General
MY first ramadhan
Are you a new revert? Is this your first time fasting? Do you feel a sense of worry or apprehension?
WRITTEN by. Kerina mohammed
attain Allah’ s rewards, then all his past sins will be forgiven.”( Bukhari, Muslim).
Have no fear, for Allah has chosen YOU to be among those who worship Him and He has granted you the blessing of experiencing your first Ramadhan.
Here are a few ideas for making your
Ramadhan a full experience without being overwhelming.
Make lots of Du’ a: The word Du’ a comes from the Arabic root word meaning“ to call”. Though the word Du’ a may sound intimidating, it simply refers to calling upon Allah. The best part of making Du’ a is that it can be done right now! Yes, that’ s right, unlike formal prayer or Salaah, which may take some time to learn, you can make Du’ a right away. It can be made at any time; day or night( though there are special times when one should make Du’ a) and best of all it can be made in any language. You can make Du’ a for anything; so long as it is halaal( permissible), big or small, no matter how trivial it may seem or how enormous of a task, ask Allah, for nothing is beyond His reach and you will receive it. Allah doesn’ t need us to make Du’ a; instead, it is we who need to make Du’ a to Allah.“ And when my servants ask you concerning me, [ tell them ] I am indeed near. I respond to the invocation of the supplicant when he calls.”[ 2:186 ] Here are some suggestions when making Du’ a: Ask Allah to make your Ramadhan( fasting) easy on you and bless you with knowledge and understanding. Ask Him to make your first Ramadhan full of blessings and a means for you to attain Jannatul- Firdaus( highest of heavens) and increase your status and reward.
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Seek knowledge: Find out if your Masjid will be holding talks during Ramadhan, there is great worth in attending to gain knowledge as a new Muslim. During the month of Ramadhan most masaajid conduct nightly or daily talks after the Taraweeh Salaah and Fajr Salaah, which generally relate to Ramadhan. Attending these talks will make your Ramadhan experience special and will benefit you in your quest for knowledge and understanding.“ Seeking knowledge is an obligation upon every Muslim.”( Al-Tirmidhi)
You can also start learning: Beliefs in Islam.“ Righteous is he who believes in Allah and the Last Day and the Angels and the Scriptures and the Prophets.” [ 2:177 ] The obligatory aspects of worship.“ And establish Salah and give Zakah, and bow down( in worship) along with those who bow down( in worship [ 2:43 ] Pray. Try spending your evenings at the Masjid and join the Taraweeh congregation. After breaking the fast, stay for the Taraweeh prayer to increase your good deeds and closeness to Allah. It will give you that Imaan boost you need to go another day of fasting. Narrated Abu Huraira( r. a): The Messenger of Allah( saw) said:”... whoever fasts during Ramadhan and prays during the nights( Taraweeh) out of sincere faith and hoping to
Take part in Iftaars: Ramadhan is a time for unity and brotherhood, taking part in Iftaars at the masjid or otherwise gives an insight into the comradery that Islam encourages. Being among others who have fasted for the sake of Allah and experiencing the breaking of the fast together and praying together is a one of a kind experience and there is great reward in it.
Utilise the special time for Du’ a: Make sure you make Du’ a at the time of breaking your fast because it is highly likely to be answered. It was narrated that the Prophet( SAW) said:“ There are three whose supplication is not rejected: The fasting person when he breaks his fast, the just leader, and the supplication of the oppressed person; Allah raises it up above the clouds and opens the gates of heaven to it. And the Lord says:‘ By My might, I shall surely aid you, even if it should be after a while.”( Tirmidhi)
Lastly, my dear brother or sister, know that Allah sees all of the tears you shed and the struggles you face and the effort that you make on this new path and find comfort in knowing that none of it will go unrewarded. Instead believe that every hardship that you face with patience and every tear you shed for His sake will be rewarded with endless bounties, which even you cannot comprehend. Allah intends for you ease and does not intend for you hardship and [ wants ] for you to complete the period and to glorify Allah for that [ to ] which He has guided you; and perhaps you will be grateful. [ 2:185 ]
If you have any questions or concerns, or would like speak to someone call 381-6641( Brothers) 487-0797( Sisters)
The believers are but brothers, so make reconciliation between your brothers and fear Allah that you may receive mercy. Surat al- Hujurat 49:10