A Ramadan like no other

By Mukhtar Oyelakin Oyetunji

The month of Ramadan is already upon us the importance of which cannot be over emphasised.

It is the month of bountiful blessings so enormous that the prophet of Allah(SAW)in sound narrations likens one who ends up being unable to tap into its benefit as ‘a real looser’.

It is the month of forgiveness the like of which Allah’s magnanimity and inclination to forgive all sins is unparalleled. Indeed, the narration of the prophet in the two most authentic books of Hadith further corroborate this. The prophet(SAW) said :

‘Whoever observes the fasting of Ramadan with faith and expectation of reward from Allah will have all his previous sins forgiven’.

It is with sound knowledge of these and more that all Muslims must strive to attain the highest possible level in personal exertion and commitment towards gaining the pleasure of Allahwhile coming out with a clear slate (Having no sins).

However as the world continues to revolve overtime, humanity is at an almost unprecedented standstill (at least as far as the century is concerned). Echoes of CoronaVirus (COVID-19) continues to ring through the expanse of the World unsettling even the most settled and advanced nations of the world.

The ‘confluence’ of Ramadan and COVID – 19 and its ravaging effects particularly as it affects our country Nigeria therefore makes for Grim reading to all Muslims.
Naturally, one of the beauty and essence of the month of Ramadan is the togethernes, string sense of community and brotherhood in brings. This coupled with the fact that a lot would naturally hinge consistent gathering for lectures, Tafaasir, Iftar, Taraweeh and the likes.

Alas! Times have changed as as Allah says in Qur’an 3 vs 140;
…and such are the days(good and not so good), we give to men by turns, that Allah may tets those who believe…
The trial seemingly, of this year’s Ramadan is COVID-19. However, it could also trin out the be the blessing. As our prophet (SAW) in a sound narration marvelled at the affairs of a believer saying:
‘Marvellous are the affairs of a believer, when good comes upon him, he’s thankful and that is good for him. And when evil befalls him, he’s patient and that is aso good for him.

This exactly is the case of we Muslims in this COVID-19 influenced Ramadan.
No doubt the virus is is a pandemic which has caused so much ripple effects in the affairs of the world without leaving out rhe Muslims. Indeed if there weren’t any pointer to this, The closure of the 2 holy Mosques and suspension of Taraweeh prayers which has denied many Muslims access to arguably the most intriguing recitals and prayer sessions ever known.

To put into perspective, our local mosques and points of congregation have their doors bolted. So far where do we go from here?

In a popular quote by the second Caliph, Umar bn Khattab(RA); ‘we will flee from the Will of Allah to The Will of Allah’. His statement resonates the common line in our qunut saying: ‘Laa Manjaa, Wa laa Maljaa illa anta’. There is no refuge or escape except to you oh Allah’.

In line with this therefore, this Ramadan is to be a journey back to Allah in ways we probably haven’t trodded before. The stay at home order is the perfect opportunity for us to retrace our footsteps more on an individual basis rather than the orthodox collectivism methods we often employed in previous Ramadan.

It is a time for thorough and sincere introspection into every aspects of our lives as Muslims.

Its the time to ask our souls some tough questions about our purpose in life and our relationship with our Lord.
It is a time for us to give unprejudiced assessments of our inactions in years and times gone by.

It also a time to count the numerous blessings of Allah on us and our families.
Above all, it is a time to strive towards the pleasure and forgiveness of Allah(SWT) while being absolutely consciously striving/praying/asking for Paradise and ultimately the pleasure of Allah.

As Allah says in Q 3vs 133:
And March forth (Strive) in the way( which leads to) forgiveness from your Lord and for Paradise as wide as are the heavens and the earte, prepared for the Muttaqun(Pious).

As Salaamun alaykum warahmatullah wabarakatuhu.