As Salaamu Alaikum WA Rahmatullahi WA Barakatuh

I pray that everyone is well and strong in Emaan.  As for my family we are all well and keeping our faith al Hamdulillah. This week has been a roller coaster; it just seems as if the week sped by. Taking into consideration how fast the week went by, it has been productive for my family and me, Al Hamdulillah.

Ramadhaan is approaching and drawing near. I pray that I am alive to observe the fast, insha Allah. Everyone seems to be excited. We all know the peace that comes with the entrance of Ramadhaan. We look forward to that, but more so we look for the mercy of saving ourselves from the Hell fire and earning a place in Jannah by the mercy of Allah. Therefore, we try to clean up old and unwanted things in our closet of sins, bad habits and traits, and replace them with good deeds, habits and traits.  Oh, Allah grant us the success in this Ramadhaan, Ameen.

This brings me to a conversation I had with sister about homeschooling during Ramadhaan. I had mentioned that I think we should slow down or do nothing at all (of secular studies during Ramadhaan). Have you ever been talking and you said something without thinking it all the way through? Not really knowing how you feel about the issue so, now it’s out there dangling around. Sometimes in the course of a conversation, the person can make you think. Maybe consider their point of view. My thoughts are all over, should we take a break or should we just concentrate on Qur’an and Du’a. These things are necessary. Nevertheless, should it be with secular studies. When reflecting back on some of the thoughts that the sister had expressed, they had made me think about how the disbelievers take off for their beliefs.  Then I gave thought to it, that as Muslims we should be balanced. Preparing our children for the world does not stop because the month of Ramadhaan is in. We have to be able to function while continuing our day-to-day activities. Therefore that made me want to read to discover how the [prophet (sallAllahu alaihi wa sallam) observed the fast and what the scholars do in the month of Ramadhaan. What would be their suggestions?

Well, my question was not able to get to the mashayk, not as of yet but I was able to make it out to the class that was presented in Newark NJ. The sheikh spoke about the virtues’ of Ramadhaan, in the second half of the lecture he gave a lot of advice and he said, “Read the Qur’an much.” “That Jibreel(alaihis salaam) would come and review the Qur’an during Ramadhaan.” He also said, “That the scholars would concern themselves with reading the Qur’an. They would stop teaching their lessons so; they could read the Qur’an with understanding.” He mentioned that we should read as though Allah is talking to you. This gives khashoo' because they would reflect on the meaning. The sheikh also talk about some of the mistakes that are made like sleeping all day or most of the day. Therefore, what does that show laziness? This was also mentioned in some of the other lectures. From the last point that I wanted to point out is the sheikh had mentioned,” The fire will not touch the one who sheds tears for Allah.” This made me realize learning comes in all ways and that they will still be learning not structured but it is more important for them to read the book of Allah. This is important all year long but great more importance during the month of Ramadhaan.

With all that was said, everything came full circle for me. Striving hard much during this month to save ourselves from the fire and gain the reward. Our goal should be to find ways of lessening our affairs of the Dunya so that we can concentrate on the book of Allah. Throughout the lectures the theme was this is a month of the Qur’an and reading and reflecting on it and setting goals for improvement of ourselves. At least that is what I gained from it. I could cite so much more. As for my family and me, we are just going to try to fear Allah to the best of our ability and try to keep a balance in a way that is good for ourselves and I suggest everyone does the same. 

Oh, Allah have mercy on us and allow us all life to observe the month of Ramadhaan. Oh, Allah grant us the protection of the fire. Oh, Allah give us the reward of entering the gate of Ar -Rayaan. Oh, Allah bless us with a successful Ramadan that gains your pleasure. Ameen!

Loving everyone for the sake of Allah,

Umm Anisa