preparing for ramadan

[mojtaba]

It has been narrated in the book `Uyun al-Akhbar al-Ridha from Abi Salt al-Harawi that when he visited Imam al-Ridha (a.s) on the last Friday of Sha`ban, the Imam said to him, “Abu’Salt: The majority of Sha`ban has passed. This is the last Friday in it. You should thus settle what you have missed in this month by working hard in the rest of it. You may supplicate, seek forgiveness of Almighty Allah, recite the Holy Qur'an, and repent before Almighty Allah from your sins so that you receive the month of Ramadan with pure sincerity to Almighty Allah. You must fulfill all the trusts that you are liable to settle; and do not bear malice against any of your brethren-in-faith; and you must give up any sin that you commit. Fear Almighty Allah and trust in Him in secret and openly, for ‘If any one puts his trust in Allah, sufficient is (Allah) for him. For Allah will surely accomplish his purpose: verily, for all things has Allah appointed a due proportion. 65/3’

In the rest days of Sha`ban, you may repeat the following supplication very much for Almighty Allah saves many people from Hellfire on account of the sanctity of this month:

اللّهُمَّ إنْ لَمْ تَكُنْ غَفَرْتَ لَنَا فِيمَا مَضَى مِنْ شَعْبَانَ

O Allah: If You have not forgiven us in the past days of Sha`ban,

allahumma in lam takun ghafarta lanafimamadhamin sha`bana

فَاغْفِرْ لَنَا فِيمَا بَقِيَ مِنْهُ

(please do) forgive us in the rest of it.

faghfir lanafimabaqiya minhu

 

[Jumi]

Can I ask what is the core meaning of Ramadan for the Muslims?

 

[Smart_Guy]

Can I ask what is the core meaning of Ramadan for the Muslims?

Sure.

Ramadan is the month of the obligatory fasting, the 4th pillar/foundation corner of Islam. We also believe that in this month, the Quran's revelation was completed. There is also that believe it has a night called the Night of Fate (Qadr) in which worshiping God/doing good deeds are multiplied in credits. We collect credits to help us in the after life.

Fasting is also considered a virtue to us Muslims, not just an obligation.

Plus, to me, it is my family name

 

[Jumi]

How do you prepare yourself for the fast? Do you start eating less gradually before Ramadan or is it good to eat some extra food in before you start? I think fasting and sharing food with poor is a good and interesting practice. Something I would want people here in west do also.

 

[Smart_Guy]

There is a special meal near the end of the night before the first light to give a push to fast the day. That's the only preparation seriously considered, and advised in the Islamic heritage. In my community nothing else is done as a defined preparation, except maybe for shopping before Ramadan for the biggest possible amount of grocery some do to avoid doing so in Ramadan. Not sure about other communities, but I don't really see there is any need for any preparations other than the above mentioned daily meal. Not sure if this is related, but working hours are reduced in Ramadan in both the govt. and private sectors.

Non-religious/non-Muslim communities do have similar charity practices, but not sure if it is related to beliefs/religions, and if so, in what weight. For some reason I find that good deeds connected to religion are done more faithfully, generously, systematically and gracefully specially if it is believed as a virtue not as an obligation. Just my opinion.

 

[Sakeenah]

Ramadan Mubarak..I hope you all have a blessed Ramadan insha Allah. May Allah accept your fast and make you and your families among those who get closer to Allah through fasting this month

I'm taking a break from RF this Ramadan.. I'll probably be back after Ramadan insha Allah

Fee amanillah

 

[Smart_Guy]

Ramadan Mubarak to you too
I think I should have a break too.

 

[Servant_of_the_One1]

Can I ask what is the core meaning of Ramadan for the Muslims?

For me its a month to purify your soul, to wash off the sins and to repent. Ramadan strengthens my faith, renews the spirituality.

 

[Sakeenah]

How is fasting going brothers/sisters?

I just wanted to say keep those who have less in your prayer..there are brothers/sisters who sometimes have only dates to break their fast or depend on charity but still fast.
This is the month in which each good deed is even more loved to Allah..so even if you can give a pound or dollar do it..for us it may be just a pound/dollar but for others it means they can eat a meal and feed their family

 

[Servant_of_the_One1]

How is fasting going brothers/sisters?

I just wanted to say keep those who have less in your prayer..there are brothers/sisters who sometimes have only dates to break their fast or depend on charity but still fast.
This is the month in which each good deed is even more loved to Allah..so even if you can give a pound or dollar do it..for us it may be just a pound/dollar but for others it means they can eat a meal and feed their family

Alhamdulilah sister, so far its going well. People were panicking about long hours, but by Allah's grace the long hours seems very short.
On the ibadah part, i feel like iam on the right track by reading lots of quran and praying more tarawih at the mosque. But i have to do more in the sadaqah section, insha Allah the blessed days are coming so iam planning to give all during the last 10 days if Allah wills.

May Allah help all muslims who are suffering somewhere in the world or who cant fast because a certain atheist country banned ramadan. Amin


How is your fasting going?