From Islam Nigeria : HERE a question arose: HOW DO WE NEED TO PREPARE FOR RAMADAN? The answer is: while preparing for the Holy Ramadan, bear in mind the following: 1. Sincere repentance Repentance is demanded to be performed continuously, at any time. But it would be better for you with the approach of the blessed month to hurry up with repentance for all the sins you committed against Allah, and also against His creations. So with the advent of the Blessed Ramadan, you could proceed to the commission of worship with pure and quiet heart. Almighty Allah says in the Quran: "And turn to Allah in repentance, all of you, O believers, that you might succeed". Al-Agharr ibn Yasar al-Muzani, may Allah be pleased with him, narrated that the Messenger of Allah (Sallallahu Alaihi wasallam) said: "O people! Turn in repentance towards Allah and ask His forgiveness. I turn towards Him a hundred times a day". 2. Dua (supplication) It is reported from some of the righteous predecessors that they used to ask Allah for the six months to extend their lives to see Ramadan in good health. Then, they used to ask Allah for five months after Ramadan to accept their good deeds committed in it. Therefore, you, by following their example, pray Allah that He gives you an opportunity to celebrate Ramadan in good health and with a strong faith, and ask Him for the help in worshiping Him, and for acceptance of good deeds. 3. Joy in light of the coming of the Holy month of Ramadan The approach of this blessed month is a great boon for every believer after all, because this month is a period of blessing. It is a month when the gates of Paradise are open and the gates of Hell are closed. It is a month when the Holy Quran was sent down. Allah said: "Say, In the bounty of Allah and in His mercy - in that let them rejoice; it is better than what they accumulate". 4. Replenishment of the left obligatory fastings It is reported from Abu Salama, may Allah be pleased with him, that he said: "I heard Aisha, may Allah be pleased with her, as saying: "Sometimes I missed some days of Ramadan, but could not fast instead of them except in the month of Shaban"." Ibn Hajar, may Allah bless him with mercy, said: "It can be drawn from the desire of Aisha to make up the missed days of Ramadan in the month of Shaban that any missed fasts to make up have to be made up before the next Ramadan comes". 5. Acquisition of knowledge related to the dignity of the month of Ramadan, and with certain provisions of the fast. 6. The coming completion of all deeds that can distract you from worship in the month of Ramadan. 7. Explanation to the household, relatives and friends of the basic provisions of the fast. Motivation to"little ones"to participate in the fast, so that they could become accustomed to the basic kinds of worship in Islam from their childhood.
Posted on: Sun, 30 Jun 2013 11:50:11 +0000