In about 10 days, Muslims around the world will enter the holy month of Ramadan. This month is eagerly awaited with joyful hearts. For in this month, Allah promises goodness, blessings, love, and mercy.
Ramadan is a month where Allah promises forgiveness to His servants who return to the truth. The gates of heaven are opened, and the gates of hell are closed. It is the month when the Quran was revealed on a night which is better than a thousand months.
In essence, Ramadan is a month of goodness, and the path to goodness is wide open. During Ramadan, the opportunity to sin is reduced, and motivation to perform acts of worship, both vertical (mahdhah) and horizontal (mu’alamat), grows stronger.
Preparing for the Blessed Month
However, in Islam, nothing happens without human effort. Allah’s promises are fulfilled through our direct involvement. Even the miracles of the prophets did not occur without their effort.
Musa (Moses) ‘alaihis salam was commanded to strike the sea as part of his effort so that Allah will open for him and his people the sea. Allah could have parted the sea without Musa’s stick, but He commanded Musa to strike the sea as a necessary effort.
Similarly, Allah’s promises in the month of Ramadan will not be fulfilled without our maximum effort. We must prepare ourselves to welcome the month with a clean heart and soul (tazkiyatun nafs).
The Quran reminds us: “Successful indeed is the one who purifies. And remembers the Name of his Lord and prays.” (Al-A’la)
This verse emphasizes that remembering Allah (dzikrullah) is only possible when the heart is purified. Unfortunately, many Muslims focus only on the legal aspects or fiqh issues, neglecting the importance of a heart purification.
As a result, the desire to worship correctly, but with a heart that is not pure and healthy. This leads to often arrogance and ego in dealing with differences. For example, when there are differences in opinions regarding the start and end of Ramadan, it often turns into “moon-fighting” rather than “moon-sighting”.
Therefore, let us prepare to welcome the holy month of Ramadan by cleansing and purifying our hearts and souls. Cleanse them from the stains of sins and other heart diseases.
With a pure heart, Ramadan will be a more meaningful and rewarding experience. After all, intention is the foundation of worship. A good intention can only grow in pure hearts.
Knowledge is the Path to Goodness
Apart from intention, worship is only accepted when it is in accordance with Allah’s teachings. The Quran and the Sunnah of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) are the guides for our worship.
Rasulullah emphasized: “Whomever Allah wishes good for, He will grant him understanding in religion (yufaqqihhu fid-diin).”
This includes understanding the rules and regulations of fasting in Ramadan. The knowledge about what is obligatory, Sunnah, permissible, disliked, and what is not anllowed and invalidates the fast.
Unfortunately, many Muslims perform their worship based on assumptions or traditions passed down through generations. This often leads to practices that contradict the Shariah and incur sin.
Let us welcome the holy month of Ramadan with joy. Prepare ourselves physically, intellectually, and spiritually. May Allah strengthen and accept our efforts.
Ramadan Mubarak!
Director of Jamaica Muslim Center & President of Nusantara Foundation
NYC Subway, February 19, 2025
