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By Salma Khaila - Rabat
''The month of Ramadan, in which the Qur’an was revealed, a guidance for mankind and clear proofs for the guidance and the criterion between right and wrong.'' [2:185]
Obeying Allah and fulfilling His commands becomes easy during this sacred month, when it is time to contemplate the state of our hearts. Are we yearning for Jannah (paradise), or content with life in this world? Indeed, it is very important to stay away from evil deeds. One should endeavor to save their ears, eyes, tongue, heart, and all other parts of the body from the slightest sin. One should especially refrain from slander and harmful talk. Kindness, good manners, and the remembrance of Allah should be the key focus this month.
Allah designed fasting as a time of examination of our own mental and emotional states in order to increase our level of Taqwa (devotion to God). In a Hadeeth, the Prophet Mohammed (PBUH) said, “When Ramadan comes, the gates of Jannah are thrown open, the doors of Jahannam are closed, and the Shayaateen are imprisoned.” (Bukhaari)
The heart
“Ramadan is not here to change our schedules, it is here to change our hearts.” In fact, Allah does not look at our bodies; he looks into our hearts, which are the true conduit of communication with Allah and keep our relationship strong with Him. How you feel in your Salah (prayer) will give you an indication of the level of your Imaan (faith), and how you feel during the recitation of the Qur'an will give you an indication of the condition of your heart.
It is quite clear that there are psychological effects to fasting. There is a peace and tranquility for those who fast during the month of Ramadan. Personal hostility is at a minimum, and crime rates decrease. Muslims take advice from the Prophet, who said, “If one slanders you or aggresses against you, say I am fasting.” Muslims are expected to abstain from impurities such as gossip and cursing and start focusing the heart on prayer, spirituality, and charity in order to purify the soul and mind.
A month of big changes
Habits have their own power over souls and authority over hearts. They become implanted in the human essence and become part of his inherent natures, which becomes entrenched and difficult to change. This holy month causes so many changes in our perspective, vision, and actions, so much so that the renewed, more pure behaviors become habits within the two first weeks.
Someone who doesn’t pray begins to pray; a woman who does not cover up starts to cover her hair and body; a smoker or an alcoholic gives up their bad habits. Therefore, each Muslim receives this internal and external adjustment, and this is one of the most important factors for accomplishing change.
The person willing to change will not be alone, but will find similar developments in everyone around him. If you do not succeed in changing despite the existence of many supporters and plenty of time, you may never be able to change at all, and perhaps it is not the change you are seeking.
If you are unable to get rid of your worst habits during Ramadan, you have deprived yourself of the blessing and wisdom of the Lord of the universe. He has ordained fasting on His servants so that they may change their bad personal characteristics; Instead, some have changed only the time of their meals. So do not satisfy yourself with being in this group, but be part of the wise, pious group of those who are keen to verify Allah's purpose and the objectives of His Shariah.
Allah sent this blessed month to His bondsmen so that mankind may create a connection and draw closer to Him by reaping the many rewards that lie available in this month. A person who has been given the opportunity to be present in this month can take it as a sign that Allah has given him another opportunity to draw closer to Him and earn His paradise through worship.
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