Celebrating Ramadan 2024- The Month of Hope
By: IkkzI kbal
As the blessed month of Ramadan has already arrived, hearts are filled with gratitude for the divine gift of this sacred time-Alhumdulillah. A time when the heavens open, and the souls are invited to embark on a profound journey of reconnection with Allah SWT through the guiding light of the Qur’an. This month, characterized by mercy, forgiveness, and self-reflection, serves as a beacon of hope for those seeking to mend their spiritual ties.
The genesis of our story unfolds in the Jannah, where Adam (AS) and Hawwa(AS) basked in the proximity of Allah SWT. Their initial residence in Paradise was indeed a gift from Allah SWT, allowing direct communication with the Creator. The unfortunate incident, influenced by the whispers of Shaytan, led to a lapse in judgment.
Contrary to the common Christian perception of their descent to Earth as a punishment, the Qur’an illuminates a different perspective. Allah SWT describes life on Earth as a purposeful journey, an opportunity to appreciate and reflect upon the beauty of His creation. It serves as a profound test, a means for personal growth, and a path to attain closeness to Allah through faith and righteous deeds.
Adam (AS), once intimately close to Allah SWT, found himself seemingly distanced upon his descent. A perception of humiliation emerged as he shared Earth with Shaytan and his lineage. Yet, in that very moment of departure, Allah SWT, in His infinite mercy, offered a lifeline—a promise of guidance for Adam a.s and his descendants. A promise echoed through the ages until it reached its pinnacle with the revelation of the Qur’an.
We said, “Go down from it, all of you. And when guidance comes to you from Me, whoever follows My guidance – there will be no fear concerning them, nor will they grieve. (Translation, AlQura’n, 02:38 )
The continuity of divine guidance is indeed a testament to Allah’s promise to guide humanity. The succession of Prophets and revealed Books culminated in the final and comprehensive guidance provided through the Qur’an, delivered by the last Messenger, Prophet Muhammad (Peace and blessings be upon him).
The metaphorical portrayal of the Qur’an as the extended rope of Allah, reaching from the heavens to the earth, accentuates its pivotal role in connecting mankind to their Creator.
Prophet Muhammad SAW beautifully described the Qur’an as “the extended rope of Allah from the sky to the earth.”
It is an unbreakable, unyielding lifeline, ensuring a connection to Allah for those willing to grasp it. The Qur’an, Allah’s eternal promise, stands unique among the scriptures, preserved from distortion or forgetfulness, guiding humanity until the end of time۔
And that promise given to Adam a.s reaches its climax when Allah swt mentions in Qur’an:
“The Month of Ramadhan is the one, in which Qur’an was sent down, the guidance for the people and clear proofs of guidance and criterion.” ( Translation, AlQura’n, 02:185 )
This month is a celebration of the fulfillment of divine commitment, an invitation for humanity to draw near to Allah and reclaim the closeness that may have waned over time.
Ramadan, more than a month of fasting, is an unparalleled opportunity for reconnection. It symbolizes the chance to rekindle the flame of faith that may have flickered in the face of life’s challenges. Like our forefather Adam a.s, who slipped but was given the promise of redemption, Ramadan beckons us to return to Allah.
In the sacredness of this month, Iblis, the deceiver who led Adam a.s astray, is shackled, ensuring that distractions are minimized. It is a divine gift, a testament to Allah’s understanding of our struggles and a demonstration of His unwavering support for our spiritual endeavors.
Central to Ramadan is the art of dua, a direct communication with Allah. The Qur’an reassures us:
And when My servants ask you, [O Muhammad], concerning Me – indeed I am near. I respond to the invocation of the supplicant when he calls upon Me. So let them respond to Me [by obedience] and believe in Me that they may be [rightly] guided. ( AlQura’n, 2:186)
This verse is a divine invitation to connect with Allah during the sacred month of Ramadan. Allah SWT, in His infinite mercy, declares His nearness and readiness to respond to the supplications of His servants. This beautiful ayah encapsulates a profound truth—making dua requires no specific qualifications other than the sincere willingness to communicate with Allah.
As the month of Ramadan unfolded, believers are urged to engage in abundant dua, irrespective of language barriers. Allah, the All-Knowing, comprehends all languages and is even attuned to the unspoken thoughts of our hearts and minds. Directly reconnecting with Allah, beyond formalities, is the essence of this spiritual journey.
Yet, the reciprocity of this divine relationship is highlighted. While Allah encourages us to reach out to Him, He sets a criterion for our response—listening to His words in the Qur’an and aligning our actions accordingly. The Qur’an becomes the conduit through which Allah communicates His guidance, and dua serves as our means of expressing our thoughts, hopes, and gratitude.
In the hustle and bustle of Ramadan, where schedules may pose challenges for extended acts of worship, the emphasis is not solely on fasting but on actively reconnecting and engaging in conversations with Allah. The promise is profound — a beautiful Ramadan awaits those who earnestly engage in this spiritual dialogue, fostering a connection that transcends rituals and resonates throughout the month.
As the days of fasting and nights of prayer unfold, let us hold firmly to this divine lifeline, embracing the beauty of the Qur’an’s teachings. In doing so, we navigate the intricate tapestry of life, appreciating its purpose and finding hope even in the midst of challenges. May our Ramadan journey be a reflection of our commitment to reconnect, a celebration of the divine promise fulfilled, and a testament to the enduring bond between the heavens and the earth, Inshallah.
The writer is Administrator in Maryam Memorial Institute PandithporaQaziabad. E Mail: [email protected]
