When you want to attend an event that requires particular etiquettes, you get prepared beforehand to represent yourself better and make the most of it. It is the same for entering the holy month of Ramadan during which the gates of heaven are said to be wide open, and the divine blessings are more than any other time [1]. Let’s see how we can get prepared to make the most of Ramadan.
According to the Islamic teachings and the lifestyle of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH&HP), spiritual preparation is crucial for having a fruitful Ramadan. In other words, the more one engages in spiritual and religious practices, such as prayer, reciting the Quran, etc. the more he/she will be able to benefit the unique chance of Ramadan. The practices below are helpful in this regard:
The two months leading to Ramadan are said to be the chances to get prepared for this great month of mercy and blessing for Muslims. Prophet Muhammad (PBUH&HP) used to fast most days of the month of Shaban [2] and recommended his followers to observe their religious duties more than ever. This way, one can benefit more from the spirit of Ramadan.
To make the most of Ramadan, one should purify the soul beforehand. Abstaining from sins is a step towards this [3]. The two months before Ramadan, Rajab and Shaban, are excellent opportunities to refrain from every form of evil and prepare the soul for receiving the blessings of the Ramadan. Therefore, it is also advised to repent and to compensate for what we had done before [3].
One of the incidents that give importance to the month of Ramadan is the revelation of the Holy Quran on the nights of Qadr. Therefore, it is highly recommended to recite the Quran carefully and more than ever during the month of Ramadan. To have a better command of this holy book and also benefit from its many spiritual benefits, one can recite the Quran before the coming of Ramadan and contemplate on its teachings. This way, you will feel more prepared to recite more pages of the Quran during Ramadan.
Respecting the rights of others is advised repeatedly in Islamic teachings such that the supplication (Dua) of the one who is in debt to others, won’t be accepted [4]. It means that without having paid the rights of others, all the prayers and the fasting during Ramadan will worth nothing. So, an important thing to do before Ramadan is to seek forgiveness from others.
Fasting before Ramadan (in Shaban) is an excellent way to adopt the eating habits of Ramadan. There are also spiritual benefits in fasting during Shaban, and it is highly recommended in Islamic teachings.
To get physically prepared for fasting during Ramadan, one can modify his\her eating habits as follows:
If you are coffee addicted, you might get a headache when being deprived of it for 15 hours, for example. It is good to start reducing the caffeine before Ramadan. It is a good practice to prevent any pain when you fast, and it is good for your health, too.
During Ramadan, especially in long days, you might not be able to eat like normal. Eat less before Ramadan to get used to it.
Doing so, you train your stomach for eating early in the morning before dawn.
Doing exercises and sports take a lot of energy and make you thirsty, which can be tough during Ramadan. It is better to start doing your workouts in the evening rather than in the morning to get the new rhythm for Ramadan.
During Ramadan, you drink less, which might increase the risk of kidney disease. So, drink more water and healthy drinks before Ramadan.
Constipation is a common problem when you fast during Ramadan. To prevent, eat more fresh fruits and vegetables high in fiber and keep this rhythm during Ramadan because it helps improve the digestion process.
All in all, Ramadan is a chance for every Muslim to evaluate his/her life and find the strength to change him/herself for the better. But without Allah’s help and guidance, we cannot even take a step. Therefore, before anything, we should direct our attention toward our Creator and ask Him to give us the ability and opportunity to make the most of the month of Ramadan.
References:
- Bihar al-Anwar, vol. 93, p. 340.
- Muhammad al-Bukhari, "Sahih al-Bukhari", I. 1969.
- Ibn Babawayh, "Uyun Akhbar al-Ridha", vol. 2, p. 51.
- M. Milani, “Hikam wa Mawaedh Alanbiae”, vol. 1, p. 235.
Making pilgrimage to Karbala, where Imam Hussain (AS) and his loyal companions were bravely martyred, takes one of the highest places in a Shia’s wish list. All around the year, Karbala hosts the pilgrims who want to visit the holy shrine of Imam Hussain (AS). But the pilgrimage in Arbaeen is different.
“Arbaeen” takes place forty days later than “Ashura”. “Arbaeen pilgrimage” is actually one of the largest annual public gathering in the whole world. Millions of Shias and Sunnis or even many Christians, Yazidis and other faiths with various nationalities participate in this grand religious ceremony and gather from all around the world in the city of Karbala. A remarkable number of them takes this trip on foot and walks from Najaf to Karbala (approximately 80 kilometers).
Many Muslims try so hard to make it to Karbala on Arbaeen and many Iraqis do their best to serve the pilgrims. During these days, copious amount of food, water, as well as small medical facilities which is run by GPs and specialists, and tents for resting are available along the route and in the cities where the pilgrims stay and visit. These services are all provided free by the native people.
Considering this large number of pilgrims and the great amount of money and time that is spent for this pilgrimage, this question may pop into many minds: What is it for?
Many goals and reasons can be mentioned for why we _Shias_ take this trip and go to the Karbala. In this text, we mention one of these reasons which is of great importance.
