(67): The beauty of faith

Muslims making Tawaf (circumambulation) in Ramadhan

It is a season like no other. It comes once in a calendar year, but leaves the most indelible memory in the life of a Muslim. “Ramadhan is the (month) in which was sent down the Qur'an, as a guide to mankind, also clear (Signs) for guidance and judgment (Between right and wrong). So every one of you who is present (at his home) during that month should spend it in fasting, but if anyone is ill, or on a journey, the prescribed period (Should be made up) by days later. Allah intends every facility for you; He does not want to put to difficulties. (He wants you) to complete the prescribed period, and to glorify Him in that He has guided you; and perchance ye shall be grateful” (Qur’an chapter 2 verse 185).

From north to south, east to west, Muslims all over the world fast the month of Ramadhan, in the same month, united by the same faith, worshipping the same God, and longing for forgiveness from the Creator. It is unique in its essence, the hearts are warmed by its spirituality, the character is reformed by obedience to the Almighty, the poor and the needy are helped because of its mercy, the children enjoy it, they look forward to it. Everyone celebrates its arrival, and mourn at its departure.

The rich tastes the hunger of the poor, the poor enjoys the generosity of the rich. The weak is emboldened by the sympathy of the strong, and the strong appreciates the bounties of the All Powerful, the All Mighty Allah. Patience increases, generosity multiplies, sympathy develops, brotherhood is strengthened, and the beauty of faith is exhibited. That is Ramadhan for you.

Those who can afford travel for the lesser Hajj, to the holiest of cities, hosting the noblest of houses, the birth place of the greatest human being ever to walk on this earth. Neither white no black, nor Asians, Africans, Europeans or Americans, everyone is simply a Muslim, facing the same direction and worshipping the same God. That is the beauty faith.

In the vicinity of the Haramain (the two holy mosques in Makkah and Madina), the faithful are patiently waiting for the sunset. Distributing dates, water, juice, fruits, and begging the pilgrims to share the meal with them. Inside the Ka’aba, it is the faithful circumambulating and chanting the name of the Lord, men robed in white garments, the women modestly dressed in the clothes of their choice. The hearts are united by common faith, asking the one and only Sustainer. Hands raised asking for the bounties of this world and the forgiveness of the hereafter. Parents praying for their children, husbands praying for their wives. The healthy praying for the sick, and the living asking forgiveness for the dead. It is peaceful, it is beautiful, but only the faithful can taste the sweetness of faith.

As the the Mu’addhin calls the prayer, and people break their fast, it is moment of reflection and supplication. The family comes together, dad smiling at the mom, brother helping the sister pick a date from the bowl, the uncle sipping a cup of tea, the neighbor satisfied with the generosity of his brothers and sisters in faith. Happiness is not a commodity for sale, it is a priceless jewel shared by the people of faith.

The Muaddhin makes the call again; it is time for prayer, it is the Isha the Imam begins with, followed by Tarawih the whole night indeed.  The eloquence of the voice of Sudais, and the vibration of the recitation of Shuraim, makes you divorce the material world for the sake of the Creator of Ramadhan.

We thank God for the month of Ramadhan

Everyone is equal, neither poor nor Sultan

Character is reformed; there is no room for Shaitan

Beautiful month that comes right after Sha’aban

Our faith is strengthened by Iman

Always seeking the mercy of Rahman

Respond to our needs Oh the revealer of Qur’an

Forgive our sins; make us conscious of the day of Sakran

Admit us to your paradise through the gate of Rayyan

The day of recompense where everyone is Atshan

Except You, Master of the day of Jau’aan

Grant us paradise and make us perpetually Farhan

Last ten days are here, let’s seek for Ghufran

Forever never abandon the lessons of Ramadhan

12:53

20.09.1434

29.07.2013