Reaping the Bounties of Ramadan

Today is the 18th of April, which is also the 17th day of Ramadan. We are halfway through the blessed month of Ramadan. In a few days, the last 10 days will approach and these days are the most important so, we should try to grasp the most benefits from them.

Now, why are the last 10 days of Ramadan so important? Well, in the last 10 days comes the night of Laylatul Qadr. Laylatul Qadr is the night in which the Holy Quran was revealed to our Prophet Muhammad(PBUH). It is also said the good deeds done during Laylatul Qadr are equivalent to 1000 months of continuous prayers. That is more than 83 years worth from just ONE night. 

Next, we must know how we can get the most from Laylatul Qadr and the rest of Ramadan. There are a few things we can do. First, offer all the five daily prayers and recite four pages of the Quran before or after each prayer. Next, try to pray to Taraweeh and Witr. Then, try to help parents in the kitchen, it is Sunnah and can help us bond with them. Lastly, try to wake up for Suhoor and pray Tahajjud. It is also important to be ready to break the fast during Iftar.

There are several things we should avoid throughout Ramadan. Do not sleep the entire day in order to shorten it; Ramadan is a time for us to get closer to Allah. Furthermore, a common misconception in our culture is that Ramadan is a month of eating. No, the prophet Muhammad (PBUH) broke his fast during Ramadan with dates and water, not the entire menu from a restaurant. So, try to restrict yourself from overeating. Cooking a large quantity of food would certainly result in waste, as stated in Surah Al-A'raf ayat 31: "O Children of Adam! Take your adornment (by wearing your clean clothes), while praying and going round (the Tawaf of) the Ka’bah, and eat and drink but waste not by extravagance, certainly He (Allah) likes not Al-Musrifun (those who waste by extravagance).” 

Insha Allah all of us will be able to reap the benefits of Ramadan and go to Jannah. I hope that this article gave everyone some insight into the importance of Ramadan. Always remember Deen over Dunya.
 
Written by,
Umar Izaan Ahmed,
President of Islamic Forum.