Prepare for Ramadān (Part 1)
Guidance and advice for the Blessed Month from
Hadrat Mawlānā Muhammad Saleem Dhorat hafizahullāh
Building Stamina
Right from the onset of the month of Rajab, we should begin to prepare for Ramadān. By building up slowly over Rajab and Sha‘bān, we will be in peak spiritual condition when Ramadān arrives.
To do this we need to make a programme of ibādah and set daily targets. We then need to fix a timetable so that we are able to achieve those targets. Thereafter targets should be reviewed every week or every fortnight, and gradually increased until Ramadān arrives. Then throughout Ramadān this process should continue.
If we do not set targets and do not fix a timetable early on, we will not be able to progress. Consequently, we will not develop the necessary spiritual stamina required to maintain the level of performance in order to reap the maximum benefit from Ramadān.
Prepare for Ramadān (Part 2)
Guidance and advice for the Blessed Month from
Hadrat Mawlānā Muhammad Saleem Dhorat hafizahullāh
Reaching the Shore
Reaching the month of Rajab is akin to reaching the shore of Ramadān. This is why the Prophet sallallāhu ‘alayhi wasallam would read the following du’ā with anticipation upon the advent of Rajab:
Allāhumma barik lana fī rajabin wa sha’bān wa balighnā Ramadān.
“O Allāh! Bless us in the months of Rajab and Sha’bān, and make us reach Ramadān (by granting us life until then).” (At-Tabrānī)
Start Preparing Early
The advent of the month of Rajab is a signal for us to begin preparing for the month ofRamadān. If we start gearing up from the month of Rajab, then upon the commencement of the month of Ramadān we will have a set routine of ‘ibadah that we can gradually increase as the month progresses. In this way we will be able to fully benefit from the blessed month.
If we intend to increase our ‘ibadah only after the month of Ramadān has begun, then by the time we get into gear, many days of Ramadān would have passed, and we would have wasted valuable opportunities.
Prepare for Ramadān (Part 3)
Guidance and advice for the Blessed Month from
Hadrat Mawlānā Muhammad Saleem Dhorat hafizahullāh
More Time in the Masjid
When Rajab commences we should increase the time we spend in the masjid. We should start for example by sitting for an extra five minutes after salāh. We should increase this time after ten days, and continue increasing it until we enter the blessed month of Ramadān, when we should increase it even further.
If work commitments do not allow this during weekdays, then it should be done on weekends. If we think about how much time we normally spend in the blessed environment of the masjid, we would have to admit that it is the bare minimum or just a little bit more.
Relaxing Before Ramadān
Some people relax for a few days before Ramadān, intending to busy themselves in ‘ibādah once Ramadān begins. Sometimes this relaxed attitude leads them to sin, with a reassuring feeling that they will make tawbah in Ramadān.
Firstly, how do they know they will live to see Ramadān? Secondly, the sin committed may have a negative spiritual impact which may last for the duration of Ramadān, preventing the perpetrator from repenting and doing good deeds, even in the blessed month.
Prepare for Ramadān (Part 4)
Guidance and advice for the Blessed Month from
Hadrat Mawlānā Muhammad Saleem Dhorat hafizahullāh
Talk About Ramadān
We should make a habit of talking about the virtues and blessedness of Ramadān as soon as Sha`ban dawns upon us. Those of us who know the virtues of this month should explain to others. The more people become conscious of its virtues, the more likely they are to benefit from Ramadān.
Free Your Time
We should free up ourselves before Ramadān begins. When we go abroad, we endeavour to complete all tasks in hand prior to our departure. Similarly, we should fulfil all the tasks we are able to prior to Ramadān, and become free in this month as much as possible to devote time to ‘ibādah. Anything that can wait until Ramadān is over, let it wait.
Prepare for Ramadān (Part 5)
Guidance and advice for the Blessed Month from
Hadrat Mawlānā Muhammad Saleem Dhorat hafizahullāh
Virtues of Ramadān
As soon as the month of Rajab begins we should commence daily readings from the book ‘Virtues of Ramadān’ by Shaykh-ul-Hadīth, Hadrat Mawlānā Muhammad Zakariyyā rahimahullāh. We should motivate ourselves, allocate time and sit daily with the family and read this book collectively throughout Rajab.
Shaykh-ul-Hadīth, Hadrat Mawlānā Muhammad Zakariyyā rahimahullāh was a saintly person and his words have an amazing effect on the heart which will help us spiritually prepare for the blessed month and also benefit from it.
Inshā’allāh, from the next newsletter we will be starting a new section, titled, ‘Valuing Ramadān’.