Make a practical and doable time table for daily activities. The point to remember is that in Ramadan acts of primary form of worships (i.e. salah, dhikr, tilawat, etc.) are to be increased. These lead to an increasing direct relationship with Allah SWT (i.e. ta’luq ma’Allah).
Practice focusing on the actions of the Heart. Do not do any action without a proper intention. Abstain from all the blame worthy morals. No anger, arrogance, belittling caustic remarks, etc. It is strange to abstain from otherwise halal (lawful food) and commit an act which is always haram (forbidden). Try to do most […]
To get motivated and organized, read the discourses of Hakeem ul Ummat ra regarding Ramadan (Mawaiz-e-Ashrafiya volume : Barakat e Ramadan) and listen to the talks of Sayyidi wa sandi db on how to prepare for the holy month.
Review the essential fiqh (rulings) relating to fasting, taraweeh and other Ramadan related issues from “Behishti Zewar” (Heavenly Ornaments) of Hakeeul Ummat Hazrat Mawlana Ashraf Ali Thanwi ra.
Make special effort to follow as many as possible Sunnah in daily activities. Learn these and memorize the adiya e masnoon (dua) for particular occasions before hand. The book “Alaikum bi sunnati” by Mawlana Abdul Hakim Sukkharwi ra is a good, practical and handy resource for this.
Reschedule non essential appointments till after or before Ramadan. Finish with all Ramadan and Eid shopping prior to the sighting of the crescent.
Free as much time as possible from work and other commintments for pure worship (ibadah).
Firm determination to abstain from all sins. Especially those committed by the eyes, ears and tongue.
Ask Allah SWT to give tawfeeq to benefit from the blessings of Ramadan daily, from now onwards.
Sayyidi wa sanadi Mufti Mohammed Taqi Usmani (Allah protect & preserve him) instructed that, ‘It is fine to use a misbah (tasbih) to keep track of dhikr done. There is no riya (show off) if one’s active intention in using it is to make dhikr. Riya occurs when the sole intention is to show off.
Sayyidi wa sanadi Mufti Mohammed Taqi Usmani (Allah protect & preserve him) was replying to the letters of spiritual aspirants. After reading a letter he addressed those sitting in his office, One of my friends (Shaikh usually uses this title for those seeking spiritual reformation (islah) under his supervision) is blessed with witnessing of the […]
A seeker wrote, I am writing in regards to a very serious problem that I reported earlier too. I am feel extremely ashamed to write about this but I have to disclose the gravity of the issue in detail. Ashrafiya replied,This feeling, discussion and attempt to improve a destructive condition is in itself a huge […]
A seeker wrote, I definitely felt a weakness in spirituality due to not writing on time. Right after Ramadan, the final report of my Master’s course was due which kept me quite busy. Ashrafiya replied,Do not worry. Genuine reason for such delay is not a problem. It is only deliberate carelessness and heedlessness that is […]
5. اَنۡتَ وَلِيُّنَا فَاغۡفِرۡ لَـنَا وَارۡحَمۡنَا وَاَنۡتَ خَيۡرُ الۡغَافِرِيۡنَ “You are our protector, so forgive us, and have mercy on us, and You are the best among those who forgive.” Sayyidi wa sanadi Mufti Mohammed Taqi Usmani (Allah protect & preserve him) explained that “wali” is one who knows the interests of someone, and safeguards those […]
4. رَبَّنَا ظَلَمۡنَاۤ اَنۡفُسَنَاسكتة وَاِنۡ لَّمۡ تَغۡفِرۡ لَـنَا وَتَرۡحَمۡنَا لَـنَكُوۡنَنَّ مِنَ الۡخٰسِرِيۡنَ “Our Lord, we have wronged ourselves, and if You do not forgive us and do not bless us with mercy, we shall, indeed, be among the losers.” Sayyidi wa sanadi Mufti Mohammed Taqi Usmani (Allah protect & preserve him) explained that before sending Adam (peace […]