All praises are due to Allah alone. May His blessings be upon the holy Prophet Muhammad, his household and the generality of Muslims till the Day of Judgment.

It is a fundamental belief in Islam that all souls will return to Allah, their Creator. It is not surprising, therefore, that significant number of verses and chapters of the Qur’an teach human beings especially on what provisions to take along for that long journey to accountability. “Everyone shall taste death, and unto us (Allah) you shall be returned” Suratul Ankabut (Q29: 57).

What a favour from the Lord of the worlds who would test man on his actions and yet has provided him with answers to the quiz! A mercy and honour it is, again, from this Lord that He made for us in this world, stations at which we are able to halt and pick up our breath, assess ourselves, re-arrange our provisions and come up with new spirit and higher ambitions that would assist us to have a soft landing before Him. One of these stations is the month of Ramadan.

The most valuable of the provisions to take along to the hereafter is taqwa (piety), and that is the goal of Ramadan. “O you who believe! Fasting (in Ramadan) is prescribed for you as it was prescribed for those before you that you may become pious’’ Suratu Baqarah (Q2: 197). Taqwa in Islam is that righteousness which leads to perfect relationship with Allah, the manifestation of which is a perfect relationship with the creatures of Allah. One cannot suffice without the other. “And who is better in religion than the one who submits his face (himself) to Allah, while he is also of the best deeds’’ Suratu Nisai (Q4: 125). One of the errors people fall into is to concentrate on one aspect to the detriment of the other. The relationship is clear - increase in level of piety in a person increases his level of good deeds and vice versa. That is why the month of Ramadan has been regarded as the month of work, full of initiatives that are geared towards strengthening affinity with the Creator and better relationship with the creatures. For those activities that can assist man to move closer to Allah, here are some tips:



As-Siyam (fasting)

The soul is the greatest obstacle in the journey to Allah, and only he who takes his soul away from lust and other inherent weaknesses will be saved. One of the greatest means to achieve this is fasting. Therefore, brothers and sisters, seize this opportunity and observe the 29 or 30 days fast of Ramadan, no matter what it costs you (except in circumstances that are beyond your control).



Qur’an

A light to the hearts of the believers, a healing to the diseases of the heart and guidance from the Lord of the worlds: “We have revealed the Qur’an, as a cure (for the heart) and mercy for the believers, and it adds nothing to the unjust but loss” - Suratu Israi (Q17: 82). Ibn Qayyim said: “The reader would benefit from the Qur’an only when his tongue, his intellect and the heart jointly participate in the process.” The tongue involves in correct pronunciation, the intellect does the interpretation of the message while the heart of the believer receives the admonition wherefrom. Therefore, do not make your recitation a mere mechanical exercise, strive to benefit from it.



Sodaqah (charity)

Unlike in man-made postulations, the more you spend in Islam, the more you earn. Giving charity clears the heart of egoism, repels calamities, makes affairs easy, protects from evil and removes the anger of the Lord. Those who wish to meet their Lord as favoured servants should spend from what Allah has provided for them. ‘’So, give to the kinsmen their right, and to the needy and the wayfarer. That is better for those who seek Allah’s pleasure -Suratu Rum (Q30: 38).



The mosque

The heart of the believer waivers from one state to another as a result of a continuous strife between inclinations of faith and those of desires. The mosque is that link that can tie the heart firmly to the state of faith. O Muslims, make the mosque your second home in Ramadan and gain the favours of your Lord.



Ad-Du’a (Supplication)

In Ramadan, the gates of Heaven are opened and that of hell are closed. Shayateen (evils) are chained and the Lord is more ready to accept the requests of His servants. Prophet Muhammad (SAW) said: “Know that Allah does not answer a supplication of a heedless heart.” Therefore, let your tongue and your heart participate in your supplications.



Qiyamul Lael (night prayer)

When the day disappears and people lie in their beds after the day’s struggle, wake up to glorify your Lord, ask Him for forgiveness of your sins, submit yourself in humility and present your requests to the Lord of the worlds. Through this, your heart is purified and tranquility from your Lord descends unto you.



Maximise virtuous moments

Allah, in His wisdom, honours some moments over others and deeds in such periods fetch greater rewards. The last part of the night, the beginning of the day, last part of the day, the day of Jumah and the night of destiny (laelatul qadr) are some of those moments. Strive to be among the successful ones who seize the advantage of these virtous periods to get closer to their Lord, by involving in acts of worship, thereby gaining His honour and mercy.



I’tikaf

Ibn Rajab said: “The reality of I’tikaf is to cut relationship with creatures in order to have connection with the Creator.” O you Muslim, create time to seclude yourself in the mosque, even if for a brief period. Try to make it especially in the nights of the last 10 days of this month. Perhaps you will be blessed with the Night of Majesty (Laelatul Qadr).

For those tools to enhance relationships with fellow human beings, the following activities would benefit you greatly:



Goodness to wife and children

It is a commandment from your Lord. “O you who believe, save yourself and your families from a fire, the fuel of which is human beings and stones.’’ -Suratu Tahrim (Q66: 6). In this coming month of Ramadan, carry members of your household along in your activities. Draw a programme that would allow you to spend more time with them. Pray together, break fast together, study the Qur’an together and make joint supplications.



Joining family ties

The prophet of Allah (SAW) said: “There is no sin that is more deserving that Allah hastens the punishment for the one who commits it in this world, in addition to what is in stock for him in the hereafter than cutting family ties, betrayal and lies. “O Muslim, use this season to visit relations, or contact them through phones and letters. Settle all differences that have existed between you and any of them.



Giving food

It is one of the doors to Allah’s mercy. The messenger of Allah said: “Whoever feeds one who is fasting has the reward like that of the one he has fed without reducing the reward of the one who is fasting.’’



Solving other people’s problems

The prophet (SAW) said: “The most beloved of people to Allah are those who are beneficial. And the most beloved deed to Allah is the joy that you put in the heart of a Muslim or the worry you take away from him or the debt you pay for him or the hunger you remove from him. And for me to walk with my Muslim brother over his need is more beloved to me than to engage in I’tikaf in the mosque for a month. Whoever holds his anger, Allah will cover his defects, and whoever conceals his rage-which if he had wanted to display it he can do-Allah will fill his heart with pleasure on the day of resurrection. Whoever walks with a Muslim brother to take care of his need till it is fully done, Allah will make his feet firm on the day feet would be slipping. Bad character destroys deed just like vinegar destroys honey.”

There are others like reconciling people who are in feud, showing mercy and magnanimity. To achieve your aim, organise your programme, avoid time wasting, shun excessive sleeping, eat less, talk less and work the more.

O Muslim bothers and sisters, remember that all activities you do in Ramadan are not ends in themselves, but means to achieve a sole objective-piety. Therefore, let your limbs, your intellect and heart participate in each of them.

Some Muslims view Ramadan as a burden, and wish that it disappears quickly. What an irony! How possible is it for the One who creates and nourishes you and wishes a soft landing for you in paradise by sending messengers and holy books to ever wish evil for you?

The best time to reciprocate the gestures of your Lord is now. Seize this Ramadan period to seek His forgiveness and favour. You may not live to witness another.