RAMADAN LOOP
Ramadan is about becoming more, not simply doing more. Therefore, reviewing our progress from last Ramadan to the present is crucial for continuous upward mobility into the coming month of fasting and beyond.
Each individual is responsible for keeping the spiritual flame that Ramadan ignites within burning bright. And the following prayer is apt to help in this regard: ‘Our Lord, do not let our hearts deviate after You have guided us. Grant us Your mercy: You are the Ever Giving’ [3:8].
Psychologists have been studying how to prevent relapse for decades.
What makes the human being revert to old patterned behaviours? Weak and worn-out platitudes that no longer serve but find us loyally returning, even after tasting a better way.
Often, this newfound experience meets opposition in our environments. If we want new behaviour to settle and become permanent, we must continuously interrupt old habits.
The Islamic and Prophetic code is replete with daily, weekly, monthly, and annual observances that provide the necessary interventions, all of which are rooted in the pillars of faith, and the greatest of these is the annual fast.
Ramadan provides the impetus and confidence to forge a new way and gain a lamp by which we may illuminate this uncharted path.
Upon exiting the holy month, we can remain anchored through supplemental fasting. The five daily prayers, too, create powerful barriers from the beaten track and disengage us from worldly pursuits.
However, we need one final cypher to unlock the door to steadfastness: mindfulness of God: ‘If you are steadfast and mindful of God, your Lord will reinforce you’ [3:125].
And what better opportunity to nurture God-consciousness and self-restraint than fasting during the month of the Quran: ‘You who believe, fasting is prescribed for you, as it was prescribed for those before you, so that you may be mindful of God’ [2:83].
GABRIEL’S STUDENT
When we recite the Quran, we don’t just connect with the Kalam of Allah—Speech of God, but also join the link in the most awesome narration chain in the universe: Allah, Gabriel (as), and the Prophet Muhammad (s).
Pondering this fact should give us goosebumps and stir within us the desire to become enduring lovers of the Quran.
Every night in Ramadan, the Prophet (s) diligently rehearsed the Quran with Archangel Gabriel. His earnest and profound study of Allah’s Book with Gabriel transformed him into the most generous individual during Ramadan, even more bountiful than a fast wind that brings rain and goodness. [Sahih Bukhari 3220]
Do we allow the Quran to inform and shape us?
Ramadan purges us from pseudo-consumption, thereby creating the space necessary to fill the void within with real soul food.
Until next week, InshaAllah
Zaahied Sallie
Author of The Beloved Prophet – An Illustrated Biography in Rhyme
p.s. Red Kufi Courses are now available, Alhamdulillah. Click to learn more.
Thanks for reading. Every Friday, I share thoughts and ideas to help cultivate the link between Allah, the Prophet and me (meaning YOU). Enter your email now and become part of the link.
| There are no products |