Zochara Peters, 49, is currently a student at Madina Institute studying the one year Usul al Din course. She is married and has a 14 year old daughter. She enjoys baking, cooking and hiking in her free time. She loves to help people, and is an active member of a community soup kitchen.
Preparation for Ramadan
Ramadan is a once a year occurrence on the Islamic calendar. It is reported on the authority of Umar (Radiallahu ta’ala an) when the Prophet (Sallalahu Alayhi Wa Alihi Wa Salaam) was asked about Islam, he clearly indicated that “to fast in the month of Ramadan” is one of its principles. In chapter 2 verse 185 in the holy Quran it states* “Ramadan is the month in which the Quran was revealed to man and clear proof of the guidance and criterion. So when you witness the month, let him fast it…..”.
There are numerous verses in the holy Quran and many sayings of the Prophet (Sallalahu Alayhi Wa Alihi Wa Salaam) that refers to Ramadan. This is a clear indication of the importance of this month. When we want to know if something is important then we ask questions. One particular question comes to mind, “how do I prepare for Ramadan?”.
There are many things that a person can work on in order to prepare for Ramadan. I believe that Fasting is not only the abstaining from food, drinking and sex from sunrise to sunset – but rather it’s much more. Let us look at a few examples. My sentiments is that we need to fast with our eyes, meaning we don’t look at Haraam. Also with our mouths, we don’t indulge in vain talk. We fast with our ears, we don’t listen to gossip. Fasting must also be done with our hands, do not take what’s not yours, similarly, the feet must be used to go to good places and not to Haraam places that keep one away from the remembrance of our Creator. In fact, we must fast with our whole being, body and soul
I think the inclination to do good is definitely on the cards. So the question would be “what good” do I do? The Revelation of Quran is synonymous with the month of Ramadan. The only difference is that Ramadan is one month of the year but the holy Quran is for every moment of our lives. So there is the answer. My preparation for Ramadan should revolve around the study of the holy Quran. Not only in Ramadan but the whole year through.
The holy Quran is in a book form but it is the speech of our Creator. This book was not send to be read or recited only but more for us to read, reflect on the verses, to study the meanings to get an understanding in order for us to implement the laws of Allah ta’ala in our daily lives.
Ramadan Mubarak.
By Zochara Peters
*The Qur’an is Arabic, and the English translation is a possible meaning