Ramadhãn in Shaykh's Company
• 1st Ramadhãn 1429 AH
Remembering Allah During Ramadhãn
During the build up to Ramadhãn 1429 our respected Shaykh gave us many words of advice and encouragement on how to get the most out of the blessed month. On the 1st of Ramadhãn, after the afternoon majlis, Shaykh outlined the following principles related to the ibadah of Allah subhanahu wata‘alaa during the month. Insha'allah, these principles will prove useful to anyone who adopts them, especially those who are connected to a shaykh.
- Do as much tilawat of the Qur'an as possible. For huffaz, 7 completions of the Qur'an during the month can be considered an acceptable amount, though it is preferable to complete it 10 times.
For non-huffaz, 3 completions is an acceptable number, though it is preferable to do 5.
Whatever number is chosen, it should be treated as a starting point from which you should try to progress each year.
While engaging in tilawah, the adab of reciting the Qur'an set out by Hadhrat Shaykhul Hadith Mawlana Muhammad Zakariyya rahimahullah in Virtues of Qur'an should be adopted.
- Be punctual with the ma'mulat prescribed to you by your shaykh. Special attention should be given to ensuring that tasbihat, zikr and daily reading from munajat e maqbul/Al-hizbul-a'zam are maintained during Ramadhãn.
Also, recite durud sharif at least 500 to 1,000 times daily.
- Hold fast to du'a and istighfar.
Du'a.
A short du'a should be offered after every ibadah, e.g. after salah, zikr and tilawah. Learn the following concise and comprehensive du'as:
These three du'as should be offered after every ibadah.
Further, there are 3 occasions in which a more prolonged and detailed du'a should be offered. These occasions are: a) tahajjud; b) iftar; c) on completing the Qur'an.
Note: When the days are long, the Qur'an should be completed and du'a made after Fajr; when the nights are long then after maghrib.
Istighfar
Istighfar, begging Allah subhanahu wata‘alaa for forgiveness, should be a major part of your du'as. Also, when alone, you should turn to Allah subhanahu wata‘alaa and repeatedly beg, 'O Allah, forgive me,' or fall in prostration and beseech Him for forgiveness.