Boycott Israel [IslamCity] Welcome Ramadhan-Prepare for Maximum Benifits

[Mohd Khaja]

Prepare for Maximum Benefit Whenever we can anticipate some event, it is sensible to prepare to benefit from it in the best and most comprehensive way. Naturally, the preparation will be proportional to both the strength of expectation of the event occurring and to the value that we attach to it. An example of preparation: There is a crop that fetches a high price – yielding a fantastic return on investment. The farmer will spare no effort to cultivate this because the (material) rewards are very real for him. He has a strong expectation of achieving this benefit and he values it greatly – so much so that he is willing to undergo difficulty, make sacrifices (of his time, social obligations etc.), make physical effort, etc.   At the commencement of Rajab we are taught to read this dua 'Oh Allah, bless us in Rajab and Sha'baan and let us reap the benefits in Ramadaan'. In effect, reading this dua prepares us mentally for Ramadaan. It also displays our recognition that He, in fact, is the Causer and it is to Him that we should turn our attention to and He is the One we should beg from.   It is common sense that we shouldn't devote all our time and effort for our taste buds and stomach. While this isn't incorrect, more so if we intend it to put us in the best mind frame and allow us more time for ibaadat during Ramadaan, it is nowhere near the true purpose or the real treasure of Ramadaan. Rather, in Ramadaan: 'Fasting is prescribed for you, as it was prescribed to those before you, that you may learn (develop and increase) taqwa' since 'the most honoured in Allah's sight are the ones with most taqwa' … Qur'an. An investment of 10 days reaps a guaranteed reward of 30 000 days (1000 months of 30 days each). This is a return on investment of 300 000% in the currency of the Hereafter Allah favours us lavishly with what will make our scales heavy since 'whosever’s scale is heavy they will enjoy sheer bliss' … Qur'an From the many aspects of preparation for Ramadaan, three important ones are: 1.        Fulfill all outstanding rights of Allah If there are any obligations that have not been discharged (eg. Salaah, saum, zakaat), then do so now. If for some reason they cannot be discharged completely before Ramadaan, then at least begin to do so.   2.        Fulfill all outstanding rights of people Pay any money owed, seek forgiveness where required, etc   3.        Fulfill the rights of ones own self Prepare oneself physically and mentally; schedule matters to make ample time available in Ramadaan, etc If our conviction needs development then our Bountiful Creator, the Possessor of Infinite Bounties has provided an easy formula: if we repeatedly act in some way, then that way will first become a habit and later become so ingrained that it appears to be our very nature. Applying this principle, initially we need to act as if we have conviction. Insha Allaah, after some time, true conviction will develop. In the case of Ramadaan, we need to act as if we treasure and value it. Before Ramadaan, we should think of a daily schedule that will stretch us but not break us; that will enable us to look back with satisfaction but not frustrate us in its course. We should read about its virtues to generate and strengthen our motivation. We should read about the practices of past and present luminaries to remind ourselves of what is humanly possible. During Ramadaan we should get into those environments that are highly conducive and act with a seemingly single minded purpose. We should adhere to our schedule with diligence – if necessary adopt the schedule already laid out since it is normally easier if others are also doing the same thing. Our concern for fulfilling the rights of Allaah, others and ourselves should be uppermost and we shouldn't act in any way that may jeopardise this time and effort. The doors to the treasure of our Lord, The Possessor of Infinite Treasures, will be open. The limits, on how much we take, will only be those that we ourselves set. Remember that if we fail to prepare (for Ramadaan) then we in fact prepare to fail (to make the most of Ramadaan) Other Ramadan Articles from a Majlis of Hz. Mufti Ebrahim Salejee Compiled, edited and adapted by Khalid Latif   __._,_.___ *************************************************************************** {Invite (mankind, O Muhammad ) to the Way of your Lord (i.e. Islam) with wisdom (i.e. with the Divine Inspiration and the Qur'an) and fair preaching, and argue with them in a way that is better. Truly, your Lord knows best who has gone astray from His Path, and He is the Best Aware of those who are guided.} (Holy Quran-16:125) {And who is better in speech than he who [says: "My Lord is Allah (believes in His Oneness)," and then stands straight (acts upon His Order), and] invites (men) to Allah's (Islamic Monotheism), and does righteous deeds, and says: "I am one of the Muslims."} (Holy Quran-41:33) The prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) said: "By Allah, if Allah guides one person by you, it is better for you than the best types of camels." [al-Bukhaaree, Muslim] The prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him)  also said, "Whoever calls to guidance will have a reward similar to the reward of the one who follows him, without the reward of either of them being lessened at all." [Muslim, Ahmad, Aboo Daawood, an-Nasaa'ee, at-Tirmidhee, Ibn Maajah] -------------------------------------------------------------------------- Recommended: http://www.ikhwanweb.com http://www.islamonline.net http://www.islam-guide.com http://www.prophetmuhammadforall.org -------------------------------------------------------------------------- All views expressed herein belong to the individuals concerned and do not in any way reflect the official views of IslamCity unless sanctioned or approved otherwise. If your mailbox clogged with mails from IslamCity, you may wish to get a daily digest of emails by logging-on to http://www.yahoogroups.com to change your mail delivery settings or email the moderators at [EMAIL PROTECTED] with the title "change to daily digest". Your email settings: Individual Email|Traditional Change settings via the Web (Yahoo! ID required) Change settings via email: Switch delivery to Daily Digest | Switch to Fully Featured Visit Your Group | Yahoo! Groups Terms of Use | Unsubscribe __,_._,___