Among the many goals of the “Arbaeen walk” ceremony, introducing Imam Hussain (AS) to the whole world seems to be the most significant one. The public gathering of Arbaeen gives us a precious opportunity to make people get to know Imam Hussain’s personality (AS) and understand his message. This unprecedented and unique event that happens only once a year can be so attractive for people around the world who yearn for finding the truth.
Arbaeen ceremony is a unique event in which people and society go through a huge change, which isn’t seen in any other part of the world. Millions of people gathering in three or four Iraqi cities in about twelve days just for visiting the holy shrines can be a disaster to any other similar countries, but Iraqi people host this ceremony without any difficulties. In these days unlike other times, money loses its meaning. For maintaining peace and discipline, people themselves are enough and there’s not much need for police forces. People won’t be hungry, homeless or harmed by any person. In these days, people are even braver compared to other days, because they dare to face many problems and dangers that are otherwise intolerable. Even when the ISIS was in Iraq threatening the pilgrims, millions of people participated in this ceremony (1).
In this regard Imam Sadiq (AS) says:
O God! Our enemies frowned on their journey and threatened them, but it didn’t stop our followers from getting up and departing towards us in spite of the enemy’s opinion (2).
When people around the world observe this great exhibition, they understand the truth about Islam and Shi’ism which the terrorists like ISIS tried to taint.
Furthermore, Arbaeen walk offers the whole humanity a glimpse at Islam’s suggested life style and civilized society: A society with no war, no poverty, hunger, and no discrimination.
As said before, introducing Imam Hussain (AS) is the most significant objective of this grand ceremony. The importance of this purpose lies in the fact that introducing Imam Hussain (AS) and his message is actually introducing our only awaited Imam, Imam Mahdi (As) to the whole humanity. By telling people who is Imam Hussain (AS), we are actually making people familiar with the Shia Imams and the massage of this faith. Shias believe their Imams are all like each other and they seek one goal, which is spreading the peaceful message of Islam to the whole world. This is actually the essential message of Islam, too. The Holy Quran says:
It is He who has sent His Messenger with guidance and the true religion, that He may make it prevail over all religions, and Allah suffices as witness (48:28)
Certainly We sent Our messengers with manifest proofs, and We sent down with them the Book and the Balance, so that mankind may maintain justice (57:25)
Imam Mahdi (AS) is the last Imam who is destined to carry out this mission and we, as his followers, are obliged to raise awareness about His mission and himself. When people understand the message of Imam Hussain (AS) they actually understand Imam Mahdi’s message (AS) since there is no difference between them. The Holy Prophet (PBUH & HP) says:
Allah almighty created me and my Household [the twelve Imams] from one same light (3)Imam Sadiq (AS) also says:
There is always a justful successor among us who defend the religion against the falsification of the extremists, plagiarism of the disbelievers and the wrong understanding of the fools. (4)
According to the prophecies about the last Imam (AS) when he arrives and introduces himself to the people, all the world hears his voice in their language at the same time. Then, Imam Mahdi (AS) introduces himself as the descendant of Imam Hussain (AS):
O people of the world! Indeed my grand ancestor Hussain (AS) was killed while he was thirsty, O people of the world! Indeed he was left on the earth with no cloth, O people of the world! Indeed he was beaten so hard out of animosity (5)
Clearly, when people hear this voice, must know who is Hussain (AS); so, it’s our duty to make them familiar with him.
Resources
- this ceremony
- Thavab al-A’mal, Sheikh Saduq, Pg.94
- Avalim al-Olum, al-Bahrani, Vol.15, Pg.155
- Kafi, Koleini, Vol.1, Pg.32
- Ilzam an-Nasib, Al-Yazdi al-Haeri, Vol.2, Pg.233
No matter if you were born a Muslim or you’ve just converted to Islam; understanding the Quran may be hard for you, because the Holy Quran, unlike any other books, is not classified in chronological or in subject order. You can see that in many cases Quranic stories are repeated in different chapters with slight differences. And when you start reading one chapter, you realize that the topic changes from one point to another. You may think that there are many sudden transitions in the Quran that make understanding it much harder for you, especially if you don’t know Arabic language and you use a translation.
There are also some verses that have been revealed in specific contexts, and you may never understand the meaning or the wisdom behind that verse if you don’t know about the context. As well as translating the Quran into your language, using a dictionary, may not help you understand the whole concept of a verse or a chapter.
Here we are going to share some tips that you may find them useful in the way of understanding the holy Quran and therefore learning more from it.
At the beginning of the Holy Quran, Allah mentions that this book about whose truth is no doubt will be a guide for pious people. [1] Those “who believe in the Unseen, maintain the prayer, and spend out of what We have provided for them; and who believe in what has been sent down to you and what was sent down before you, and are certain of the Hereafter. And who believe in what has been sent down to you and what was sent down before you, and are certain of the Hereafter.” (2: 2-4)
Here, God is enumerating the characteristics of those for whom the Quran will be guidance. It means that if a person does not have the above characteristics, he should not expect to be guided by the Quran. Therefore, one of the steps of understanding the Quran is to discover and obey its basic rules and regulations.
