Race to Ramadhan

Sheikh Yahya Ibrahim started the Youth Muslim Project by introducing Ramadhan as a month that people envy Muslims for. When else will you get 1.7 billion people unite to abstain themselves from the temptations of life, be it food, cigarettes, sex or even gossip? There is no such unity in the world that is stronger than the spirit of Ramadhan.

And what is the point of it all? For me, I think it’s to remind ourselves. Like Sheikh said just now, nothing trains our hearts better than deprivation. When we’re in an airconditioned room, we don’t realise how hot it is outside. When we’re rubbing our tummies at a buffet, we don’t realise how hungry some people outside are. Feeling the pain of others helps us remember, helps us become better people more willing to help others in need.

But then, the Sheikh said something that touched me.

 “From the last Ramadhan, 365 days has passed. Have we changed? Are we still doing the same habits? Are we still doing what we did a year ago? Are we still talking the same slang? Are we still wearing the same clothes?”

But I get what he meant –> Have we improved aspects of ourselves to become better people, better Muslims in particular?

Ramadhan is supposed to instill some awareness in us, a chance for our sins to be forgiven and kind of reborn ourselves to a clean slate. Have we all taken that opportunity? I know I haven’t. I’m still the same me a year ago or maybe worst. Sheikh said that if after Ramadhan we don’t feel clean, new, improved and loving Allah more, we should be wary. It’s probably because we didn’t embrace Ramadhan for the goodness that it is.

He gave us simple links. Just 3:

1) Quran – The more time you spend with it, the more Allah will love you. Our life guide is in there.

2) Solat – The wajib is one story, but the Tarawikh is what’s special about Ramadhan. Once a year opportunity, he told us to grab it. There was a story of our Prophet Nabi Muhammad s.a.w. praying in the mosque at night until his feet shook. One person asked him, “Don’t you think Allah already loves you and will protect you from hellfire?” And our Prophet said, “So then shouldn’t I be a thankful servant?”

3) Sedekah – Be generous to people with the sincerest of heart.

Foooh, can’t believe I’m meeting u again Ramadhan. This Ramadhan I want it to be different than the previous ones. Hope we can feel a difference and change for the better, InsyaAllah. We are not kids anymore, it’s time to mature and make decisions you’d be proud of.

Credits: V