Ramadan is here. The year just flew by. It is time to reflect upon our deeds, evaluate our shortcomings, turn to Allah for repentance, mercy and blessings, purify our hearts and souls, and renew our faith. Ramadan brings with itself lots of blessings, as the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) said that during the month the gates of hell are closed, the devils chained and the gates of paradise are wide open. The holy month gives us a wonderful opportunity to seek forgiveness from Allah for all our sins and ask for his abundant bounties, for surely Allah gives those who call on to Him whole-heartedly with sincerity and devotion. The Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) said, “He who fasts during the month of Ramadan with faith and seeks reward from Allah will have his past sins forgiven.” Hence, we can make the most of this blessed month by striving to abstain from some useless acts, as Ramadan is not only about refraining from food and fluids; it is about worshiping Allah by praying, making Dua'as, reading Qur'an, and supplications. What to do in Ramadan? Say: “La ilaha illal-lah wahdahu la sharika lahu, lahu-l-mulk wa lahu-l-hamd wa huwa ‘ala kulli shai'in qadir.” Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said if we do so, one hundred times we will get the same reward as given for releasing ten slaves. One hundred good deeds will be written in his accounts, and one hundred sins will be deducted from his accounts, and it (his saying) will be a shield for him from the Shaytan on that day till night, and nobody will be able to do a better deed except the one who does more than he.” (Sahih Bukhari) Say “Subhan Allah wa bihamdihi,” one hundred times a day. Doing this will InshAllah allow all your sins to be forgiven, even if they were as much as the foam of the sea. (Sahih Bukhari) The Prophet (peace be upon him) said, “Shall I tell you a word which is one of the treasures of Paradise? It is “La haul a wala quwwata illa bil-lah.” Read Qur'an. Try to learn small Surahs from the Qur'an, it will help you in your prayers. Listen to Qur'an tapes.Read stories of Allah's prophets as none can be more inspiring than them. Give lots of charity and alms. Make lots of Dua'as for yourself, for your parents and siblings, for the poor and needy and for all the Muslims' in the world. Don't miss your prayers. If your parents go for Tarweeh then go with them. Don't argue to stay back at home. You don't know for which simple act you would be greatly rewarded.Don't lie, backbite or gossip.These are some of the things which all of us can do this Ramadan to please Allah and earn rewards for ourselves. This year, Saudi Gazette spoke with children to find out what they plan to do this Ramadan.
