Ramadan Mubarak! This is a month of the Holy Qur’an, the month of blessings when Muslims are advised to increase their zeal and enthusiasm in order to maximize the reward therein and re-affirm their status in paradise.
But it is also the month when the rhythm of friendship between a Muslim and his non-Muslim friends takes a breath, as the latter strive to reap the bounties of the time.
Since the situation needs not put their relationship in a lurch, midlandpost.ng scanned the books and as well talked to experts on what a Muslim should be doing to maximally profit the month and what a non-Muslim should be doing so that he doesn’t come across as insensitive to his fasting friends.
The following are recommended as activities for the month:
- Endeavour to create Ramadan awareness in your neighbourhood through greetings through social media, public lectures, printing of flyers, handbills etc, before Ramadan).
- Strive to place Ramadan messages in homes, neighbourhood mosques and centres.
- Strive to mobilise funds to sponsor Tafsir on air at least three times.
- Strive to make Rabaniyyah (getting close to Allah) your focus for this Ramadan.
- Hasten towards sincere repentance: And repent unto Allah all together Oh believers that you may prosper. (Q23:31).
- Adopt the policy of mutual forgiveness, pardon and overlooking to preserve the bond of brotherhood. The Believers are but a single brotherhood (Q49:10).
- Constantly renew the intent and purpose of every action no matter how unimportant they may be. Actions are but with intentions (hadith 1 An-Nawawi).
- Ensure you are constant with the daily Solawat in Jama’a, especially Subhi and Ishai.
- Strive with determination to read the whole Qur`an at least two times in the month since the Qur`an was revealed in it.
- Be steadfast in the daily Nawafil (Tarawih, Witr Solatu Dua etc) for they are highly rewarding.
- Engage relentlessly in the praiseworthy adhkar through tasbih, tahmid, tahleel, takbir and solatu alan-Nabiyy (SAW). Let not your tongue waiver from the constant remembrance of Allah (SWT).
- Take time out to visit relations, especially parents, and break the fast with them as frequent as possible.
- Hasten to provide food for fasting Muslims as much as is convenient, for you will get the replica of their rewards.
- Do not hesitate to have iftar with fellow brethren especially in your area at least once in the month.
- Pay adequate attention to your spouse(s) and the children in Ramadan by taking iftar with them at least once a week as well as gathering them and supplicating together for the family and Muslims generally.
- Endeavour to recite dua` Raabitah at every Maghrib time or at the breaking of the fast.
- Find ways to put a smile on as many Muslims’ faces as possible for this is pleasing to Allah (SWT).
For Non-Muslims, humanity is paramount
If you are not a Muslim, is there anything you should do so you don’t come across as insensitive to your fasting friends? Saeed Ahmed of CNN offers the following advice:
You don’t have to fast with Muslims
You can if you want to see what it feels like. But it’s not going to hurt Muslims’ feelings – even if you are best friends with the Muslims. However, don't say, 'I should fast, too. I need to lose weight
Ramadan's not about that. Plus, one of Ramadan's side effects is obesity (it's all that post-sundown overeating).
You can join Muslims for Iftar
Iftar is the breaking of the fast after sundown. Muslims like to make it a big communal meal. You should come. Islam is love.
Muslims can still go for coffee with you…
No, they can’t drink. Not even water. But they’ll walk with you if you want to take a break.
…but we may keep our distance
One word: Halitosis. You try not eating or drinking for the entire day. That's why we're standing a foot away from you when we talk.
You can say “Ramadan Mubarak”
Humanity is paramount. Send your greetings. Your Muslim friend or even co-worker will appreciate the thoughtfulness.
You don't have to know when it begins...
There is always the erroneous impression that Muslims are divided on the precise date for Ramadan. Ramadan isn't like Christmas or Thanksgiving, as everyone knows exactly when it'll fall. It bounces around because the Islamic calendar is lunar. When it begins depends on when the new moon is seen. That's why the precise dates change from year to year. It shouldn’t be a non-Muslim problem.
…but please be a little flexible
How we determine when Ramadan begins is decidedly old-school: You have to physically see the moon (even though there are apps for that). That's why, if your friend says, "Starting tomorrow, can I start work early so I can leave sooner?" try to accommodate.
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