Human beings are on constant changing modes. One of the most important parts of the body is the heart which is known as “Qalb” in Arabic. The word Qalb is connected with “Taqallub” which means to turn something around completely. This heart or Qalb goes through incredible amounts of change and transition in life. There are some moments, occasions and places which can definitely influence and inspire this heart of a human being to a specific direction. Our origin is Allah and our return is to Allah which is an undeniable fact. Hence, a human’s direction must be towards his Lord, the almighty.
Allah, the exalted grants some effective occasions and allows us to visit some inspiring places throughout the year by his infinite mercy. Some people are inspired by the sacred journey of pilgrimage to the holy land of Makkah, whereas others are influenced tremendously by the package of Ramadan which includes fasting, Lailatul Qadr (Night of Decree), Tarawih (night prayers), recitation of the Miraculous Quran and other forms of worships.Every worship that Allah has prescribed has its aim and objective which are sometimes known to us and other times unknown. The Salah aims to make us better human beings by preventing us from evil actions and wrong doings whereas Zakah aims to purify and increase our wealth. Fasting in the month of Ramdan aims to change the direction of our life through attaining the most precious gift of Taqwa, or God consciousness.
The word Taqwa doesn’t only mean to fear Allah but also means to uphold the limits of Allah and abstain from his prohibitions. It’s a total awareness of what our creator requires from us. If Ramadan couldn’t divert a Godless life to a divine direction then we must be aware of our failure at achieving the primary goal of fasting. Many of us have Suhoor (meal before fasting), we fast, we break our fast, we pray Tarawih, we recite the Glorious Quran and we give charity yet they do not turn us into a full-time comprehensive Muslim. We return to our original godless lifestyle once Ramadan is over; which shows our allegiance to our Lord is very occasional and partial.
The month of Ramadan has been highly honoured because of the revelation of the Noble Quran in it; which is the most fascinating and miraculous book on the face of this earth. The melodious recitation of the holy Quran by many different Imams at various Masaajid (prayer places), are indeed a source of inspiration in this month. A month of fasting which is free from backbiting, slandering, swearing, abusive words and other forms of sinful activities definitely soften the heart of a believer.
Searching for Lailatul Qadr or the Night of Decree during the odd nights of last ten days of Ramadan can make one’s destiny far better than ever. The act of I’tikaf (Spending time in a mosque) during the last ten days of Ramadan is also capable of taking a slave to the nearness of Allah (Taqwa), the almighty.
A wise person must not leave this month of blessings, mercy, fasting, Quran, night prayers, decree and I’tikaf without making a U-Turn in his life. The month of Ramadan is a golden opportunity to make ourselves better Muslims and productive human beings in every possible way. It may be a wonderful chance for many to get rid of some the harmful and addictive habits such as smoking, alcohol, drugs etc during this blessed month.
Let us all make the most out of this Ramadan through an inclusive spiritual revival Inshallah. Ramadan Mubarak to you all.
Shaykh Kazi Luthfur Rahman
Director, Mimbar Academy
Imam & Khateeb, London Central Mosque