LOS ANGLES: Once again we have the great fortune to reap the glorious blessings of the Blessed Holy month of Ramadhan. The Holy Prophet, Muhammad, called this month ‘the blessed month” as God Almighty rewards us, seven to one thousand times more, for our good deeds.

During this month He opens the door of Paradise and showers His blessings on anyone who strives for it. Here are some suggestions how one can take full advantage of God’s blessings during this month:

1- Congregational Prayers It is mentioned in the Holy Quran that one should observe prayers in congregation. The Holy Prophet said that the reward for observing congregational prayers is 27 times more than that of individual prayers.

2-Tahajjud (Midnight/ Dawn) Prayer The Holy Prophet Muhammad used to observe Tahajjud Prayers by performing eight Rakaat Nawafil then three Rakaat Wit’r. One should take special care to perform Tahajjud Prayer at midnight or at dawn, as many Ahadith emphasize the benefits of this supererogatory prayer. It is also said that Allah accepts the prayers performed at the last part of the night. Muslims should follow the Holy Prophet’s example and make it a practice to perform at least two Rakaat Nawafil Prayers at Tahajjud time to achieve the maximum spiritual benefits before eating Sehri.

3-Taraweeh Prayer This is a special congregational prayer performed exclusively in the month of Ramadhan. Muslims should make special effort to observe this prayer in the Mosque in addition to Tahujjad Prayer.

4-Recitation of The Holy Quran The Holy Quran was first revealed to the Holy Prophet Muhammad in the month of Ramadhan so there is a deep relationship between Ramadhan and the Holy Quran. In accordance with the Sunnah (Practice) of the Holy Prophet (peace be upon him), one should try to read the entire Quran twice if possible, or at least once, during Ramadhan.

5-Supplication! There is no doubt that Ramadhan is the month of acceptance of prayers. The Holy Quran says “When my servants ask thee about Me, say, I am near; I answer the prayer of supplicant when he prays to Me.” Holy Prophet said that God Almighty does not reject supplications at the time of Iftar. This is the best time to supplicate. One should therefore not waste this time in loose talk and other activities but be occupied with the remembrance of God and prayers for the unity of mankind, love and brotherhood, and world peace.

6- Zik’r-i-Allahi (remembrance of Allah) Remembering God is highly recommended during this blessed month. Following are a few prayers designated for this purpose:

• “O Our Lord, pour forth steadfastness upon us, and make our steps firm, and help us”. (Sura Al-Baqara – Chapter 2 verse 251)

• “Our Lord, let not our hearts become perverse after Thou hast guided us, and bestow on us mercy from thyself; surely, Thou art the Great Bestower” (Sura Al-Imran- Chapter 3 verse 9)

• “Pardon me, O my Lord, for all the sins and grant me protection” Allah also says in the Holy Quar’an, “Allah would not punish them while they sought forgiveness”. (Al-Anfal: 34) “And those who, when they commit a foul deed or wrong themselves, remember Allah and implore forgiveness for their sins and who can forgive sins except Allah and do not knowingly persist in what they do.” (Al-Imran: 136) The Holy Prophet (peace be upon him) said, “Whoever makes it obligatory to ask Allah’s forgiveness, Allah will bestow comfort for him and remove his hardships and provide him with means of living that he never imagined.”

7-Charity During the month of Ramadhan, Allah rewards one for material and financial sacrifices offered to meet the needs of others. The Holy Prophet (peace be upon him) was the most generous human being on earth. He never returned any needy person empty handed.

If, he could not meet a person’s need at that time he would advise him to borrow the required item or money and later when means became available the Holy Prophet would pay back the debt on behalf of the person. During Ramadhan his generosity showed no bounds. We should follow his example.

8-Eid-ul-Fit’r Allah has commanded Muslims to have a celebration at the end of Ramadhan. This special day is called Eid-ul-Fit’r and it’s a reward for those who have submitted to the will of Allah during the month of Ramadhan. Muslims celebrate this day because Allah has given them an opportunity to achieve the benefits of Ramadan in their life time.

It is also a way to express their thanks to Allah for all the extra bounties He has given during Ramadhan. The Holy Prophet always insisted that all Muslim men, women and children must participate in Eid-ul-Fit’r Prayers and celebrations which is a reward of Ramadhan. Eid-ul-Fit’r brings the believers closer to God and that is the true happiness.