What Is Ramadan? Options

[zashakeel]

Ramadan is derived from the Arabic root word ramida or ar-ramad denoting intense scorching heat and dryness, especially the ground. From the same root there is ramdaa, sunbaked sand, and the famous proverb: "Kal Mustajeer minar Ramadaa binnar" - to jump out of the frying pan into the fire. And in a hadith the Messenger of Allah (saas) said: "The prayer of repenters is due when the young camel can feel the sun's heat early in the morning." (Muslim)

Thus, the word Ramadan is so called to indicate the heating sensation in the stomach as a result of thirst). Others said it is so called because Ramadan scorches out the sins with good deeds, as the sun burns the ground. Some said it is so called because the hearts and souls are more readily receptive to the admonition and remembrance of Allah during Ramadan, as the sand and stones are receptive to the sun's heat. The framers of this beautiful language may have been inspired by Allah (SWT) in naming this month Ramadan. Otherwise, the relation between the heat and its properties is miraculously similar to that of Ramadan. While the heat represents the matter that helps shape, form, and mold virtually every matter - from metal and plastics, to plants and living cells - Ramadan undoubtedly helps a serious believer remold, reshape, reform, and renew his physical and spiritual disposition and behavior.

[zashakeel]

Ask Yourself these 25 Questions

Ramadan, as usual, has flown by. Despite planning beforehand, many of us
may have got caught up in a routine after accustoming ourselves to the
change in schedule the blessed month brings.

This may have affected our initial plans to increase our worship,
contemplation and to seek Allah's Forgiveness and Mercy with greater
fervor. But the last ten days and nights of Ramadan are still ahead for
us to benefit from. Ask yourself these questions and see what you can do
to make the most of what's left of Ramadan this year.

1] Have I kept pace with the amount of Qur'an I wanted to read, or
have I fallen behind?

2] If so, how much do I have to read on a daily basis the rest of
Ramadan to catch up?

3] Have I tried to attend Taraweeh regularly, or did I use weak
excuses to get out of it?

4] Did I ever pray the night prayer?

5] Did I try praying my five daily prayers with more sincerity,
concentration, and focus than usual?

6] Did I invite anyone over for Iftaar (breaking the fast)?

7] Did I help any needy person, even a beggar, when I was fasting?

8] Did I regularly seek Allah's Forgiveness and Mercy with sincerity,
fear and hope?

9] Did I encourage my family to fast or participate in regular
opportunities for more rewards that come with Ramadan (i.e. good deeds
in general, but also Taraweeh, more reading of the Qur'an, etc).

10] Did I memorise any more Qur'an than what I knew before Ramadan started?

11] Did I try to be more patient in Ramadan than I normally am?

12] Did I try to control my anger, especially while fasting?

13] Did I try harder to avoid backbiting and slander?

14] Did I constantly check my intentions, to make sure that my good
deeds were for the sake of Allah alone, not to impress others, gain
their favour or to show off?

15] Was there even an atom of pride in my heart?

16] Was I quieter and more contemplative?

17] Did I cry in my prayers?

18] Did I read more Islamic literature apart from the Qur'an?

19] Did I make sincere repentance to Allah, really feeling sorry for my
sins?

20] Did I forgive those who hurt me?

21] Did I avoid hurting anyone with my attitude, words, intentions or
actions?

22] Did I give any more Sadaqah (charity) than I normally give?

23] Did I share the message of Ramadan and Islam with a non-Muslim?

24] Did I share the message of Ramadan and Islam with a non-practising
Muslim family member or friend?

25] Did I feel annoyed at being hungry while fasting or did I rejoice?