Ramadan Preparation: Seeking Forgiveness, Making Intentions, and Suppressing the Nafs
Hazrat Qari Ismail Desai Saheb
Duration
1:01:12
Summary
Ramadan is a blessed month and a great favor from Allah.
Being in the company of pious individuals helps us appreciate Ramadan's value.
Before engaging in acts of worship during Ramadan, it is essential to cleanse ourselves.
This cleansing starts with extensive Istighfar (seeking forgiveness) for all our shortcomings, both known and forgotten.
Prioritize fulfilling Huqooqul Ibad (rights of others) over other forms of worship, as neglecting them can render good deeds meaningless on the Day of Judgment.
A "bankrupt" person on the Day of Judgment is one with many good deeds but who failed in fulfilling others' rights, leading to their good deeds being transferred or others' sins being transferred to them.
Suppressing the nafs (ego/desires) is difficult but crucial, especially by seeking forgiveness from those we've wronged.
Humble yourself for Allah's sake, and He will elevate you.
Make specific intentions for Ramadan, beyond just fasting and prayers, such as striving for closeness to Allah and increased Quran recitation.
Abstain from all forms of disobedience (negative Dhikr), as positive worship without abstaining from sin is incomplete.
Avoid situations and means that lead to sin, even if it means changing habits or locations.
Use Allah-given faculties like imagination to envision good deeds and spiritual places, rather than fantasizing about sin.
Protect the spiritual light gained from worship by avoiding sins, especially gossip and arguments after prayers.
May Allah grant us the ability to appreciate Ramadan, make sincere intentions, seek forgiveness, and suppress our nafs.
If unable to do much worship, at least sleep to avoid committing sins.