Imagine a month of surreal tranquility where you can spend quality time with your family and friends. It is a month in which you can connect with Allah, implore him during the darkest hour of the night, and purify your soul. That is the month of Ramadan. Let us discover the glorious blessings of the “Month of Mercy”.
The First Ashra of Ramadan is of Mercy
The three ashras of Ramadan have special qualities. The first one is the ashra of mercy. During this ashra, Muslims make special supplications to gain Allah’s mercy. Allah’s mercy knows no bounds. During Ramadan, it becomes even more abundant. Therefore, we must engage in supplications, especially during the first ashra to benefit from Allah’s blessings in this world and on the Day of Judgement.
Engagement in Prayer and Worship Brings Allah’s Mercy
One reason Ramadan is the month of mercy is that Muslims pray and worship during this month to gain Allah’s pleasure. The routine in Ramadan is so blissful as it begins with Allah’s name and ends with Allah. Rituals like Taraweeh, Quran reading, Tahajjud prayer, Salat-ul-Tasbeeh, and other voluntary prayers carry immense rewards. When Muslims worship their Creator with dedication and devotion, Allah showers mercy on them. He blesses them with goodness and success. He increases their sustenance and reserves his blessings for the Resurrection Day.
Fasting Builds Mercy
Fasting is an act to purify one’s soul from greed and lust. When one exercises control over hunger, anger, and other temptations he builds self-discipline, perseverance, and humility. Consequently, he acquires the paramount quality of mercy. Mercy is a distinguished trait of Allah. Whoever acquires this trait gains the undeniable favor of Allah. Allah promises in the Quran that those who are merciful towards Allah’s creatures including humans, animals, and the environment, gain Allah’s blessings. This is one of the most emphasized character traits in Islam. Allah sent Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) as a mercy for mankind. He was merciful towards friends and foes equally. Therefore, Ramadan is a golden opportunity for us to acquire this quality and gain success.
Mercy Through Charity in Ramadan
Ramadan is a time when people do extensive charity. Muslims also pay zakat during Ramadan. By helping the poor and needy, people gain the characteristic of mercy. This is extremely important for a progressive society. When Muslims care for each other and the society as a whole, they grow collectively as a nation. If not financially, one should help others physically or through kind words. Such positivity and support strengthen communal relationships and make nations prosperous.
Ramadan-The Month of Mercy and Forgiveness
The first ashra of Ramadan is for mercy, the second is for forgiveness, and the third is for protection from the Fire of Hell. It is Allah’s supreme mercy for us that he opens the doors of forgiveness during the auspicious month. Not only should we seek Allah’s forgiveness, but we should also cleanse our hearts of any malice or grudge against fellow beings. We should seek forgiveness from those whom we have intentionally or unintentionally hurt. Likewise, we should forgive all those who have wronged us. Allah loves those who are forgiving. One of the noblest acts is to mend broken ties and bring people together. He showers his mercy upon those who uphold their family and communal ties.
Seek Allah’s Refuge From Vices
Ramadan is the best time to take a break from the mundane life and reflect on oneself. When engrossed in accomplishing our material goals, sometimes we transgress our limits and do not care about what is right or wrong. Such temptations may lead to success temporarily, but our soul will always invoke us that something is not working. Ramadan is the time to think of all the times we have gone wayward and sincerely repent to Allah. It is the time to pray to Allah for Divine Guidance and refuge from the devil. It is the time to vow that come what may, we are not going to deviate from the Guided Path and will strictly adhere to Allah’s way. This way we can gain eternal bliss and Allah’s mercy during Ramadan.
Finally
Ramadan is like a benevolent guest which brings innumerable blessings and goodness. Therefore, we must treat the month with utmost respect and sanctity. We must avail this month to the best through worship, prayer, and social good. Therefore, welcome the month of mercy with open arms and hearts and gain success in both worlds.
