Ramadan talk: Allah’s all-embracing mercy

By Ishola Haroon Balogun

There is no doubt that the two features of fasting in Ramadan are mental and practical exercises. These are like the wings of a bird on which man flies through the heavenly space of spirituality in the month of Ramadan.

This is not only our mental ability to decipher what is good and also recognise what is bad, but also to deplore this mental abilities into use. Good enough, the Holy Qur’an, which was also revealed in the month of Ramadan, is a guide to mankind.

This means that in the month of Ramadan, one should get to know the Holy Qur’an better and, through the clearance of guidance, take a broader view of what is right and wrong. The Holy Qur’an says: “O you who believe! Fasting is prescribed for you, as it was prescribed for those before you, so that you may be guided. (against evil)” (2:183).

In this month, human beings are the guests of Allah and He has abundant blessings waiting to be dispersed to whoever seeks Him in truth. The blessings are there but we have to be eligible for this divine honour. The Holy Qur’an says: “We purified him so that he could be saved” (91:9).

Aside the fact that Allah has given man the power and insight to choose his course in life, with some choosing the right path and some choosing the wrong path based on the extent and degree of their knowledge, yet, there is salvation for man. For salvation, man needs the purification of his soul in addition to knowledge and insight.

Such purification is obtained by seeking forgiveness of Allah and turning away from bad deed. This is one of the things we stand to achieve during this Ramadan.

Man should not be a prisoner of his soul by enjoining himself unto evil. You should strive to come closer to Allah by avoiding worldly pleasures and strive to get nearer to Allah and fasting is something that enhances this nearness.

Holy Prophet Muhammad (S.A.W.) said: “Fasting is prescribed for man to purify his soul.” In Ramadan, the month of fasting, you become the guest of Allah, ready to receive His mercy. Do praise Him with devotion; He will answer all your prayers in this month. Fasting is the glad tidings of Allah’s all embracing mercy.

Prayer of the day
Allahuma ijial-li fihi nasiban min rahmatika-l-wasihati wa ahidniifihi libararaa hitika saatiat, wahuz bina siyatii ilaa mar dhatika jamiat bi mahabatika, Yaa amala mushtaafeen. Amin.

“O Allah, on this day, grant me a share from Your mercy which is wide, guide me towards Your shining proofs, lead me to Your all-encompassing pleasure, by Your love, O the hope of the desirous.”

Ramadan Kareem!