All Praises are to Allah, the Lord of Men, Jinn and all that exists.
One of the meanings we shall talk about in this hint is: The Sign Proving One’s Getting Prepared.
In the two authentic Books; Bukhari and Muslim: The Two Imams mentioned the story of the Battle of Tabuk. They said: Prophet Muhammad, peace be upon him, initiated this battle when fruits ripened on trees and when hot weather was over. For this, Allah, the All-Mighty, did not excuse anyone from sharing in that battle. Allah called all the believers with no exception to share in.
Allah, the All- Mighty says in His Holy Book:
“‘March forth (in the battle), whether you are light (being healthy, young and wealthy) or heavy (being ill, old and poor), and strive hard with your wealth and your lives in the Cause of Allah. Surat Al Tawba verse no: 41
Allah, the All- Mighty also says: “And strive hard with your wealth and your lives in the Cause of Allah. This is better for you, if you but knew. Surat Al Tawba verse no: 41
Then Allah mentioned the hypocrites and the like who wanted to get an excuse not to share in the battle. These people’s emotions were cold as ice. They stayed back and did not share in the battle in which Allah, the Allah- Mighty, urged all people to share in. In this context Allah, the All-Mighty, mentioned the excuses these hypocrites showed. In the following verse:
'Those who believe in Allah and the Last Day would not ask to leave behind as to to be exempted from fighting with their properties and their lives; and Allah is All-Knower of the pious. Verse No: 44
Allah also says: “‘It is only those who believe not in Allah and the Last Day and whose hearts are in doubt that ask you to let them leave behind (to be exempted from Jihad). So, in their doubts they waver. Verse No: 45
Then Allah, replied to uncover their fake arguments and idle excuses by pointing out that originally they had no earnest will or sincere preparation to fight and share in the battle with the Messenger of Allah, peace be upon him. In this context Allah, the All-Mighty, says:
'And if they had intended to march out, certainly, they would have made some preparation for it; but Allah was averse to their being sent forth, so He made them lag behind, and it was said (to them), “Sit you among those who sit (at home).” By this verse Allah revealed the depth of their intentions. They did not make any preparations which were a crystal-clear proof that their hearts had no intention or will to fight. They never had such an intention.
This verse (And if they had intended to march out) Verse no: 46, is not related only to fighting in the Cause of Allah only but it has a general meaning as well.Therefore, Muslim Behavior Scholars always quoted this verse when they talked about many types of worship, knowledge and work. For example: In his book “The Key to Happiness”, Imam Inb Al Qaim mentioned that knowledge helps you reach the Way of Allah. Then he quoted the same verse: And if they had intended to march out. The Imam went further to say and once a man wants something, he starts to prepare for it. So, this is the meaning as deducted from this verse (And if they had intended to march out)
As we are on the door steps of the month of Ramadan, we should check ourselves to verify that:
- Are our hearts being full of strong will to fast?
- Are our hearts being full of strong will to fast while we are fearing Allah?
- Are our hearts being full of the strong will and earnest wish to pray at night and invest the days of Ramadan through the recitation of the Holy Quran?
- Have we deeply contemplated this verse: (And if they had intended to march out)
This verse should have a manifest impact on us.
One example of that impact: Once a man is serious to invest in the hours of Ramadan, you shall find him paying much attention before Ramadan starts to get rid as much as possible of all distractions so that he should be completely devoted to worship in Ramadan.
On the contrary, the not concerned person is physically busy before Ramadan. He seizes any chance to prepare for games or to watch TV programs or series in Ramadan! There is a huge comparison between the two cases.
In short, once a man wants to do something, he prepares everything to take the corresponding actions. It is not good for us to receive this Holy Month while our hearts are heedless or careless. These hearts must be filled with great passion for Ramadan. That is really an evidence proving our earnest will to worship Allah, the All-Mighty in this Holy Month.
As many of us are confined at homes now and do not go out but only for necessities as a result of Coronavirus Pandemic which afflicted us, why should not us seize this chance to think deeply and seriously how to invest in the days of Ramadan and to get prepared for it perfectly well? We should seize the chance to supplicate too much to Allah, come back to Him as our Only Shelter. May Allah make us succeed in this regard.
We might have been deprived of meeting each other at mosques to pray together the five daily prayers and the night prayers but Allah always open His Gate for His Servants at any time and at anywhere. The best prayers are the ones performed at homes but for the obligatory prayers (like the five daily prayers and Jumaa prayer) which must be done congregationally at mosques.
It is well-deducted from Prophet Muhammad’s sayings that the more your worship is performed in private and in secret, the happier you are, the more you feel internal peace of mind and heart and the more you feel stability in your life.
So, be very keen to seize the chance in these days and get prepared to pray to Allah. If you have any needs or requirements, stretch your hands up asking only Him to fulfill them.
Always supplicate to him with this verse: I hastened to You, O my Lord, that You might be pleased. “Surat Taha, verse no: 84
Be confident that It is only Allah who can reward you and shower you with His Benevolence.
May Allah guide us all to what pleases Him. Peace be upon Prophet Muhammad, his household and companions.
By Sheikh: Adnan Al-Obayyat
Imam of Masjid Alhidayah