Ramadan Talk Day 10: As a third of Ramadan winds up

By Mukhtar Oyetunji

In a flash, the first 10 days of Ramadan have slalomed showing how easy time flies irrespective of whatever condition there is. In truth, time is a respecter of no one or thing. It will always take its course no matter the affairs of man whether good or bad.

No wonder the prophet (SAW) said in sound narrations that every new day is a new creature of Allah. And by the break of each, it declares that indeed it(day) is a creature of Allah coming into existence for the appointed period (24 hours) after which at its expiration will not be found ever again till the day of judgement.

Certainly, the miracle of time in itself is one so marvellous that only Allah himself is capable of controlling it. Indeed, Allah himself is time as related in authentic narrations of the Prophet (SAW).

As time passes in Ramadan, so must we strive in all ways to meet it up with effective actions, knowing no one will do our work(Ibaadat). As the Prophet (SAW) says in 36th Hadith in the 4p Hadith collection of Imam An Nawawi:
‘Whosoever is slowed down by his actions, will not be hastened towards it by his lineage’.

The Hadith seeks to inform everyone that he is the custodian of his soul and actions and will only, therefore, be recompensed according to what he does.

It is therefore imperative to do some personal checks as the 10th day of Ramadan is spent. It behoves that one asks himself sincerely how he’s fared so far in the month of Ramadan.

By the end of this day in Ramadan, we could probably get a bit mathematical; 10 Sahur and Iftar must have taken place, 10 Taraweeh, the sum of 50 daily Solawaat amongst a host of other things must have taken place.

However the above is more like statutory acts of Ibadah. Where the real task lies is in how much of the additives we’ve been able to do. Those deeds without set limits and criteria but which come with huge reward deserve a look into at least under the following five (but not limited) headings;
1. Recitation of the Qur’an: By all standards, it is one of the most important actions to carry out in the month of Ramadan, the reward of which is in multiples of 70. Verily, there is no other period where one can earn as much reward for reciting the Qur’an as the month of Ramadan.

The barest minimum target, of course, should be to complete at least a whole of the Qur’an with this even becoming less popular for so many Muslims especially given time, many can afford amidst the condition of the World. Many have set loftier targets of recitation with a number of such having already completed at least a whole Qur’an already.

So for anyone with a minimum target of 1 whole Qur’an, 10 of the 30 Juz should have been completed by now. In the event that such is not the case, then, there is more than enough time to make up the lost opportunities.

2. Feeding: Recall the Hadith related by Abdullah bn Umar(RA) in the Two Sahih when a man asked the prophet(SAW); which is the best of Islam. The prophet (SAW) responded saying:
‘Feeding people and Spreading the greetings of Peace to those you know as well as those you don’t know’.

It is no gainsaying that there’s no better time to feed people than now when there’s a global pandemic threatening the very existence and survival of people. To know this many of us just need to cast a quick glance at our immediate environment to know how badly people have been hit with pangs of hunger.

For some, Fasting started early as they’d resorted to a 101 meal schedule long before now. Its been so bad that many literally have to beg to survive these times.
In this auspicious month, feeding people is of utmost importance not only because of the pandemic but more importantly the necessity as well as the reward that comes with it. The Prophet (SAW) had also warned that such person who goes to sleep belly-filled while his neighbour sleeps on an empty stomach is not a Muslim.

Feeding fasting Muslims ordinarily comes with a higher level of reward so much that the Angels of Allah sing praises and supplicate to Allah on behalf of one who feeds fasting Muslim.

Although, it is quite difficult gathering people for Iftar these days, there are countless other ways to reach out and feed them either by way of giving consumables or cash. If we have not been up to this in the first 10 days… there’s more than enough time to make up.

3. Adhkaar(Remembrance of Allah): Never let your mouth get dry from the remembrance of Allah are the words of the prophet(SAW). Moreso, in this month of Ramadan so far, we must greatly moisten our tongues with the remembrance of Allah. Our evening and morning Adhkaar should be a given while at every time we must engage in Laazim(continuous personalised Adhkaar).

Wasting time on irrelevant talks and arguments shouldn’t be our way henceforth.
4. Voluntary Prayers: As the month grows, our involuntary prayers should become more stable and constant. Tahajjud particularly is the way to gaining strength and acceptance of supplications. Solatu Ishrak observed while having stayed in the Masjid after Zubh till daybreak guarantees reward of Hajj/Umrah.

Solatul Duhaa comes with a huge reward and keeps us in track for the day. Our Rawwatib (The 12 Nawaafil after Solawaat) must be constant ‘K’, while Solatu Robitoh just before breaking of fast gives the perfect opportunity to ask Allah all we need at a time when the precious informs that the prayers of the fasting Muslim is ever answered by Allah.

5. Seeking Forgiveness: The Prophet (SAW) made it known that the 3 parts of Ramadan are essentially for 3 actions by Allah.

The first part; is filled with Allah’s mercies and bounties. This means Allah during the first 10 days continually showers his mercy upon his slaves and by extension, all creations.

The Second Part; Is filled with forgiveness from Allah, while the third part is where Allah emancipates people from Hellfire into Paradise.

Stepping into the second part therefore, we must increase in seeking forgiveness of Allah(SWT) within it. He(Allah) is surely the only one who forgives sins and then grants immense reward after forgiveness.
We must also keep in mind that forgiveness is key to gaining Allah’s pleasure and consequently getting emancipated from the fire just as his Mercy in the first 10 is key towards earning his pleasure.

We must keep in mind the words of Allah in Surah Nooh, Verse 10 – 12:
Then I said, Ask forgiveness of your Lord, surely He is the Most Forgiving
He will send down upon you the cloud, pouring down abundance of rain
And help you with wealth and sons, and make for you gardens, and make for you rivers.

As-Salaam Alaykum warahmatullah wabarakatuhu.

Mukhtar Oyetunji
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