A Booster for the Last Third of Ramadan
As mere mortals who start something with so much fervour only to lose it after a week or two, this is an attempt to re-ignite the fervour you had at the start of Ramadan. This is especially important since the CLIMAX of Ramadan is truly in the last 10 nights where we iktikaf (hang out at the mosque) and anxiously seek for the Night that’s better than a thousand months – Laylatul Qadr!
- Wherever we are in our recitation of our Qur’an, do not stop. Don’t get discouraged if you’re only at Juz 7 and think that you won’t be able to complete it anyway so why try. Remind yourself of your intention of reading. Is it only to complete the whole Qur’an and please yourself? Or to please Allah?
Remember, our Prophet Muhammad SAW said,
[quote]“Whoever reads a letter from the Book of Allaah, he will have a reward, and this reward will be multiplied by ten. I am not saying that ‘Alif, Laam, Meem’is a letter, rather I am saying that ‘Alif’ is a letter, ‘Laam’ is a letter and ‘Meem’ is a letter.” [At-Tirmithi][/quote]Our relationship with the Qur’an should also insyaAllah strengthen throughout the year for indeed it will be to your benefit not only in this life but in the next.
“Recite the Qur’an, for on the Day of Resurrection, it shall come as an intercessor for its companion.” [Muslim]
- Instead of giving in to our fatigue or getting occupied with Eid preparations, all the more we should increase our worship and try as much as possible to perform tahajjud, to give charity, to pray the obligatory prayers in congregation.
It has been reported that, “Once the last ten [days of Ramadan] started, the Messenger of Allah (blessings and peace be upon him, his family, and companions) used to spend the nights in worship, wake his family, strive, and tighten his belt.” [Bukhari and Muslim] Tighten his belt refers to determination.
- We should also try to not delay paying our zakat. Zakat ul-Fitr should be paid well in advance of Eid al-Fitr since the money has to be distributed to those in need before that day comes.
This is very important for until the zakat ul-Fitr is given, one’s Ramadan fast and all those of his family, will be suspended between heavens and earth.
May Allah grant us good health & strength & increase us in our yearning to do more good and more worship. May He allow us to meet Laylatul Qadr.
