In the Name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful
A Reflection on Our Relationship with Allah This Ramadan
The mere thought might make you chuckle. Of course not – you'd likely visit your tailor for a perfectly fitted suit, choose your finest shoes, and ensure every detail of your appearance speaks of preparation and respect. All this effort for a potential employer who might or might not hire you.
Let us contemplate: While we meticulously prepare to impress mortal employers, how do we present ourselves before Allah swt, the Ultimate Creator, the Sustainer of all worlds, our true Provider?
This Ramadan, as festive bazaars bloom across our cities with their enticing aromas and vibrant displays, we face a choice that goes deeper than selecting between dishes. It's a choice about how we spend these precious, blessed moments granted to us.
"And this worldly life is not but diversion and amusement. And indeed, the home of the Hereafter - that is the [eternal] life, if only they knew."
Quran 29:64 (Surah Al-Ankabut)
Youth is not a Shield against Death
Consider this sobering thought: If your last moments (eg death) were to come during these sacred last ten days of Ramadan – God forbid – would you prefer to be found with a cholesterol packed hamburger in hand at a bustling bazaar, or with the Quran in your grasp, deep in worship? While this may seem like a stark comparison, it serves as a powerful reminder of our priorities and purpose; for every soul will taste death.
"Every soul will taste death, and you will only be given your [full] compensation on the Day of Resurrection. So he who is drawn away from the Fire and admitted to Paradise has attained [his desire]. And what is the life of this world except the enjoyment of delusion."
Quran 3:185 (Surah Al-Imran)
Uncertainty of Time
None of us holds a contract with time. Youth is not a shield against death, nor is good health a guarantee of longevity. Every Ramadan could be our last, every prayer our final conversation with our Creator. This isn't meant to frighten, but to awaken – to stir our consciousness toward what truly matters.
None of us holds a contract with time. Youth is not a shield against death, nor is good health a guarantee of longevity. Every Ramadan could be our last, every prayer our final conversation with our Creator. This isn't meant to frighten, but to awaken – to stir our consciousness toward what truly matters.
The True Spirit of Ramadan
The spirit of Ramadan isn't found in the glittering lights of festive markets, though they have their place. Its true essence lies in the quiet moments of contemplation, in the deep examination of our relationship with Allah swt, in the sincere steps we take toward spiritual elevation.
"O believers! Fasting is prescribed for you—as it was for those before you1—so perhaps you will become mindful ˹of Allah˺."
Quran 2:183 (Surah Al-Baqarah) [1] i.e., the followers of previous prophets.
This holy month offers us an unparalleled opportunity to rise in ranks before our Creator. Through spiritual journeys of worship, through sincere dedication to knowing and serving Allah swt, we can transform our states from heedlessness to mindfulness, from forgetfulness to remembrance.
Striving for Spiritual Excellence
The benefits of dedicating ourselves to spiritual growth during Ramadan are immense. Every moment spent in worship, every verse recited with understanding, every prayer offered with presence, every step you take in spiritual travels – these are steps in striving to achieve closeness to Allah swt, a much deeper, meaningful relationship with our Creator.
"And those who strive for Us - We will surely guide them to Our ways.1 And indeed, Allāh is with the doers of good."
Quran 29:69 (Surah Al-Ankabut) [1] The various ways and means to attain the acceptance and pleasure of Allāh.
As we progress through this blessed month of Ramadan, let us ask ourselves: Are we dressed in the pyjamas of negligence, or have we adorned ourselves with the finest garments of consciousness and devotion?
An Invitation : The Heart’s Journey : Seeing Allah
Join us on this journey of spiritual elevation. Let us strive together in the cause of Allah swt, for in knowing Him lies the ultimate purpose of our existence, and in worshipping Him lies our ultimate success.
We would like to warmly invite you to join us for our Ramadan Spiritual Retreat in Penang, Malaysia next month March 2025.
This will be a wonderful opportunity to strengthen our spiritual connection during this blessed month especially during last 10 days of Ramadan.
You can find the full programme itinerary & sign up here:
*Non Muslims are Highly Encouraged to attend and discover
Insha’Allah, we pray that Allah SWT allows us to reach Ramadan and grant us the ability to embark on this trip for His cause, with the purest intentions to glorify our Lord and share the Light of Islam with others selflessly.
Ameen.
