A Ramadan Message – A Time for Reflection | IqraSense.com

A Ramadan Message – A Time for Reflection

Ramadan is here again providing us the opportunity to reach out to Allah more than ever and ask Allah for His forgiveness and blessings. As Allah has singled out this month more so than others for showering His blessings and mercy, it is only prudent that we also use the opportunity to reassess our conditions, our purpose and direction in life, and accordingly make appropriate changes in line with His commands.

This Ramadan, as we look at the state of Muslims around the world in general, we see that Muslim suffering has reached levels it has never reached in living memory. In many affected communities and countries, Muslims are being subjected to torture, killings, persecution, and all forms of unimaginable suffering. With every passing day, their plight does not seem to be getting any better. Images of families with shattered homes, dead children, and faces traumatized from the horrors of rape, hunger, and persecution are plastered throughout the media channels. As Muslims, one cannot stop but wonder whether we are being punished for our doings or if it is a test of our faiths. We also ask if something can be done not only to alleviate the current sufferings but also to ensure that it does not spread to engulf other Muslim communities.

Quran Islam Allah Dua



Allah is the Lord and the Creator – Surah Ghafir Verse 64 Quran

ramadan book

This Ramadan we ought to pause and reflect upon this condition of the people that share our faith.

We know both from Quran and Hadith that in times of hardship we should persevere with patience, prayers, and Dua. But it is also prudent that we inquire whether our miserable situations are also due to our conduct unbecoming of a Muslim. Such a conduct obviously tends to keep us preoccupied with the attractions of this world distracting us in turn from Allah’s remembrance and subservience. It then should come as no surprise to us that when we turn a blind eye to the divine truths and warnings, we forfeit His blessings and mercy and pay a price both in this world and the hereafter.

Relearn the Message of Quran

Let us then refocus at this Ramadan and read and listen a bit more attentively to those divine truths that Allah tells us in the Quran. With added devotion and dedication, we will be able to hear and understand the Quran’s verses and Allah’s wisdom in those direct messages to us. That will surely pave the way toward our transformation and open up Allah’s gates for His mercy, forgiveness, and kindness, which we need so desperately to be successful in this life and the hereafter. As we ponder over those messages, we will also relearn what is really good for us and that will enable us to reprioritize accordingly. Those messages will also remind us that a soul that is forgiven and less burdened with sins can bring more benefit to us than the one burdened with materialistic gains of this life. As Allah tells us in the Quran,

Surah Younus Verse 58 Allah blessings

‘Say: “In the bounty of Allah, and in His mercy; therein let them rejoice.” That is better than what (the wealth) they amass.’ (Surah Younus, 58.)

quran dua

Allah is the Lord of the heavens and the earth – Quranic verse

Relearning and internalizing what’s good for us will also provide us with the spiritual fuel that we need to motivate ourselves to do more good and to bring the Quran into our lives rather than merely paying lip service to its messages and referring to them as if they were superficial maxims. After all, unless we truly understand what is good for us and how that relates to the truth, our purpose in life, and our lives in general, how else can we get spiritually motivated?

Our salaf (righteous followers of the prophet) clearly understood and internalized those divine truths and their behaviors clearly reflected that understanding. Imam Ahmad records Abu Dardaa as saying: “If only you knew what you will certainly see upon your death, you would never eat again a single bite out of a craving appetite, and you would never again drink an extra sip of water for the pleasure of unquenchable and insatiable thirst.”

Cleanse Our Lives of Sinful Behaviors

This Ramadan also provides us the opportunity to pause and pay heed to those hidden sinful behaviors that may have crept into our lifestyles. For many of us, despite our indulgence in those sins, Allah has given us the respite to wake up and change course. Let us not forget that Allah has told us in the Quran the following:

Surah Nahl Verse 61 Allah does not do zulm

And if Allah were to seize mankind for their wrong-doing, He would not leave on it (the earth) a single moving (living) creature, but He postpones them for an appointed term and when their term comes, neither can they delay nor can they advance it an hour (or a moment).” Surah An-Nahl (16:128).

So, let not the comforts of our lives fool us into assuming Allah’s acceptance of our sinful conduct. Instead, we should utilize our peaceful times and act with a sense of urgency by reforming our behaviors and turning to Allah in sincere repentance lest the time comes unexpectedly and we are held accountable for our actions both in this life and the hereafter by getting burdened with hardships.

power of dua book

Let us also remind ourselves that Allah has warned us that Satan who lurks in the shadows is our worst enemy and is committed to detract us from Allah and His message by making this life appear as an end all for our pursuits. Let us reflect, ponder and become more aware of how Satan tricks us into rationalizing our actions of bringing haram into our lives and by pushing us to compromise our values and ideals.

