Essence of Ramadan and Self Introspection!!Little things Reflect the True Discipline in Fasting

The month of Ramadan is of profound significance for the Muslims worldwide. It encompasses the essence of fasting , mercy, forgiveness, self introspection and character building. This month provides an opportunity to deepen our connections with our creator, Allah SWT through the guiding light of the Qur’an and the Dua. This month is an opportunity for all of us to embrace self discipline and character building. From the standpoint of the essence of Ramadan and self introspection , a few little things need to be taken into consideration. Ramadan is not only the month of abstaining from the food and water, this is the month of fostering discipline and responsibility from us in every aspect.

MINIMIZE SCREEN TIME

Avoid unnecessary online activities or putting statuses and stories during Sehri and Iftaar time.Wallahi it is not obligated. The society has got a mindset that if we are not online at Sehri or at Iftaar, we are not fasting.
Minimize the use of mobile phones and social media networks. Even though we stop watching unfiltered videos, shorts and reels in the Ramadan, we must stop the unnecessary scrolling too.
We may not filter all the content from the social media Apps, we may not turn Facebook and Instagram Muslim. But we can surely minimise our screen time, to avoid the distractions in our Ibaadah ( Prayers ).

NOT ONLY ABOUT FOOD

Cook your favourite dishes this Ramadan, but within the limits. We waste most of the time of our days in deciding what should we buy, cook and eat for the day. Eat less to avoid any disruption and disturbance in your Ramadan Schedule . Prioritize your family. Decore your dining table with best possible dishes but don’t forget your neighbours , the less fortunate and those in need in this month of Ramadhan. Help them to fill there plates too. Ramadan teaches us the spirit of generosity and compassion.
Completely refrain from sharing the pictures of your Iftar and Suhoor tables to anyone or post a status on social media. You may be just posting a picture but everyone’s circumstances are not the same, so avoid it.
Eat simple light food during Iftar. This helps to maintain energy and positive vibes for your Taraweeh and night prayers, allowing us to fully engage in spirituality without feeling dilly-dallyingly lazy.

SLEEP LESS PRAY MORE

Know that sleeping is also considered Ibaadah ( good deed ) during the month of Ramadan, but also know that only sleeping is not good deed. Minimize your sleep schedule this Ramadan to make room for increased prayer schedule. Pray more Salah. Recite more Qur’an. Makes lots of Dua.

MAINTAIN DISCIPLINE IN MASAJID

Maintain discipline in mosques especially during Iftaar time. Rather than making dua or reciting the Qur’an, people are seen buzzing and creating indiscipline in the mosques which is against the sanctity of the mosque and also against the spirit and essence of Ramadan. Better make a Discipline and Maintenance Committee in every mosque to avoid any disturbance.
In the month of Ramadan some such faces are also seen in the mosques, which are not so familiar to mosques otherwise. Welcome and appreciate them. Avoid asking awkward questions. Ramadan is the month of unity and seeking closeness to Allah SWT together.
And for the locals of the Masjid, perform wuzü ( ablution ) from home before heading towards the mosque so that guests and passers-by do not face difficulties in performing ablution.

APPRECIATE THE WOMEN IN KITCHEN

The women in our houses prepare Sehri and Iftaar for us effortlessly. They put a lots of hardwork so that everything is ready well in time. They deserve a solute. Assist them without making excuses. Wallahi there is no taboo in helping women in the kitchen. A great quality, indeed. Encourage them. Appreciate them.
For our women in the house, do not misuse the water and electricity this Ramadan. It is a sinful act. And to the concerned departments, take care and ensure the supply of water and electricity at specific times. Especially to the Electricity Department, ensure uninterrupted electricity supply during Sehri and Iftaar timings.
It is absolutely okay to through Iftaar parties in your homes or in mosques, but better is to see your neighbors, find a place around and host a Iftaar party to the deserving people too . This is an act of great appreciation.

A GOOD HABIT

Cultivate good habits in you this holy month and stick to it throughout the year. You can try loosing weight, for example . Obesity is the complication every other person is facing now a days. Initiate a good habit in this month of blessings. The only requirement is your will power and action.

TRAIN THE NEXT GENERATION

Educate your children about the significance of Ramadan. Make them aware of the virtues and blessings of Ramadan and Fasting. Instill in them the taste, desire and blessings of Ramadan even before they reach the obligatory age. We have to prepare a generation with highest qualities of goodness, discipline and responsibilities.

MARKET MANNERS

To Shopkeepers, sell ration goods at reasonable prices this Ramadan. Do not take advantage of the opportunity and sell goods at desirable high rates. Wallahi this is a sinful act .Rather,the best of the actions is that the things are sold at a minimum profit price so that even the poorer in the society can easily afford the expenses for the house.
And to the society, do not bargain with someone who is working hard and trying to earn his daily bread for his family. Feels great indeed.
This Ramadan, let’s spread Love and Help whatever way we can. Help unconventionally and you will get the best of the rewards, Inshallah.

GET UP EARLY, GET CONNECTED

And get up a little early for Suhoor, even if it’s only a few minutes earlier. Pray a few rak’ats of Tahajjud and make dua. Tahajjud is the most beloved worship of Allah SWT.

AND THE REMINDER!

In Ramadan, the reward of every good deed becomes seventy times. Do some good deeds which are witnessed by only you and your Allah SWT and hope for the good rewards, Inshallah.
Hope this Ramadan brings peace in your life that you have never had before, the peace that fills the soul, the peace that connects us with our creator ! . May this Ramadan fill your life with happiness, peace, contentment , mercy and blessings uncounted.

Note: Ikkz Ikbal has PG in Biotechnology and is Principal Maryam Memorial Institute Pandithpora Qaziabad
Contact: 7006857283
Email: ikkzikbal@gmail.com