WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW ABOUT RAMADAN (EPISODE 1)


By Yusuff Ademola Adesina

EPISODE 1: The Month of Ramadan and Its Virtues

I recently learnt that people (especially adults) tend not to do ‘something’ when they do not know the purpose of doing it. However, they tend to do it if it had been accustomed to the culture, but not in the right way; rather in the way culture has presented it.

This is the exact reason we see in the Muslim world nowadays that the month of Ramadan has been culturally seen as the only month of holiness (wherein one has to leave out all bad deeds; and might probably go to back to them after the month) and of excessive eating and drinking; and thus, some people become obese in the month. But, is this what Ramadan all about?

Obviously, the answer is NO; provided one is adequately aware of the month, its features and its virtues. Hence, it is important to learn about the month before its commencement so that you will have the maximal opportunity to develop yourself and become successful and productive.



This series of articles on “What You Should Know about Ramadan” aims to provide brief discussion on features of Ramadan, fasting and its virtues, supplication and other teachings of the month. I, therefore, sincerely advice you to subscribe to our blog to stay updated for the next episodes.


The MONTH OF RAMADAN AND ITS VIRTUES 

Ramadan is the ninth month of the Islamic lunar months. It is a month of obligatory fasting on every legally accountable, sane, matured and healthy Muslim. It is the month of the Quran; the month in which the Quran was revealed to Prophet Muhammad (PBUH).

During this month, Muslims request from Allah forgiveness of their past sins and pray for guidance and assistance, and cleanse themselves through self-control and the great act of faith. In this month is a day which is better than a thousand months. It is a month of blessing, mercy, peace, kindness, generosity, humbleness and faithfulness; in fact, a month of all good characters.       

VIRTUES OF THE MONTH 

  1. The month of the Quran

“The Month of Ramadan [is that] in which was revealed the Qur’an, a guidance for the people and clear proofs of guidance and criterion…” (Q2:185)

2.                  The month of fasting

“... So whoever sights [the new moon of] the month, let him fast it… ” (Q2:185)

3.                  Paradise’s Gates are opened

Abu Hurayrah (May Allah be pleased with him) reported that Allah’s messenger (PBUH) said:

“When Ramadan begins, the gates of Paradise are opened.” (SahihBukhari, Vol. 3, Bk 31, No 122)

4.                  Hell’s gates are closed and Devils are chained

Abu Hurayrah (May Allah be pleased with him) reported that Allah’s messenger (PBUH) said:

“When Ramadan begins, the gates of Paradise are opened and the gates of Hell are closed and the devils are chained.” (SahihBukhari, Vol. 3, Bk 31, No 123)

5.                  The month of forgiveness

The Prophet (PBUH) said: “Indeed, Jubril came to me and said, ‘Whoever reaches the month of Ramadan and does not have his sins forgiven and so enters Fire, then may Allah distance him, Say aamin’ so I said aamin, aamin, aamin.” (bnKhzaimah)

6.                  The month has night which is better than a thousand months

“The Night of Decree is better than a thousand months” (Q97:3)

7.                  Every Matter will be decreed on Layatul-Qadr

“On that night is made distinct every precise matter.” (Q44:4)

8.                  Angels descend to the earth praying for goodness, blessing and mercy for the believers.

“The Angels and the Spirit descend therein by permission of their Lord for every matter. Peace it is until the emergence of dawn.” (Q97:4-5)

It is hoped that this episode has provided you with an insight of the virtues of Ramadan. Kindly stay connected (subscribe) to our blog for the next episode in which I shall discuss the obligation of fasting, things that vitiate fasting, people exempted from fasting and the rulings related to breaking or missing the fast.     

Comments

Post a Comment

The Mind Builders

Telephone & WhatsApp: +2348132522291

Facebook: https://web.facebook.com/TheMindBuildersTMB/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/themindbuilders/The

Twitter: https://twitter.com/MindBuildersTMB


Email: themindbuildersteam@gmail.com

Contact Form

Name

Email *

Message *

Popular posts from this blog

ABOUT US: THE MIND BUILDERS

Image
About Us The Mind Builders is the brainchild of Yusuff Ademola Adesina who is a graduate of Psychology and presently pursuing the Degree of (Doctor of Optometry) at Bayero University Kano. The team consists of members who are university graduates and undergraduates studying in different fields of education. Mission : The mission of the team is to:   ➢ Engage and develop diverse young people to positively impact the world.    ➢ Promote open youth-to-youth communication.  ➢ Enhance leadership development among young people.   ➢ Foster multicultural bridge building.    ➢ Empower youth with self-actualization skills.   Execution of Mission : The team will engage in different activities to attain its mission. These activities, however, are categorized into two: short-term and long-term execution plans.     Short-Term Execution    ➢ Writing articles related to youth development by interested volunteer writers.    ➢ Periodic online coalition meeting to explore educational, p
Read more