Worship Allah the Way He wants to be Worshipped

Let us use this month to manifest our faith by worshiping Allah the way He wants us to worship Him. We know from the Quran as well as prophet (s.a.w.s)’s traditions about the need to exert ourselves more – both physically and spiritually – to manifest that faith. We know that in this month the prophet (s) besides fasting during the day, prayed for longer hours at night, exerted more in Allah’s dhikr and remembrance, humbled himself in front of His Creator, and performed in a way that showed His love and fear of Allah and special reverence for this month. This Ramadan we, too, need to take the minutes and the hours from our schedules to exert more in that worship so it can also help train us to do so during other months.

Quranic wisdom

Correct the Lies About Islam

This Ramadan let us also remind ourselves of the harsh reality that we live in a world infested with misinterpreted truths about Islam that are essentially just lies. Some of these lies have come about by the evil intentions of some and others have taken hold due to our inability to show the truth to others. Whether we have not taken the initiative to correct those misconceptions because we lack enough knowledge or because we choose to keep hiding in the shadows so as not to be “controversial”, we must realize that as Muslims we have a duty to correct those misconceptions. We can blame the evil mongers for spreading the lies but we are to be blamed for letting those lies lurk unchallenged. Once we strive to correct those misconceptions by educating ourselves more and by being bold, we will also learn the shortcomings in our behaviors, providing us with the opportunity to correct and improve ourselves.

Make Dua for Others’ Suffering

Going back to the suffering of the millions, let us do what we can this Ramadan to provide them whatever help we can to alleviate their suffering. At a minimum, we should make sincere Duas for the souls that are undergoing such trials. The prophet (s) had told us in a hadith that “The supplication that gets the quickest answer is the one made by one Muslim for another in his absence.” (Reported by Abu Daw’ud and Tirmidhi.)

islamic fragrances

Finally, let us ensure that we do not let this month go by without asking profusely for His mercy and forgiveness because if we received even a portion of that, it would be better than all that we accumulate in this world. To review the verse again, Allah says:

Allah blessings in Ramadan

‘Say: “In the bounty of Allah, and in His mercy; therein let them rejoice.” That is better than what (the wealth) they amass.” (Surah Younus, 58.)

Let us pray that Allah gives us the ability to do what He pleases and may He accept our worship and good deeds in Ramadan!ramadan forgiveness ramadan

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39 comments… add one
  • Lawal Ismail Link Reply

    Allahu akbar. May Allah bless IqraSense for this wonderful and amazing write up. JazakumuLlahu khaeran once again for this eye opener, soul inspiring and heart purifier article.

  • Anonymous Link Reply

    Jazzak Allah. May Allah please bless us with all the blessings in the month of Ramada.

  • HALIRU YA'U Link Reply

    Jazakallahu Khair, may Allah bless you all for this wonderful contributions. I pray that may Allah continue to guide and give wisdom to share more ideas and knowledge of Islam to the entire people of the world.

  • Alhamdulillah.Jazakumllah khairan for this wonderful and highly soul inspiring article. May Allah bles U. I am richly blessed after reading it.

  • Hira Tallat Link Reply

    JazakAllah, inspiring message 🙂 may Allah bless you and all of us. Ameen.

  • Halima Gana Kolo Link Reply

    Islam is such a beautiful religion.If only people could understand its beauty,but there’s a covering on the ignorant eyes but worst of all we muslims do not practice the teachings of islam.May Allah make us better muslims in d true sense of d word

  • Ganiat Olatokun Link Reply

    Jazzak… to IqraSense. Ramadan Kareem to all Muslim faithfuls. May the peace and blessings of Allah increase in our lives this holy season. Amin.

    • Anonymous Link Reply

      Thanks,
      ramandan mubarak to you and all other muslims.

  • Adio Yaqub Link Reply

    may Allah see us through this beautiful month

  • emina Link Reply

    Allah Akbar!This has brought tears to my eyes.JazakAllah khyran iqrasense

  • Ibrahim mamnan k/Soro Link Reply

    Thanks very much indeed for this appriciatable wakeup effort and reminder.May Allah reward you.

  • Alhaji modu bembem Link Reply

    may God make us among people who benefit from the prosperity of this month Thanks may God reward you

  • M. A. Sekendar Link Reply

    I am enlightened much, May Allah allow me to complete fasting in way He wants in this Ramadhan.

  • Anonymous Link Reply

    MashaLah and Alhamdulilah for this spiritually inspiring article. JazakaLah infinity kher Iqra Sense. Amin.

  • IBRAHIM GATA Link Reply

    Jazaakumullah Khayran, inspiring message 🙂 may Allah bless you and all of us & see us through this blessed month Inshaa Allah Ameen.

