Whenever the month of Ramadan approaches, I reflect upon the wonderful years of Ramadan that have past, and also feel sad to think that I really didn’t take advantage of those years as much as I could have. The wonderful memories of iftar with friends and family, of going to the masjid on a nightly basis for taraweeh prayers, and just the feeling of unity and brotherhood/sisterhood in the community make Ramadan perhaps one of the most cherished times of the year, besides the hajj time (for those who are blessed to go to hajj).
This year, more than ever before I feel a pain in my heart, mainly because I am not able to spend as much time in worship and contemplation/reflection as I would like to. I would rather not discuss the reasons for this openly on my blog, but needless to say, I am in the process of completing one level of my life and moving to the next, and in order to complete this one I must dedicate alot of time to it so I can move on. I just always keep the future in perspective, and try my best to enjoy Ramadan. This year, Alhamdullilah, one thing I have done that is different from previous years, and that I have really enjoyed is spending more iftars with my parents, and listening to more lectures from Muslim scholars to increase my knowledge and hopefully my iman. And quite honestly, one of the blessings from Allah when you get older is to spend as much time with your parents as possible. Unfortunately as a young person, myself, and perhaps many others, were not always aware of the importance of our parents in our lives.
Another thing which has brought my heart much pain this Ramadan is the realization that so many Muslims don’t really see the importance of Ramadan. Just tonight I noticed Muslims who I know, born into this faith, taking for granted the blessings of Ramdan and being Muslim. Again, I would rather not go into detail, but I just cannot see it. Islam is a beautiful religion, and Allah has blessed us with so much, but instead of dedicating our lives to working for Allah, or spreading the beauty of religion, our lives are wasted “chilling out”. I pray Allah save us all from this, and show us our faults so we can change to become better peoples.
* AM *
As Salaamu ALaikum Brother,
Ramdan is a blessed month and whatever it may be that you are going through we all have tests some greater than others. Staying strong in your belief that Allah will make a way for you is important.
‘Oh you who believe! Seek help with patient perseverance and prayer; for Allah is with those who patiently persevere. Be sure we shall test you with something of fear and hunger, some loss in goods or lives or the fruits (of your toil), but give glad tidings to those who patiently persevere, who say, when afflicted with calamity: To Allah We belong, and to Him is our return. They are those on whom (descend) blessings from Allah, and mercy, and they are the ones that receive guidance’ (2:153-157).”
Happy Ramadan
Comment by ummabdurrahman — September 23, 2007 @ 2:21 am
assalamu’alaikum
I so know what your feeling in the last few lines. It’s sad to see our bro’s and sisters in Islam going down the..tubes. everyday at my univ ive to deal with muslims who are too busy ‘chilling out’..it’s so sad..i wish i could do something..i come from the middle east and the arab youth are so..heartbreaking!
Ameen to the du’a.
Comment by youngMuslimah — September 26, 2007 @ 4:53 am
Circle of Unity: Qur’an Study Circle
http://shahrzaad.wordpress.com/circle-of-unity/
Come and Join..
And if you can link to it to inform others..
Waiting to see you in circle, Adam
Comment by Shahrzad — September 27, 2007 @ 3:39 am
Ramadan is just a month chosen by Allah to reveal the Quran and bless it with innumerable blessings. In spite of that, working hard for the money, earning good grades in school, building relations with people, and being with family are important tasks that should be a result of understanding of the deen and application of the spirit of Islam.
There’s no sense of making taraweeh but relationship with people still stink (read the horrendous scholarly argument at muslimmatters.org about the pledge of unity: ridiculous with a capital R”.
don’t secularize our faith. do the best you can and Allah will reward you.
Comment by Takumi — September 27, 2007 @ 10:18 pm