POSITION OF THE LAW ON THE USE OF HIJAB: A CASE STUDY OF A NIGERIAN MUSLIM FEMALE DENIED BEING CALLED TO THE BAR

Image
by O. G. Chukkol One of the challenges Muslim females are facing is the wearing of hijab. Hijab is a veil they use in covering their body. These challenges are found even in public institutions. The proscription of the use of veils is normally done through rules made in those institutions. For example there has been complaint that hijab is not allowed in Nigerian Law School, it happened also in Kwara, Lagos, Osun State etc where students were not allowed to wear hijab to schools. This article seeks to establish that prohibiting Muslim females from wearing veils in public institutions is unconstitutional. Whether the position is the same in private institutions or not is outside the scope of this article. To clear a preliminary point, I am a Christian and shall by the grace of God die a Christian. This work is based on my little understanding of the law and love for rule of law. The work is also informed by my agreement with the words of Martin Luther King Jr. who once said:
Read more

THE VALUE OF POSITIVE SELF-ESTEEM

Image
Authored by Munirah Abdullah (D_Dignified_Muslimah) Our self-esteem is instilled in us during our youth. Being constantly criticized by family,friends, and society tends to slowly strip us of our feelings of self worth. Our low self esteem strips us of our self confidence to make even the smallest of decisions. Improving our self esteem increases our confidence and it is the first step towards finding happiness and a better life. Self-esteem is known as an attitude toward the self and is similar to a judgment of oneself. It means to reflect a person’s overall evaluation or appraisal of his or her own strength and weaknesses. Self-esteem encompasses beliefs and emotions. It is self esteem that provokes the feelings of triumph, despair, pride and shame. The self-concept is what we think about the self. Self-esteem on the other hand, is the positive or negative evaluations of the self, is how we feel about it. It is the quality (positive or negative) that renders somet
Read more

HOW TO DEAL WITH DIVORCE & BROKEN RELATIONSHIPS

Image
by Munirah Abdullah (d_dignified_Muslimah) Editor: Tanimola Sherif Merriam Webster defines the word ‘Divorce’ as ‘to dissolve the marriage of (a spouse) by judgment or decree of divorce’. The word shockingly sinks into my brain each time I meet a new friend or a stranger and get to discover, after getting affectionately glued to each other, that his/her parents are divorced. To be honest I hardly see that glimpse of happiness in their eyes. It is far removed from the feelings that will naturally envelope one when one hears of his mum being delivered of a baby, or the news of a wedding ceremony. The countenance and expression on their faces appear stale like ‘it happens, that's life’. In this era of gigantic world civilization compounded by feminism, women tend to perceive themselves as being equal to men, regurgitating expressions such as ‘what a man can do, a woman can do better.’ This has undoubtedly made the percentage of divorced people to be astronomically high. Alth
Read more

WHY DOES ISLAM OPPRESS WOMEN?

Image
TECHNICAL RELIGIOUS BIGOTRY MISCONCEPTIONS ABOUT ISLAM (Episode 1): WHY DOES ISLAM OPPRESS WOMEN? by Yusuff Ademola A. The word ‘Islam’ has been negatively associated with terrorism, violence, aggression, extremism, hardships, deprivation, and imprisonment in these present times. This negative view has been strengthened by the actions of terrorists and ‘orientalists’, who in no way represent the true essence of the religion.   They have hijacked the religion and consequent media attention for their own selfish, evil goals. Hence, the global opinion tends towards viewing Islam as a terroristic and extremist religion. Most of the times, you would see people arguing that Islam oppresses women; it permits men to marry more than one woman and commands women to use Hijaab. Alternatively, they would claim Islam legalises baseless killing of innocent people – by the way of religious enforcement or apostasy. However, are these really true about Islam?   Does Islam really oppress
Read more