  • angsana Link Reply

    Ramadan is the month I have always waited for, the month of repenten, the month of peace without syaitan disturbing us, the month of mercy,the month of sedekah- giving away abundance that we have to poors and the needys,,the month of joyous celebration when we break our fast (iftar) with our family and friends ,followed by terawikh, since I was a child I love Ramadan, it makes me slimmer too, Allahu akhbar, am happy that I am still alive to celebrate the month of Ramadhan…. Allah Karim……

  • sherifah Link Reply

    May Allah reward those behind Iqra Sense abundantly for the various Islamic enlightenment. May He accept it as act of Ibadah.

  • Abdulkarim Mohammed Link Reply

    Thanks very much for this thought provoking piece. May Allah open our hearts amd minds to receive and work according to His words.

    About the suffering of our moslem brothers and sisters across the globe, it is a very sad spectacle as witness the goings-on helplessly. It is even more heart wrenching when some of these atrocities are being perpetuated by a few so-called moslems on their fellow moslems, a behaviour that unfortunately sort of confirms the bad name we have been given by our detractors as it wht gets media attention most!

    May Allah continue to grant us His mercies and make us stedfast in His service in thes trying moments.

  • Rahmata Ahman Link Reply

    Alhamdulillah.. Jazakumllah khairan for this wonderful,
    Highly soul inspiring article. May Allah bless you, All of us. Amen.

  • In the name of Allah, Most Gracious, Most Merciful: By (the Token of) time ( through the Ages) Certainly, man is in loss, Except such as have Faith and do righteous deeds, and ( join together) in mutual teaching of Truth, and of Patience and Constancy. [ Asr (103) ] May Allah grant the goodness of this Ramadan, its victory, its help, its light, its blessings and its guidance to all Muslims and their Families. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~RAMADAN MUBARAK!~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

  • arif chishti Link Reply

    JAZAK-ALLAH KHAIR, MAY ALMIGHTY ALLAH TA’ALA GIVE US BLESSINGS TO OBSERVE ALL FASTS OF RAMAZANUL-MUBARIK WITH TRAWEEH & OTHER PRAYERS
    .

  • Azim Link Reply

    We as Muslims are but mirrors to one another, jazakAllah khair for the reminders and I add my voice to those that constantly and consistently make dua for the ease of the suffering of all Muslims. I further pray tha Allah makes us ALL better Muslims. Have a blessed and successful Ramadan my dear Muslims and remember me in your duas. Again, jazakAllah Khair. Assalaamualaikum wa barakatuhu.

  • Fidia Link Reply

    Asalam alaykum to all muslims, we ve been blessed ummat Mohammad SAW as the coran says, we ll still be, just a quick question is Ramadan starting today or tomorrow?

  • Z. Anam Link Reply

    May Allah bless all of us and all the rest all over the world to have a peaceful and happy Ramadan. May all war be stopped and peace prolong everywhere.

  • aslam zuberi Link Reply

    May Allah bless all associated with sending this most appropiate message .

  • Tewogbola kazeem Link Reply

    May Allah bestow His mercy on the soul of our Noble Prophet (S.A.W).

  • Witsarut Murad Lohwithee Link Reply

    Jazakallah Khair! May Almighty Allah bless all of us perform all kinds of Ibadah during this Ramadan happily and enhance Taqwa forever.

  • Lamine Link Reply

    May Allah accept all our devotions and reward us for our submission to his will

  • Anonymous Link Reply

    Happy holiday to all Muslims but as a non-muslim, perhaps you can help me to understand a few things better. As mentioned in the text, a Muslim should fear God? I don’t understand why one should fear their creator and the person they are worshipping? Also, could you please outline the basic commands that all Muslims should obey? Lastly for now, what is the view of a Muslim upon a non-muslim? And please outline for me how the Quran teaches love? Perhaps these basic questions will help all Muslims during Ramadan if someone cares to share.

  • Aisha Link Reply

    Very good message, thank you. Yes it is incredible what is happening in muslim countries and in the name of muslims. Personally I don’t think it is a punishment of Allah….bad actions like killing call for a response….the media attention does not help either, but many muslims should remain calm in spite of that….the prophet is very much against anger…….we have/had an economic crisis all over the world…..muslim countries are also affected by that… All people have to remain calm and ” sit it through” killing, making wars and atrocities certainly don’t help….they make it worse…….people don’t have patience anymore…..everthing has to be “instant”, right away……solutions to problems don’t come right away often…..a global economic crisis does not get solved overnite……looking for the guilty ones and killing etc does not solve the economic crisis…..patience does however. Hope that in this month many people will get back to their right mindset and draw close to Allah….the merciful…He wants to provide us with solutions …we should patiently look for that…..and pray…….we cut ourselves off from Allahs blessings otherwise….He cannot help us when we sin…….Ramadan Karim

  • MAY ALLAH ACCEPT OUR IBADAH DURING THE MONTH OF RAMADAN AND LETS PRAY TO ALL MUSLIM BROTHERS AND SISTERS IN DISTRESS AND DIFFICULTY TO OVERCOME THEM.

