Ali Anwar
The blessed month of Ramadan has begun with its countless blessings and mercies. It is a source of joy that Allah the Almighty, in His infinite grace, has granted us the opportunity to witness and benefit from the blessings of Ramadan once again this year. For Muslims, it is truly glad tidings that Allah has provided them with another chance to attain the virtues and rewards of this sacred month.
Ramadan reminds us that it is purely the boundless mercy of Allah that we are alive to experience this month and gather its blessings. Many of our friends, relatives, and loved ones who were with us last Ramadan are no longer among us. This makes it clear that it is only by Allah’s grace that we have been granted another Ramadan in our lives. Since Ramadan is associated with fasting, it is important to remember that fasting is an act that restrains us from evil and encourages us toward righteousness. As Allah Almighty has said: “O you who believe, fasting has been prescribed for you as it was prescribed for those before you, so that you may attain piety. (Fasting is) for a limited number of days.”
Taqwa (piety) means to restrain oneself from wrongdoing, and fasting is one of the greatest means of attaining it. It is narrated that a Companion once asked the Holy Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), “O Messenger of Allah, instruct me to perform such an act that will benefit me.” The Prophet (PBUH) replied, “Observe fasting, for there is no deed equal to it.” Thus, this month is like the spring season for good deeds. The first ten days of Ramadan are for mercy, the second ten for forgiveness, and the last ten for freedom from Hellfire.
Therefore, we should strive to gather the mercies of this month, attain its blessings, seek forgiveness for our sins, and seek protection from Hell by increasing our good deeds. We must observe fasting in its true spirit. Ramadan is the month of worship, noble character, virtues, and blessings.
We should recite the Holy Qur’an as much as possible. The Prophet (PBUH) said that for every letter of the Qur’an recited, ten rewards are granted, and in Ramadaan,n this reward is multiplied many times over. Therefore, we should make special arrangements for the recitation of the Qur’an so that we develop a deep attachment to it, increase our eagerness to read it, and understand its message. By reading it with understanding, we can learn how to live our lives according to its teachings.
It is narrated by Hazrat Ibn Abbas (RA) that the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) said: “Indeed, the person in whose heart there is no portion of the Qur’an is like a deserted house.” Just as an abandoned house is empty of goodness, blessings, and inhabitants, similarly, the heart of a person who has memorised no part of the Qur’an is devoid of spiritual goodness and blessings.
Every year, Ramadan reminds us to remember and recite this Book. We should pledge not only to read the Qur’an ourselves but also to teach it to our children, so that on the Day of Judgment it may intercede on our behalf. Even in this world, guidance on how to live our lives is found in the Qur’an. For this reason, Ramadan is the most exalted, virtuous, and blessed month among all Islamic months.
This month, the reward for every good deed is multiplied many times over. One voluntary act is rewarded like an obligatory act, and an obligatory act is rewarded many times more. Along with worship, we must also pay attention to our dealings with others. Unfortunately, instead of treating this sacred month as a time for multiplying good deeds, some people treat it as a time to double their profits. Particularly in Pakistan, Ramadan is sometimes viewed not as a season of generosity but as an opportunity for traders to increase prices and exploit people. Items-especially food and drink-that were affordable before Ramadan often become more expensive during it. Instead of turning this month into a season of profiteering, the business community should show compassion and create ease for people, so that even those who cannot afford expensive goods may also benefit from Allah’s blessings.
There is a narration that during this month, the Prophet (PBUH) would give in charity with such generosity as if a strong wind were blowing, distributing wealth with both hands among the people. Therefore, following the Sunnah of the Prophet (PBUH), we should adopt the practice of generosity.
Finally, we should pledge to live our lives according to the golden principles of Islam. Those in authority should also commit themselves to striving sincerely for justice and righteousness in society. As citizens, we should pray that Allah grants the current government the ability and wisdom to steer the country out of crises and to take practical steps for the welfare and prosperity of the people. Ameen.
May Allah Almighty shower His special mercy upon the armed forces, grant them success on every front against the enemies of Islam and Pakistan, and protect the nation. Ameen.
The writer is an old Aitchisonian who believes in freedom of expression, a freelance columnist, entrepreneur and social activist.
