Source: gulf-times.com

The best thing about the month of Ramadan is that it is a time of purification. It is a time of abstinence from our everyday luxuries. But it is not only food and drink that we are referring to. As Ramadan is here many of us will resolve to do away with music and television and the stronger of us may even give up the Internet except for what is seriously essential.

Free from these daily distractions we have a hope of focusing our attention on the only thing that matters: becoming mindful of the Almighty and drawing closer to Him. We will watch our language and carefully guard our speech to avoid backbiting or lying. We frequent the masjid and those of us who would otherwise miss prayer become more heedful.

Our Prophet Muhammad, sallallaahu ‘alaihi wa sallam, told that when Ramadan comes the gates of Paradise are opened and the devils are chained. We are told to fast for the sole purpose of gaining Taqwa (consciousness of Allah). Allah says in the Qur’an (what means): “O you who believe, fasting has been prescribed upon you as it has been prescribed upon those before you, so that you may attain Taqwa.” [Qur’an, 2:183] Ramadan is the month when our sins are forgiven, our prayers answered, our good deeds multiplied. One would be a fool not to take advantage of it.

But we’d like to present ourselves and our fellow young Muslims with a challenge this Ramadan. Rather, we should say, after this Ramadan.

Let us ask a few questions that we are sure have phased all of us after the conclusion of this month. Is our journey towards Taqwa exclusive to… continue reading at gulf-times.com