Ramadan. A time for prayers, self-reflection and repentance. And although the entire world is going through an incredibly tough period, it is imperative we all maintain a positive mindset, and a great way of doing so is through this year’s Ramadan. No better opportunity will we get to worship our Lord. No better opportunity will we get to repent for our sins, and no better time will be available to us to evaluate our lives. So, it is essential we make the best use of this Ramadan in lockdown. To be able to do that we need to prepare. Physically, mentally and spiritually.

I’ll be honest, amidst these worrying times it had completely slipped my mind that this blessed window was right around the corner. So, I decided to prepare by setting myself some goals for the 30 days. Although these goals are such that would’ve been more challenging in during any other Ramadan, I see myself fulfilling them to a greater extent as a result of this lockdown.

It is a common practice to complete the recitation of the Holy Qur’an within the month of Ramadan, as it was in this month that the revelation of the Holy Qur’an commenced. During Ramadan, the Angel Gabriel (as) would revise whatever had been revealed of the Holy Qur’an up to that point with the Holy Prophet (sa). However, in the final Ramadan of the life of the Holy Prophet (sa), the Angel Gabriel (as) revised the entire Qur’an twice with him [Sahih al-Bukhari, Book 61, Hadith 129]. It is for this reason that my first goal for Ramadan in lockdown is to attempt to complete the recitation of the Holy Quran twice in these 30 days.

“Sadaqah wipes out sins like water extinguishes fire”[Jami’ at-Tirmidhi, Book 6, Hadith 74]. From this small yet comprehensive hadith, the importance of giving sadaqah (charity/alms) could not be clearer. Especially in the month in which the gates of hell are shut and the gates of heaven are open [Sahih al-Bukhari, Book 30, Hadith 9], giving sadaqah is an excellent way to attain the mercy of God Almighty. Therefore, my 2^nd goal for Ramadan is to give as much sadaqah as I can, and that too on a regular basis. However, by giving sadaqah, I don’t mean to be emptying my bank balance. In fact, the Holy Prophet^PBUH said that the most desirable deed to Allah is that which is done with regularity even if it is little [Sahih al-Bukhari, Book 2, Hadith 36].

Along with everything else, the main goal for every Muslim should be prayer, as without it, our fasts, our good deeds, our sadaqah, and the everything else is useless. Prayer is that nucleus around which everything should revolve. Especially in the unprecedented times in which we are currently living in, the standard of our prayers must go up.

Our beloved Imam, Hazrat Khalifatul-Masih V (aba) in his Friday Sermon on the 10^th April 2020 stated:

“One should remember that prayer is the most powerful of means. One ought to pray with the belief and conviction that God listens to prayers. Pray for yourself, your family, the community and the whole of humanity.” 

Further, beloved Huzoor (aba) in his Friday Sermon of 24^th April 2020, emphasising the importance of Ramadan; especially in these times, expressed how no Ahmadi Muslim should let this Ramadan go to waste. Huzoor^aba mentioned the fact that the whole family is at home, so it is a great opportunity for parents to themselves along with their children get closer to God Almighty, and as long as our intentions are pure, then Allah the Almighty, who is the Knower of the unseen, will accept our prayers.

In the end I pray that may this ‘Ramadan in lockdown’ enable all of us to get closer to our Creator, and may He shower the rain of mercy upon humanity. Ameen.