THE SPIRIT OF RAMADHAN

The long-awaited Ramadhan has come and celebrated. Each of us has different ways to welcome it. This annual season of kindness is indeed not worth to be missed. Even Rasulullah SAW from the beginning held a briefing to welcome Ramadhan in the midst of his friends. From Abu Hurairah ra, Rasulullah SAW said: “There has indeed come to you a month full of blessings in which it is obligatory for you to fast in it, (the month) the doors of heaven are opened, and the gates of Hell are closed, and the devils are shackled. in it there is a night more glorious than a thousand months. Whoever is forbidden from his goodness, then it has been forbidden (totally) “(HR Ahmad, Nasa'i and Baihaqi)

Ramadhan often comes suddenly, and passes so quickly without being noticed. It is the most expensive momentum we have ever had to gain rewards. This is similar to the month of promotions and massive ones offered in shopping malls. The merit value of the reward is multiplied, everyone is hunting for it. Divide the reward this month like we get a ‘gift' in a shopping center. We are given the opportunity to take all the shopping items in it, but only in a few moments. Allah SWT describes it in the Qur'an: ” Fast a˺ prescribed number of days.¹ But whoever of you is ill or on a journey, then ˹let them fast˺ an equal number of days ˹after Ramaḍân˺. For those who can only fast with extreme difficulty,² compensation can be made by feeding a needy person ˹for every day not fasted˺. But whoever volunteers to give more, it is better for them. And to fast is better for you, if only you knew.” (Surah Al-Baqarah 184)

All of us, if given such a ‘free' opportunity, would immediately jump up and run to the grocery shelves to quickly grab things, from the most expensive to the cheapest. Almost non-stop until the time is up. Tired of sweating is not a problem. What we have in mind is this is a precious opportunity. One-time carelessness or quitting can mean unimaginable losses. What is the meaning of the picture above? One meaning that we must understand and note well is; that Ramadhan is really different. It requires interaction, concentration and different energy in responding to it. Never equate Ramadhan with the other eleven months. Different and really different, even starting from the way we welcome it. This equates to getting ready to go out of business in the first days.

One way we welcome it is to understand the wisdom of Ramadhan. We can be as busy as anything in the month of Ramadhan, but without exploring the wisdom, perhaps all that is left when Shawwal approaches is immeasurable physical exhaustion. When the homecoming season is over, maybe only the hoarse sound of the recitations remains. On the other hand, by knowing a million wisdoms in Ramadhan, we will enjoy the deeds of worship in Ramadhan with full appreciation and solemnity. We undergo the complete Ramadhan worship package more lightly because we understand the benefits for us. And even more great, even after Ramadhan is over, we can still feel the wisdom in living the following days.

By: Mr. Muktamar