“Indeed this Quran guides to what is most upright, and gives the good news to the faithful who do righteous deeds that there is a great reward for them.” (17: 9)
Before finding solutions on how to understand the Quran, we need to find out the probable reasons for which the Quran is a hard book for us. As mentioned in the Quran, Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) complains to Allah “O my Lord! Indeed my people consigned this Quran to oblivion.” (25: 30)
Hence, if one does not read at least a few verses of the Quran every day, he should not expect to comprehend its messages. However, for those who recite the Quran and are eager to grasp its insights, there are some instructions given by Allah.
“When the Quran is recited, listen to it and be silent, so you may receive [Allah’s] mercy.” (7: 204)
When you go to a classroom, and the teacher is describing something, you need to respect and adhere to the rules of the classroom. It is much more important to be polite and pious while we are being spoken to and taught by God. And as mentioned in the above verse, if we abide by the rules and be respectful, the real teacher of this world will start to teach us. Allah (SWT) promises in the Quran “Be wary of Allah and Allah will teach you, and Allah has knowledge of all things.” (2: 282) Allah enjoins his most faithful servants to ask Allah for knowledge. [2]
It is based on the same reason that Allah gives his pious servants knowledge and wisdom. “When he came of age, We gave him judgment and [sacred] knowledge, and thus do We reward the virtuous.” (12:22).
As you see in this verse, the requirement of gaining knowledge and wisdom from God is to be virtuous. Real knowledge and wisdom is not something that you can learn in any university or school or workshop. Wisdom is something given by God to His chosen people. And as mentioned at the beginning of this article, the chosen people who take the best benefits from the Quran are those who are pious, believe in the unseen, pray and give charity, and believe in all holy books. [3]
“…So recite as much of the Quran as is feasible...” (73: 20)
More important than listening to the Quran, is reciting it. In the above verse, God recommends us twice in one verse to recite the Quran as much as possible. This shows that even if we do not understand the real meanings behind the verses, the miraculous characteristics of the Quran will influence us. One of these characteristics as mentioned in the Quran is that when a person recites the Quran God will “draw a hidden curtain between you and those who do not believe in the Hereafter…” (17: 45- 46)
“Do they not contemplate the Quran?” (4:82)
Some people are very much concerned about reading a considerable number of verses every day. It is not condemnable as God Himself recommends us to do so. But let’s keep in mind that quality is sometimes more important than quantity.
Since the Quran was revealed to Prophet Muhammad (PBUH&HP) gradually, some faithless people were complaining why the Quran is not revealed to him at once. Allah (SWT) replied the reason: “So it was, that We may strengthen your heart with it, and We have recited it [to you] in a measured tone.” (25: 32)
Therefore, if we want to understand the Quran comprehensively, we should recite it gently, so that we can contemplate its verses.
“… Ask the People of the Reminder if you do not know.” (21: 7)
God tells us to refer to people of wisdom and knowledge and ask them our questions if we cannot reach the answers by ourselves. With regards to Quranic questions, reading or listening to different interpretations of the Quran can be a great help. Different Quran interpreters have discovered different points about the meanings of Quranic verses.
The knowledge in interpretation of the Quran is limitless, and each commentator can find out some points about a verse, and there are still many points that have not been known. And it is one of the miraculous aspects of the Quran; that every individual may understand its points based on his/her conditions of time and place. That is why in Quranic interpretations there is always space for growth in understanding the meanings. Hence, do not stick to one interpretation and try to read and listen to different commentaries. Then you can compare them to each other, and at some points, with the help of Allah, you might find some new points about specific verses.
“We did not send any apostle except with the language of his people so that he might make [Our messages] clear to them.” (14:4)
This verse shows that there should be many different reasons for which the Quran was revealed in the Arabic language; the most important reason is that Prophet Muhammad (PBUH&HP) was sent in a specific place and time and to people of a specific language. Perhaps it’s better for you to get familiar with Quranic Arabic which is not as hard as you think. Many of the words used in the Quran are repeated many times. This way you can start to memorize Quranic words that are most common, and gradually increase your knowledge of Quranic Arabic.
There is no problem in reading the translation of the Quran, as well as it is not a required condition for being a Muslim. But believe it or not, the joy of understanding the Quran in its real language is so different from reading the translation. It is like watching movies, with subtitles. We may understand the main points, but the real feeling is not conveyed to us.
In this article, we tried not to use any other sources other than the Quran itself to guide us in the way of understanding it.
"We send down in the Quran that which is a cure and mercy for the faithful, and it increases the wrongdoers only in loss.” (17: 82)
Therefore, as you try and read and obey the orders of Allah as mentioned above, make sure that He will reward your eagerness in understanding it by teaching it to you in a miraculous way.
References:
- The Quran (2:1)
- The Quran (20: 114)
- The Quran (2:1)