Alhamdulillah! We have just witnessed yet another month of Ramadan. May Allaah make it possible for us to witness many more of this glorious month on the surface of the earth (Amin). As a kid, Ramadan was a time when we were encouraged to fast by promises of juicy fruits as well as more food for anyone who fasted at the end of each day. This was what kept us going during the hot and hungry afternoons of Ramadan. So, let’s get back to you! How many fasts did you observe? Rather, how many did you miss, one, two, more than that, or none at all? That would be very good of you! I’m very sure you were always well rewarded for your efforts.
There must have been some cool, succulent and delicious fruits and some of Mummy’s favourite food type to break the fast with. Hey! Don’t get carried away! Just imagine how you would have felt going through the rigours of the days fast and being taller at the end of the day that there was nothing for Iftaar, not even a single orange! I’m very sure it would have been very painful and discouraging. What if you were also told that there might be no food for Suhur and the next Iftaar and on like that except you got help from others? Then, the biggest bombshell: Ramadan is compulsory. You must fast with or without the goodies! Did you just say Audhubillah or that it could never happen to you? Believe it or not, that was the condition of so many Muslims around you during Ramadan. So many children like you had to fast on almost empty stomachs. You are in no way better than them and there is no assurance that such cannot happen to you.
There are so many Muslim children like you suffering before, during and after Ramadan. They survive each day by Allaah mercy and whatever they can get from others. Some do not beg but things are really not easy for them. What makes us special that we have all we want during and after Ramadan?
NOTHING! We are who we are and have all we have purely by the Rahmah (Mercy) of Allaah. He could change our situations at any time even though we do not pray for such. This is why we should be more grateful to Allaah. Don’t forget that Ramadan is itself a favour of Allaah on us and an opportunity to seek forgiveness from Him, as well as increase our good deeds. It is a month in which the doors of AI-Jannah (Heaven) are thrown open and those of Jahanam are (Hell) shut. Be very kind to others especially the needy at all times and do not forget your "Alhamdulillah" at all times. Or don’t you think Allaah has been very kind to you?
"Which of the favours of your LORD will you deny?"Soorah Ar- Rahman (055)
This article was culled from the publications of Deen Communication Limited