Ramadan, a gift of love
Ramadan has its own air. It is as though the whole earth changes when Ramadan begins. There is a tranquility that descends and even a scent. Indeed, how could everything not change, when the Prophet (pbuh) informed us that, “When the month of Ramadan begins, the gates of the heaven are opened, the gates of Hellfire are closed, and the devils are chained.” (Bukhari) It is as though all of the servants of Allah - those we know and those we do not - respond to the gift of Ramadan.
Ramadan, an open invitation: It is an invitation from Al-Rahman al-Rahim - the Most Merciful the Most Compassionate - to all of us. Wherever we are in our journey to Him, we are invited. It is not exclusively for the perfect or the pious, but for all of us, with our imperfections, to return to Him. And how do we know that? Allah says that He "loves those who return to Him" (2:222). And Ramadan is the perfect opportunity.
Ramadan, a gift of love: Ramadan is a gift from al-Wahhab, the Bestower, to help us to get to Paradise and to Him. He does not need us, yet He gifts us, over and over, so that we may return. Through Ramadan the barriers we had erected between us and Allah fall. The Prophet (pbuh) said, "Ramadan to Ramadan is an expiation for the sins between them, so long as major sins are avoided." (Muslim) He also taught us that if we fast the month, and stand to pray at night, our sins will be forgiven (Bukhari). It is the gift that brings us back, that removes the veils from the hearts, grounds us and connects us to Him.
Ramadan, finding rest in Him: Maybe you've been far, maybe the pain of the past few years has broken you, maybe you've just been busy with life, and your heart is harder than you wish it to be. But Ramadan allows us to pause. To breathe. To immerse ourselves in prayer and the Qur'an, which is "a healing for what is in the hearts, and guidance and mercy" (10:57).
So what should we do?
Talk to Him: Allah hears you. In those moments before you break your fast, or before you start your fast, talk to Him. When you prostrate to Him and your forehead is on the ground, ask Him. When you are walking or driving, remember Him. Call out "Ya Rabb - My Lord"; He tells us "Call on Me and I will answer you" (40:60)
Pace yourself: Fasting, caffeine withdrawals, lack of water with the effort of reciting more Qur'an and praying extra can take its toll physically. Be inspired by others who may be doing more, but don't let that overwhelm you. Everyone's Ramadan looks different because our journeys to Allah are unique to us. Write down and make a plan to help you on your journey.
Reflect: One level is simply doing the actions; refrain from eating and drinking, read from the Qur'an, and attend the taraweeh prayers. And these are wonderful! But a level higher is to have our hearts fast from things Allah does not love, to take lessons from the Qur’an, and to connect to Allah in prayer.
Share the love: Share your reflections on the Qur'an, a good program you are watching, and opportunities to do good with others. Relieve someone of their burden - home tasks for example - so that they can pray. As the Prophet (pbuh) told us, “Whoever guides someone to goodness will have a reward like one who did it,” (Muslim).
May this be a Ramadan of returning, of melting away the hardness, and finding our way back.