Event Review: Spiritual Realities of Ramadan with Habib Kadhim al-Saqqaf
Who: Habib Kadhim al-Saqqaf, Lecturer at Darul Mustafa, Tarim, Yemen.
When: 8th July 2012, 745PM
Where: SimplyIslam.sg
By: SimplyIslam.sg[/box_dark]
[quote]“Every type of remembrance of Allah – has an effect.”[/quote]
In this lecture, Habib Kadhim addresses the realities of the soul within its physical embodiment – providing an intimate perspective of what lies in our relationship with Allah in preparation to welcome the month of Rahmah – Ramadhan.
He begins by reaffirming that we were all created to attain complete servanthood and perfection. Relating the purpose of our creations to the soul, the soul constantly longs for the place where it was created – and that is to be with Allah.
In this longing, is also an ongoing battle between the soul and the nafs for it was created only for the Command of Allah. Abstaining from giving the soul its rights would imprison it in the body it is in, creating shortcomings between the soul and its physical body in the process of attaining spiritual enlightenment.
Upon explaining this encapsulation of the soul and its physical entities, Habib Kadhim reminds us that we are not puny entitlements if we understand the realities of our creation.
“O men, do not think you are something small for what made you is something that is great.”
Too often we put regard on our incapability and forget to put trust in our realities.
Realizing this incapability, which acknowledges the gruelling battle of our nafs – comes the command to fast in the blessed month of Ramadhan for it can only be moulded through piety and obedience.
The Holy Quran, Surah Al-Baqarah [2:183]
“O ye who believe! Fasting is prescribed to you as it was prescribed to those before you, that ye may (learn) self-restraint,-”
Abstaining from food and drink is only a mere physical interpretation of the command when in reality observing the command of fasting would improve the spiritual heart in us, allowing it to be enlightened by the Noor of Allah.
“Entering the month of Ramadhan, it is as if we are entering a Madrasah that moulds character through the form of ‘Ibaadah.”
We cannot mould our hearts if we fail to guard our senses – of which fasting would help to achieve, especially the guarding of the tongue.
“If one of you is fasting, guard your tongue – do not make others feel bad.”
Giving your soul its rights would make room for attaining real Imaan – of which if a person possesses this he would understand the realities of Allah’s Bestowments ; why is it we are encouraged to break our fast with dates, perform Witr prayers, the search for Laylatul Qadr.
The month of Ramadhan is a form of mercy for the believers.
“The essence of time is Ramadhan.
The essence of Ramadhan is Laylatul Qadr.”
To welcome Ramadhan as the honoured guest it is, Habib Kadhim emphasized the need to:
– Be prepared to enter Ramadhan with happiness – even if we do not feel it we should try our best to feel happy
– Make good intentions and to give Ramadhan its rights through the form of worship – e.g performing Taraweeh
– Look at the great Mercy of Allah for it is Allah who wants you to be close to Him
The ability to recognize and understand the realities beneath what is seen is a gift.
“Guard this gift. Protect and strengthen it. Guard it in an environment of pious acts.”
The profound rummage of these spiritual realities certainly checked some aspects of spirituality which the simplistic human mind would not have thought of.
Understanding and realizing them would insha’Allah allow room for us to fall deeper into this realm of Allah’s Attributes and the realities behind them.
May this Ramadhan prove to be better than our last and the next, and may we be granted the ability to do justice to it through our worship. Ameen.
[divider]Nazeera Mohamed
A flawed servant with a voice to and for trust. Your sister in faith, your friend in deen and your Ummah in congregation.
