In the Name of Allah, the Beneficent, the Merciful

An Opportunity to Get Close to Allah (SWT)

Tonight is the first time you see it. It coquettishly turns away from everyone, but its face shines luminously. Finally you look at the new moon and murmur: "O' my Lord! Make this month full of faith and peace, health and submission, welfare and happiness, blessing and abundance, for us." ⁽¹⁾

Congratulations to you on the first day of Ramadan. Do you know whose guest you are? The One Who is worshipped by all the creatures; the forgiver of the sinners. Ask Him for the acceptance of your fasting and vigil! Ask Him for more blessings in this month, as He is the most merciful. ⁽²⁾

Now, Ramadan, the month of Allah (SWT), has come. Come, get ready to fulfill His commandments the way He deserves, and be thankful to Him. I know; doubts never let you alone even for a single moment. You are afraid of disobeying Him. You stay away from what brings about His wrath … You love Him very much as He is the ultimate eagerness of the eager believers. So do not lose this opportunity because your Lord sees your conditions better than anyone.

For months, you have been waiting for the month of Allah's (SWT) festival to humbly bring forth your requests to the sight of Allah (SWT). So do not lose the opportunity of praying, because He pours calmness and tranquility into the hearts of the believers. Ask Him to open the doors of paradise this night and forever! You were waiting for the nights of Qadr every now and then. Now, every thing is set. Ask Him, Who knows everything in your mind and has no need to ask or inquire, to grant your requests and desires. This year, Ramadan, has its usual spiritual condition. Allah's (SWT) mercy is always flourishing, if there is a shortage, it is from us. So we should not hesitate, and must benefit from the blessings of this month.

Now that you have been invited and have attended this feast, you must acknowledge this opportunity … Now is not the time to neglect or be idle. As Amir al-Mu’minin (PBUH) has said: "With no doubt, opportunities become lost just like the transient clouds pass. So if you gain an the opportunity to do a laudable act, make the most from it and do not lose it." ⁽³⁾ Now as doors of paradise have been opened to you, move towards His blessing as He said Himself: "Hasten to forgiveness from your Lord."⁽⁴⁾  And also: "Race toward good deeds."⁽⁵⁾

Being close to Allah (SWT) is a donation! There is no one to hear; only you and your Lord. Be close to yourself; sincere, and frank. Confide in Him: "O Lord! Help us in fasting in blessed month of Ramadan. Help us in preventing our bodies from being defiled by sin and the things you detest. O  Lord! Help us in that all our doings make you content; Help us that we do not listen to things that have no benefit for us and waste our time; Help us that we do not bother ourselves by things except those which bring us closer to your reward."⁽⁶⁾  

(Selected from "Sinaye Niaz" by Jawad Muhaddithi)

On behalf of Roshd website, we congratulate all Muslims, especially you dear friend, upon the arrival of the month of Allah (SWT), the month of blessing, the spring for Quran, the holy month of Ramadan.

Roshd Islamic Shia Website

Footnotes:

1- Selected from 43^rd prayer of Sahifa al-Sajjadiah (with minor changes)

2- Selected from prayer of first and third day of auspicious month of Ramadan

3- Mustadrak al-Wasa'il, Vol. 12, Page 141.

4- The Holy Quran, 3:133

5- The Holy Quran, 2:148

6- Selection taken from 44^th prayer of Sahifa al-Sajjadiah