By Farhat Amin
It is now December, it seems that Ramadan was such a long time ago but this does not mean Allah does not forgive us for our sins. The month of dhul-hijjah is almost upon us. The first ten days of dhul-hijjah are more beloved to Allah than any other days during the year. Increase the zhikr (remembrance) of Allah by reading the Qu’ran, increasing your understanding of the religion, giving charity and other such good acts. Repent to the lord and surely he will forgive all that truly seek his forgiveness. Follow every sin with a good action as this eradicates the sin you have committed. I would like to remind everyone about the benefits of the blessed month. It seemed like such a long time ago but it will be a blessing if we see Ramadan next year. Ramadan is not just about fasting, yes we do struggle sometimes to give up food and water but remember the brothers and sisters who suffer poverty across many regions of the world. These people go without food and water for days. For all those who fast during the day Allah will forgive their sins and for all those who stand in prayer at night Allah will forgive their sins. But the Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings upon him) said that the first ten days of dhul-hijjah are better than Ramadan, surely this is a time we should increase our love for Allah. Brothers and sisters ponder over this issue, the Qu’ran was sent to humanity as a guide on how one should lead their lives. Ensure that you intend to please Allah as he shall reward every good action. Ramadan is about the purification of the heart, feeling a connection with Allah that you forgot you could achieve. It is about doing something for the sake of Allah, at the end of the day if we wish to worship Allah it does not benefit him in anyway, if we do not worship him it does not decrease his bounty. Remember we need to worship Allah for the sake of this dunya and for the hereafter. Allah rewards all those who strive in the name of Islam and those who implement the guidance found in the Qu’ran and the sunnah.
Allah is all merciful, all forgiving. The revelation of this Book (Qu’ran) is from Allah, Exalted in Power, Full of Knowledge, Who forgiveth sin, accepteth repentance (Surah 40, Lines 2-3.) Allah forgives all sins if one repents and seeks forgiveness from him. Shirk (associating partners with Allah) is the biggest sin any person can make, but the lord forgives this if one repents. Say: He is Allah, the One and Only; Allah, the Eternal, Absolute; He begetteth not, nor is He begotten; and there is none like unto Him. (Surah 112, Lines 1-4.) Every son of Adam will sin until the day of judgement, but we should always remember that Allah runs to all believers who walk towards him. Allah does not equally weigh sins against blessings, contemplate over this, Allah is the most just of all judges, and insh’allah he will forgive each and every one of us. Remembrance of Allah is a key concept; keep the tongue moist by repeating Allah’s names and attributes by the form of zhikr. Strive to be like the prophets, the companions and the nations that came before us. Aisha (R.A) has reported in a hadith that the Prophet of Allah was the walking Qur’an. The prophet implemented everything Allah had ordained in the Qur’an. Muhammad (peace and blessings upon him) was sent by Allah in order perfect the characteristics of humanity; let us strive to be like him and all the messengers who came before him.
Brothers and sisters I shall finish on this final point, be courteous to your family, your friends, Muslims and non-Muslims as good manners has a lasting impression on anyone that you may have a conversation with. Be friendly, be courteous and be thankful to someone who has kept the door open for you. Seeking forgiveness is very important within in the deen of Islam, always seek forgiveness from Allah, please the lord and insh’allah we will be forgiven. Allah forgives all people that wish to be forgiven; he is even more merciful during the blessed months of dhul-hijjah and Ramadan. But remember to take the opportunity to ask forgiveness throughout the year. There are many opportunities to do good deeds throughout the year, establish prayer and strive to become better Muslims. We should strive to do extra prayers, extra fasts and so forth. The ultimate goal is to fear Allah, and insh’allah achieve the highest ranks within Jannatul-ferdous.
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