Ramadan; the month of mercy, the month of forgiveness, the month of uncountable blessings and the month of striving.

شَہۡرُ رَمَضَانَ ٱلَّذِىٓ أُنزِلَ فِيهِ ٱلۡقُرۡءَانُ هُدً۬ى لِّلنَّاسِ وَبَيِّنَـٰتٍ۬ مِّنَ ٱلۡهُدَىٰ وَٱلۡفُرۡقَانِ‌ۚ فَمَن شَہِدَ مِنكُمُ ٱلشَّہۡرَ فَلۡيَصُمۡهُ‌ۖ وَمَن ڪَانَ مَرِيضًا أَوۡ عَلَىٰ سَفَرٍ۬ فَعِدَّةٌ۬ مِّنۡ أَيَّامٍ أُخَرَ‌ۗ يُرِيدُ ٱللَّهُ بِڪُمُ ٱلۡيُسۡرَ وَلَا يُرِيدُ بِڪُمُ ٱلۡعُسۡرَ وَلِتُڪۡمِلُواْ ٱلۡعِدَّةَ وَلِتُڪَبِّرُواْ ٱللَّهَ عَلَىٰ مَا هَدَٮٰكُمۡ وَلَعَلَّڪُمۡ تَشۡكُرُونَ

“The month of Ramadân in which was revealed the Qur’ân, a guidance for mankind and clear proofs for the guidance and the criterion (between right and wrong). So whoever of you sights (the crescent on the first night of) the month (of Ramadân i.e. is present at his home), he must observe Saum (fasts) that month, and whoever is ill or on a journey, the same number [of days which one did not observe Saum (fasts) must be made up] from other days. Allâh intends for you ease, and He does not want to make things difficult for you. (He wants that you) must complete the same number (of days), and that you must magnify Allâh [i.e. to say Takbîr (Allâhu-Akbar; Allâh is the Most Great) for having guided you so that you may be grateful to Him.” (Quran: 2; 185)

A month in which fasting has been made obligatory upon all Muslims, and so Muslims spanning all across the globe and from every corner of the world unite in their efforts to seek the pleasure and countenance of their Lord and excel in their worship of Him. A month in which Satan is locked up, the gates of Paradise are opened and the gates of Hell are closed, and Muslims are granted a unique opportunity to refresh their faith, revive their hearts and reconnect with God. An exclusive chance to change their old habits for new ones, to compete and race towards doing good, to earn and multiply their rewards by infinite amounts and to change their life for the better.

For Muslims, Ramadan signifies a fresh start and a new beginning. And as we enter this beautiful month together and embark on a spiritual cleansing of the heart and training of the soul, we as Muslims are reminded of our sole purpose in life – the worship of God Almighty.

And for any act of worship to be accepted and to be a means of us entering into Paradise and us building our Paradise, we need to be sincere in our worship of God, and make sure that every single thing we do is sincerely and solely for His sake. So, dear brothers and sisters, make a sincere intention now to fast the days of Ramadan and pray the nights solely to please God. And this will make your Ramadan both rewarding and meaningful.

As the Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him) told us: “Actions are (judged) according to their intentions, and for every person will be what he intended…” [Sahih Bukhari]

And remember, during this blessed, noble month of Ramadan, whilst racing to build your gardens and palaces in Paradise that intentions are the key to success, for they are the roots to the trees and the bricks to the palaces. Ramadan is your time to start over, to wipe your slate clean, to learn and refresh your knowledge of Islam, to beautify your character, to strengthen your link with God Almighty, and to establish your place in Paradise. So renew your intentions and enter Ramadan with a pure heart!

We ask God Almighty to allow us to make the most of this blessed month of Ramadan with pure, clean hearts and beautiful, sincere intentions. We ask God to revive our faith, refresh our knowledge, and reinvigorate our hearts with love for Him.

Practical tips:

1. Make a sincere intention to seek closeness to God Almighty during this blessed month.
2. Begin Ramadan hoping to start on a fresh new leaf and change your life for the better.
3. Remain sincere throughout Ramadan, seeking reward only from God Almighty.

* A special Ramadan series in collaboration with New Muslim Academy.