Will You Practice Ramadan Fully This Year?
Saturday, August 08, 2009 Read more → Advice, good deeds, islam, muslim character, ramadan, social issue, the diva In the name of God, entirely Compassionate, especially Merciful | Peace be with you
In the name of God, compassionate & merciful بِسْمِ اللهِ الرَّحْمنِ الرَّحِيمِ | Peace be with you السلام عليكم
Ramadan is just around the corner, only 2 weeks before the blessed month begins.
When we were young children but old enough to fast, we embraced Ramadan like it was something so sacred. Together with our families each year. As if it was taboo not to practice it fully.But when you grow a little older and become a part of different social environments, others behavior's tend to rub off on you after a while. Unless you're one strong fella!
We were told/shown by our parents and family members what's allowed to do and prohibited to do, especially in Ramadan. But when surrounded by classmates or colleagues, a whole new set of do's and don'ts evolve in the majority.
I'm not saying we're all too weak and most indefinitely get influenced by others behavior's, but we do to some degree.
After a couple of Ramadans spent around your classmates at school or college or around your colleagues, you begin picking up on what they're practicing or aren't practicing in Islam during Ramadan. Some girls might dress less appropriately, Ali and his friends are munching about in the cafeteria , people still swear out loud, others don't join in prayers...etc.
The more you look around you, the more it seems as if nothing's changed except for a few Ramadan drinks and decorations.
This is not the case for everyone or all social environments, but this does happen. The more we are exposed to this kind of behavior during a holy month, the more it becomes acceptable.
Before, when someone would be caught or seen not fasting, everyone would gasp. Now, almost nobody says a word. Because there are a lot of people I see that aren't fasting (at least in my university and such). It even tempts me to take it lightly myself.
We are so blessed to have a WHOLE MONTH for renewing ourselves. For getting closer to Allah. For erasing our sins. For adding new good deeds to our habits list. For becoming better people. It's a 30 day resolution-training-camp!
For all the times you haven't helped your parents, you can help them during Ramadan.
For all the times you lied to others, you can tell the truth during Ramadan.
For all the times you didn't pray, you can pray during Ramadan.
For all the times you didn't read/memorize the Quran, you can during Ramadan.
For all the times you weren't humble, you can during Ramadan.
For all the times you didn't feed the poor, you can during Ramadan.
For all the times you smoked or smoked up! You can stop during Ramadan.
For all the times you ate a poor diet, you can eat healthy during Ramadan.
For all the times you fooled around, you can stop during Ramadan!
In Ramadan, We Can!"Just Ramadan?"
Of course not! But as research says, doing anything for at least 21 days can become a new habit, so why not just try something new and good for 30?
Personally, I'm going to try treating my parents better and reading more Quran, Insha Allah. God knows they deserve it. Especially my mom.
Why don't we take advantage of such a beautiful month when the devil is locked away, to strengthen our faith in Islam?
Just pick at least ONE good deed to practice during Ramadan, for self training and habit adaptation purposes?
Even if it's something you don't have a very positive or strong attitude towards (such as hijab or quitting smoking) and turn it into a positive one through behavior?
Research has shown that people can change attitudes through behavior. If you don't like wearing hijab, then I could ask you to write a paper about the benefits of wearing it, and you just might change your mind about it! It's called Counter Attitudinal Advocacy.
Let's all give it a whirl and try our best to practice Islam to the best of our abilities, this Ramadan. In hopes that we continue to do so for the sake of Allah, insha Allah.
Will you practice Ramadan fully this year?
Better yet...
Will You Practice ISLAM during Ramadan Fully This Year?
Better yet...
Will You Practice ISLAM during Ramadan Fully This Year?
Early Ramadan Kareem :),
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