Published: Mon 27 Jun 2016, 7:30 PM
Last updated: Tue 28 Jun 2016, 3:52 PM
Fasting during Ramadan may, at times, get tiring but is never hard. Not wanting to eat comes very naturally during the holy month of Ramadan, because this is the month of devotion, to show gratitude to Allah for everything he has blessed us with. This is the month of the Holy Quran, as was revealed in Ramadan. Therefore this is a month when Allah opens up the skies to shower his blessings and mercy. So why not make the most of it.
Name: Javeriya Zaheer
Nationality: Indian
Age: 20 years old
Occupation: Business Student
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I feel the month is special as my mind, body and soul all get aligned to Allah. Doing good deeds become easier and you can really feel the barakat (blessing) of this beautiful month. Do you know why? Because as per Hadith (one of various reports describing the words, actions, or habits of the Prophet Muhammad, Peace be upon him), the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) said: "When the month of Ramadan starts, the gates of heaven are opened and the gates of Hell are closed and the devils are chained." (Imam Bukhari).
Alhamdulillah due to these amazing blessings, fasting comes effortlessly to us, Muslims, because we keep it only and only for the sake of Allah. In fact what I love about fasting is that it is an action that cannot be contaminated by any element of show off - a big sin in the eye of Allah. When we fast we know, and Allah knows, and that is why it has a special reward that will be given only by Allah.
In this world, if we get to know about some sale going on or some reward being given for some competition, how we race towards it. Then imagine the rewards of fasting promised by Allah. One Hadith says Prophet Muhammad said: "... whoever fasts during Ramadan out of sincere faith and hoping to attain Allah's rewards, then all his past sins will be forgiven." (Imam Bukhari).
This is what I strive for. This is why I eagerly wait for the holy month of Ramadan. And this is why even an iota of temptation cannot shake my faith, especially during this holy month. I am my best and all-time strongest in terms of my faith as well as character and ensure I maintain an excellent disposition, more so during this beautiful month in order to maintain its sanctity.
And being in the UAE is like the icing on the cake as we get such awesome privileges during this holy month. Apart from all the sales and offers in the market, workload is reduced and timings are made more flexible. No one is allowed to eat publically. It makes fasting a lot easier with your surrounding people and environment becoming so supportive.
In other words, Ramadan for me then is a month where I get closer to my Creator. I try my best to emulate our dear Prophet Muhammad and make it a point to follow his Sunnahs even while doing the smallest of things. For example, while drinking water, I ensure I sit and drink it in three sips, say Bismillah (with the name of Allah), look into the glass to make sure it's clean.
Also, another extremely beautiful feeling I experience with the advent of Ramadan is praying Taraweeh in mosques with my family, friends and other Muslims all united by a single faith.
Basically, fasting helps me get rid of the impurities of my soul. It transforms me to a better person that I wish to be. Ramadan, hence is a month where I try to avoid indulging too much in worldly pleasures, switch off the bad in me. I stop wasting my time watching TV and completely shun music. And even as I wonder, why all this becomes easier during this month, I know the answer. Like I quoted a Hadith before, the devils are chained, gates of paradise are opened and we get more God-conscious. I wish I and everyone around me is able to adopt this beautiful lifestyle throughout our lives.
Also I would like to make a special mention about the upbringing my parents have given us. They have always encouraged and motivated us to be a strong and upright individuals who is not only a good Muslim but also a beautiful human being in general. They always reminded me that 'Allah is watching' for all the good and bad I do and that I'm accountable for my deeds.
(As told to Saman Haziq)
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