Evaluate Yourself During The Month Of Ramadan

“Fasting is prescribed for you as it was prescribed for those before you, that you may attain Taqwaa." (Q2:183)

The meaning of Ramadan for a true believer is Allah’s mercy. Ramadan is the month of patience, control, generosity and self evaluation and it gives the thought of rewards from Allah. During this Holy month all Muslims pursue and practice gentle acts that will give them inner satisfaction. The Messenger of Allah (saw) said, "When the month of Ramadan starts, the gates of the heaven are opened and the gates of Hell are closed and the devils are chained." (Imam Bukhari)

This Holy month entail some special actions and activities. It is all about to change daily routine and timetables so that one can obtain Purity, Taqwa and it will reward us hereafter (Akhirah). With the Quranic reference, "Ramadan is the (month) in which the Quran was sent down, as a guide to mankind and a clear guidance and judgment (so that mankind will distinguish from right and wrong)" (Q 2:183)

Certainly there are various groups regarding the month of Ramadan. Let’s see which group you belong to:

1. First Group: a group that consider Ramadan a month of restrictions and prevention only.
2. Second Group: a group that consider Ramadan as a month of food and drink.
3. Third Group: a group knows nothing of Ramadan except that it is obligatory and mandatory for all Muslims.
4. Fourth Group: a group who does not know Allah except and until the month of Ramadan came.
5. Fifth Group: a group who cannot wait for the arrival of Ramadan. But when it comes they roll up their sleeves even more and they work as hard as they can.
6. Sixth Group: a group that think it’s time of prohibitions from envy, desires and lust and follow the righteous and virtuous path.

People think more about the rewards on behalf of their actions. You may also think what is the reward of your virtuous deeds in the month of Ramadan? Allah said, “All good deeds are for the one who renders them, but fasting. Fasting is exclusively for me (Allah)”. The reward of every Fardh (Compulsory) Namaz is multiplied by seventy times. “aur tum apny Rab ki kon kon si naimat ko jhutkalov gaye"

During this month of Ramadan Allah Almighty makes it easy for Muslims to gain His blessings and mercy as this is the most appropriate month divided into Three Parts (Achraas):

• 1^st Ashra- Blessings/Mercy
• 2^nd Ashra- Forgiveness
• 3rd Ashra- Freedom from Fire

The Prophet (PBUH) said, “There are those who get nothing from their fast but hunger and thirst. There are those who get nothing from their nightly prayers but loss of sleep.” The basic purpose of Ramadan must be remembered which is to attain Taqwa and by doing maximum amount of righteous actions one must abstain from all sins and bad doings.

Now get ready and evaluate yourself and check which Group suits your Ramadan Thinking.

Happy Ramadan..!! :)