, and that happens every night.” (Tirmidhi).

Further, the Prophet (peace be upon him) said: “Ramadan is a month whose beginning is mercy, whose middle is forgiveness, and whose end is redemption from the Fire.”

May Allah help us all to make every fast this Ramadan a shield in the Hereafter and an intercessor in the grave. May Allah not make us one of those who do not get anything from their fasts except for hunger and thirst. May Allah accept our fasting, forgive our sins, and guide us all to the Straight Path. May Allah bless us all during Ramadan, and throughout the year, with His forgiveness, mercy, peace, and bring us all closer to Him and to each other. May Allah further guide us towards making this Ramadan a source for gathering numerous blessings and making it possible for us to be among those who would be alive and welcome the next Ramadan. Ameen.