A
t the beginning of this sacred month, 11 days ago, an analysis was done in this column classifying the 30 days of Ramadan into three segments. The first segment was said to contain the first ten days during which the blessings of Allah come to the faithful Muslims freely and in abundance. Except for meeting that segment with faith and good intention, there is no working for the blessings therein. That segment ended yesterday paving way for the second segment that begins today.
As from today, fasting Muslims, all over the world, will start working for the master key to their final destination (Al-Jannah) through forgiveness. That is the essence of this second segment of the month of Ramadan. During this period, Muslims are expected to intensify worship (Ibadah) by spending their days and nights seeking Allah's forgiveness and by chanting Istighfar. But such forgiveness is neither automatic nor free.
Usually, however, there are conditions attached to it. One of such conditions is that one must admit his misdeeds and repent on them. The second is that he should voluntarily and genuinely seek forgiveness. And the third condition is to resolve never to return to such misdeeds again. To seek Allah's forgiveness during that time, a Muslim should follow the guidance of Prophet Muhammad (SAW) on prayers as the Prophet was reported to have said that "if you want to speak with Allah, make your request on prostration. And if you want Allah to speak with you recite the Qur'an". No one who abides by the above conditions and follows the Prophet's counsel on prayers will ever be disappointed. Allah is both promising and fulfilling. He never reneges on His promise. In Qur’an 2:186 He promises thus: "…when my servants ask you (Prophet Muhammad) about me, tell them that I am very close to them. I answer the prayers of whoever seeks my favour if he prays to me (without any intermediary). So, let them expect my favourable response and trust in me so that they may be rightly guided"
The second ten days period of Ramadan is not just to consolidate on the blessings of the first ten days. It is also to prepare the fasting Muslims for the last ten days when they are expected to be fully liberated from the evil machinations of Satanic forces. For genuinely dedicated Muslims, in this sacred month, the prayer for that liberation is a sine qua non.
Dr.Femi Abbas is a columnist at The Nation and can be reached via: e-mail: femabbas756@ygmail.com Tel: 08115708536 (Text only)
0 Comments