I would like to wish all Muslims Ramadan Mubarak, although I am few days late but better late than never. Ramadan brings a month of blessings for everyone and it’s a month of consideration and focus.
It also brings its challenges both physically and mentally. I for one do struggle to keep my momentum going for continuing my prayers and in trying to increase my remembrance of Allah the all mighty – but I try to keep my focus and push myself to do that little bit more. Take for example tomorrow – I have a cricket match/game for the club against another team in the same league, as an opening bowler I will need to some how find that extra energy to keep my focus on both my fast, prayers and my physical contribution to the game. Admittedly, this is nothing new as usually in the past during fast I have kept up my physical exercise (spending around 45 minutes in the gym couple of hours before the fast ends).
For me this brings extra reward knowing that I have managed to make full and good use of my time, as opposed to some people who practically spend hours in front of the TV waiting for the fast to end when that time can be spent reading the Qur’an (holy book) or reading extra nafal (voluntary prayer) for the reward during this holy month is far greater.
I would like to know what challenges you face during this month. And for me it will be good to know some of your experiences during this valuable month?
Moving on to a more important topic which really affects us all, that is the devastation caused by flooding in Pakistan. Most of us will already be aware of how badly Pakistan has suffered and continues to do so. I came across a great article over at Abubaker Jamil’s blog ‘21 faces of the Pakistan flood’, where he provide excellent information and awareness of the devastation caused in Pakistan, with regular updates. Further more, he writes ‘How to ensure your help actually reaches the Pakistan flood victims’. I suggest you take some time out and read the articles.
This holy month is also a time for us to help the needy, to go that extra mile in providing charity for the good deeds earned during this month are far greater than any other. The nations like Pakistan, Palestine, Iraq, Afghanistan and the needy around the world need our help, and we should think how best we can help them.
It will be good to know how you have tried helping the needy around the world; especially during this month – you may have raised awareness by email or actively gone out to collect people’s donations. I would love to hear from you. The information you will leave will be helpful for other seeking ways in helping the needy.
Sufism World 