  • what an excellent soul-touching write up. May Allah reward the writer and the readers abundantly. May He endow us with the opportunity to read, understand and practicalise its teachings.
    Be it due to revised way of life or as a trial, majority of muslims world is in a state of trauma. We are paying dearly in quick successions and in ascending manner.
    As a first step, let us rebirth ourselves, feed and shelter the needy amongst us, improve our education and health. Let us start infinitesimally moving gradually to meagre level. The most important is the resolve.
    To those we could not reach, let there be a sincere collective effort to reach them. we most not let individulistic approach to issues.
    I wish us a perfect performance of all Ramadan rites acceptable to Allah SW.
    Jazakumullahu Khair. Ramadan Kareem.

  • Nazima Link Reply

    Thanks & warmest wishesh for a happy & peaceful ramadan…
    wishing that this ramazan allah answer all yours prayers -Ameen

  • Shafaq Amir Link Reply

    Mashallah 🙂 ,,,, May Allah Accepts all our Good deeds !!
    May Allah Gives Us Tawfeeq 2 SHare more good things with others !

  • Abdullah M Link Reply

    I wish all my brothers and my sisters ‘Ramadan Kareem’. May Allah bless you all and give you good in this life and in the hereafter.

  • Savedah Zafar Link Reply

    Asalaam-o-alaikum wa rahmatullaahi wa barakatuhu. Ramadhaan Kareem to all.

    Anonymous – Thank you for your best wishes for this blessed month of Ramadhaan. I will attempt to answer a few of your questions best I can. Please forward me your email address so that I can clarify your questions further and better, my email ( sav_zafar@hotmail.com ).

    Why should we fear our Lord/Creator/God. Simply because Allaah the Almighty has blessed each and everyone of us with various blessings such as health, food, shelter, families etc that not all get. Everyone’s journey is different and everyone is tested differently. Some with wealth others with poverty, some with health and others will illnesses. We should attempt whole heartedly to thank our lord and do our best to follow His commands ( remembrance, charity, good deeds, righteous character, patience etc). Back to fearing Allaah the Most Merciful, it’s about fearing His wrath, His anger when we commit sins against others ( killings, hurting our fellow humans, not giving thy neighbour their rights, not fulfilling Allaah’s commands etc ). Just generally fear your Lord when you commit a sin for on the the day f judgement every action is accountable. Don’t assume if you’ve got away with a bad deed, there’ll be no come back, there will. This goes for everyone and everything, from hurting a fellow humans feelings (Muslim or not) to killing even an ant. It is better for you to feed your hungry neighbour (Muslim or not) than to travel to the most holiest place on earth (Mecca).

    Unfortunately many Muslims do not portray through their actions the true character that a Muslim should have hence non Muslims do not get to see the beauty, peace and loving nature of Islam. The religion caters for the rights of everyone as we are taught were all equal.

    Another question you had regarding how a Muslim should see a non Muslim. No question about it, non Muslims are humans with feelings and rights just as Muslims are. We should not differentiate. In fact we should hold a good example so that non Muslims can see the beauty and compassion of our religion. There is no room for hatred or alienation towards any non Muslim. We are taught to be extra patient and giving towards you so that one day your hearts can warm towards this perfect religion and you also reap the benefits in the hereafter. Every soul has a right to be invited to what is better for them.

    Again, in today’s climate not many Muslims portray the true character of a Muslim hence non Muslims only see and hear about the wrongdoings committed by people under the name of Islam. Anyone who takes a life of the innocent will be punished as though they have killed the whole of mankind. Hence where we should fear our lord and think a million times before acting, committing a sin.

    Please do get in touch and I could maybe guide towards some good material which will answer any questions you have. Please do bear in mind it’s always the people who are wrong/bad examples of any religion not the religion. I hope I managed to answer some of the questions you had and thanku again for your interest and your best wishes for this coming month. Wishing you and your loved ones health, wealth and success in all you do and imaan (faith).

  • Mohammed Azam Siddiqui Link Reply

    Assalaamu alaikum. May Allah SWT reward you the best for the article. Really it is inspiring and encouraging. Thanks.

  • In addition to Fasting, the focus of the Muslims should be on offering maximum prayers and doing good deeds so that one can get more and more reward in this Holy month. Therefore, Prayers and good deeds need to be offered with fasting during Ramadan as these are the only means to seek forgiveness from Allah and achieve your desired objectives.

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