As we countdown the weeks to Ramadan, it is becoming clear that this Ramadan will be unlike any other Ramadan we have faced together as an Ummah. What is normally a time of collective fasting and gathering of communities for prayer and reflection, has turned into a time where we are being asked to stay home in order to protect others.
We can’t take this lightly.
In the Quran, God tells us:
Believers are but a single brotherhood, so make peace and effect reconciliation between the two (contending) brethren and take Allâh as (your) shield so that you may be shown mercy.” (Surat Al Hujurat, 49:10)
As Muslims, we believe in brotherhood and sisterhood. We have all heard the hadith where the Prophet, upon be peace, said:
The parable of the believers in their affection, mercy, and compassion for each other is that of a body. When any limb aches, the whole body reacts with sleeplessness and fever.”
Our Ummah is literally aching with pain as the Coronavirus is infecting our fellow Muslims and humanity at large. It is now our obligation to stay at home and prevent the spread of this disease. We serve each other, we never do wrong to each other and most of all, we love one another.
Here are some tips that you can practice to get ready for Ramadan:
Pray Salah On Time
Now that most of us are at home and sheltering in, please take this time to pray salah on time. If you already have this habit, please take time to add extra prayers during this difficult time.
Make Sincere Dua
When you ask for God’s help during a time of need, God is sure to answer you. God tells us:
And when My servants ask you, [O Muhammad], concerning Me—indeed I am near. I respond to the invocation of every supplicant when he calls upon Me […]” (Surah Baqarah 2:186)
Take time to pray for others. When you make dua for your brothers and sisters, we are told that angels listening to your duas are saying ameen and wishing the same for you.
The Prophet, upon him be peace said:
No Muslim servant supplicates for his brother behind his back but that the angel says: And for you the same.”
Do Dhikr
Dhikr is when we glorify God. It serves as a constant reminder that God is the one in control of all of our affairs. The Prophet, upon him be peace, said:
People will not sit in an assembly in which they remember Allah without the angels surrounding them, mercy covering them, and Allah mentioning them among those who are with Him.”
Donate Sadaqah
We have shared before how Sadaqah can block calamity from befalling. The Prophet, upon him be peace, said:
Give charity without delay, for it stands in the way of calamity.”