MARRIAGE: THE TRAGEDY OF MARITAL ABUSE

Image
Yusuff Ademola Adesina ( adesinayusuffademola@gmail.com ) The history of human society is nothing but the description of the evolution and diffusion of various institutions designed toward perpetuation, maintenance and survival of society. Marriage institution occupies a unique place in the realm of institutions. It is instrumental in perpetuating human society through regulations of conjugal and filial ties. Marriage is as old as creation of the world. Hence it is no doubt that marriage exists in virtually every known society.  There is a growing consensus among researchers that marriage is an important institution. Families built on marriage are, on average, healthier, wealthier and more stable than other familial forms. On this account, it was concluded from a series of evidence         that marriage is an important social good, associated with an impressively broad array of positive outcomes for children and adults alike. However, despite the fact that marriage is a h
Read more

HOW TO WRITE AN EXCELLENT RESEARCH PAPER: STEP-BY-STEP GUIDELINE

Image
A research paper is a comprehensive academic essay that students are required to submit before the end of each semester. This assignment is an amalgamation of the student’s total learning and attempts to test their understanding of an academic course from all possible angles. It is designed to test one’s ability to research, collect information, write, compile, analyze and interpret a topic. No matter what field of study you are in, you will mostly like be asked to write a research paper during your academic career. It is an integral component of your academic evaluation; which will definitely require you to do some kind of research for one subject or another. Unfortunately, the knowledge of research writing has slipped into oblivion for many students. They show excessive consternation whenever they are given assignments, and consider it a burden and a tiresome task because it requires a significant amount of time, effort and organization. On account of all above, this book is compi
Read more

WHY DOES ISLAM COMMAND KILLING OF INNOCENT PEOPLE?

Image
MISCONCEPTIONS ABOUT ISLAM (Episode 2): WHY DOES ISLAM COMMAND KILLING OF INNOCENT PEOPLE? By Yusuff Ademola Adesina It saddens my heart to hear my religion- the religion of the whole mankind, Islam- being ostracized in various forms by people around me. Last week, a full bearded man sporting a jumper trouser jumped a queue at the bank I was at, then a misinformed lady beside me commented, “hmmm. all the ‘mallam’. They are Muslims. If you dare correct them for jumping queues, they will massacre you!” Upon hearing this, I was heatedly ruminating about several questions running through my mind ready to pour out. However, not to be a vested party, I want us to continue addressing the issues surrounding misconceptions about Islam, the social stereotype etc. By the way, it should be borne in mind at this junction that not all ‘muslims’ are Muslims . We have factors such as culture, personality, social definition and so on, having great bearing on the type of Muslim they are, be it
Read more

THE CHARACTERISTICS OF A CLASSICAL, STRIVING MUSLIM

Image
by Yusuff Ademola Adesina In the present century wherein the world morality has turned on its head, the characteristics of a true Muslim as defined in the orthodox teachings of his religion (Islam) can be likened to an oasis in the desert. It is the only place where trees grow in the desert and the sight of which gives a sense of pleasure and an air of inviting hospitality to the desert travelers. The character of a striving Muslim is distinct and balanced, because he is the embodiment of the illustrious guidance of Allah, drinking deeply from its pure spring and following the teachings of Prophet Muhammad (SAW). Hence, it is no surprise that a Muslim is expected to be an epitome of all good character as the Prophet (SAW) said he was sent to perfect noble character traits. However, many Muslims are negligent of the ‘Muslim Personality’ as Islam has wisely deemed it to be. Sadly, there exists a lacuna between what Islam wants for its followers and what they actually want
Read more

5 Simple Ways to Become Productive and Successful

Image
by Yusuff Ademola A. Virtually everyone is most concerned about success. However, not everyone can succeed except those who know the secrets behind success! The ponderous contributor to success is nothing but PRODUCTIVITY. This is the reason numerous writers and readers are obsessed with the topic ‘Productivity’.   In this digital age, staying on task and avoiding distraction have become harder to accomplish. Therefore, it is essential that you get a guide towards achieving productivity in your everyday tasks. Here are 5 simple ways to become more productive and successful: 1.       Focus on yourself in the morning : Many people begin their day by checking their emails and other social accounts. Be careful of this, perhaps it is a big productivity killer. Start your day with spiritually productive activities – if you are a Muslim, observe the Fajr Prayer and recite the morning Sunnah adhkaar; these are true stress relievers and energy boosters which never fail to make you feel b
Read more