The beauty and significance of an occasion are closely tied to how it is welcomed, as well as the joy and happiness it brings. For Muslims, one of the most beautiful and meaningful occasions is the arrival of this blessed month of Ramadan.
Allah has honored this Ummah (Muslim community) with this month, making its fasting, qiyam al-layl (night prayers), and striving in good deeds among the greatest doors to Jannah (Paradise) and among the most hopeful means of attaining His pleasure and contentment.
[Brothers and Sisters in Islam] Those who truly understand the value of this great month welcome it with open hearts and give it the respect it deserves.
In this month, they make every effort to do as many good deeds as they can, seizing every opportunity it offers. They stay disciplined, stick to the right path, and follow the example of the best of Allah’s creation, Muhammad ibn Abdullah ﷺ. They follow his example in fasting, performing qiyam al-layl (night prayers), and all other acts of worship, as well as his sincerity in seeking Allah’s pleasure.
[Brothers and Sisters in Islam] This powerful moral impact is one of the most important things to pay attention to and take seriously.
Those who are wise and thoughtful understand the importance of guarding one’s tongue and make it a priority.
Moreover, a person’s tongue can inflict severe damage and harm, and its consequences should be feared.
Misusing our tongues can lead to serious problems, widespread harm, and lasting consequences.
When the tongue is misused, conflicts grow, chaos spreads, and solutions become hard to find. Healing becomes difficult, and sometimes, hope for resolution is completely lost.
Servants of Allah, In this eloquent statement of the Prophet ﷺ, we are reminded to control our desires and avoid responding to harmful speech with the same.
We are encouraged to prevent our tongues from slipping into the pit of ignorance, foolishness, and argumentation, which breed enmity and hatred among people.
[Brothers and Sisters in Islam] The obligation of Fasting (in this month) is a perfect opportunity to train ourselves in resisting temptation and desires, to hold back from harmful speech, and to practice self-control and self-discipline.
A Muslim should carry this spirit throughout the month of Ramadan, encouraging others to do the same with gentleness and kindness.
This practice will serve as a source of strength, not just during Ramadan, but long after. [And, if a person is able to do this], it will be a sign that the true purpose of fasting, which is attaining taqwa (God-consciousness), has been fulfilled, as fasting is one of the greatest means of reaching that goal.
Servants of Allah, Fasting brings out the hidden goodness and qualities of self-improvement in a Muslim. It guides them towards a path where their soul, which constantly urges toward evil, is restrained, helping them avoid bad habits and sinful desires.
As a result, they do not raise their voice in anger, curse, argue, or become hostile even if they are provoked or insulted.
Moreover, patience, strong will, and sacrifice in fulfilling what Allah has made obligatory these are just a few of the good qualities that fasting nurtures.
Additionally, compassion, kindness, and the ability to empathize with others are also developed through fasting.
If a person does not embody these qualities, they will not achieve the true goal of fasting (which is to attain taqwa).
Instead, their fast will be nothing more than a ritual performed merely an outward practice lacking the spiritual impact that helps them improve and become a better Muslim.