استقبال رمضان لفضيلة الشيخ الاستاذ الدكتور: عبدالسلام بن محمد الشويعر

Summary

This lecture explores how the Prophet ﷺ used to give glad tidings of Ramadan before its arrival, teaching believers to prepare spiritually and practically for this blessed season. It highlights the unique virtues granted to the Muslim Ummah, including Ramadan, Laylat al-Qadr, and multiplied rewards for small deeds. The speaker emphasizes making up missed fasts, protecting one’s time, reducing distractions, renewing sincere intention, and prioritizing acts such as night prayer and Qur’an recitation. He also explains key rulings on zakah, iʿtikāf, and fasting, concluding with heartfelt supplications for acceptance, forgiveness, and unity among Muslims.

Takeaways

• 😀 The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) used to give glad tidings to his companions about the arrival of Ramadan, preparing them to embrace the month with joy and readiness.
• 😀 Ramadan is a special time for believers, with its blessings and rewards being unique to the Muslim Ummah, unlike any other nation.
• 😀 Muslims are encouraged to prepare for Ramadan by repaying any missed fasts from the previous year, as delaying them to the next Ramadan could incur sin.
• 😀 The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) highlighted the importance of managing two key blessings: health and free time, urging people to make the most of these before Ramadan.
• 😀 One of the first steps in preparing for Ramadan is to plan for the repayment of any missed fasts, especially if one owes days from previous years.
• 😀 Muslims should aim to make the best use of their time during Ramadan, particularly by minimizing distractions, such as excessive use of social media and other leisure activities.
• 😀 A firm intention and resolve to fast, pray, and worship during Ramadan is essential, as making a sincere commitment is part of the reward one will receive.
• 😀 It is important to focus on doing the best deeds (e.g., praying at night, reading Quran) and avoid spending time on lesser activities during Ramadan.
• 😀 The importance of Quran recitation during Ramadan is emphasized, with many scholars recommending that one try to complete the Quran during the month.
• 😀 Acts of charity, such as paying Zakat, are highly recommended in Ramadan, with special emphasis on giving early in the month to ensure that the charity is properly distributed.

Q & A

What was the significance of the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) announcing the arrival of Ramadan to his companions?

The Prophet (PBUH) announced Ramadan's arrival early to prepare his companions mentally and spiritually. It encouraged them to get ready for the blessed month and to strive in worship, making them anticipate its arrival with eagerness and devotion.

Why does the lecture mention that believers are happy about the arrival of Ramadan?

Believers are happy because Ramadan, as one of the sacred times given to the Muslim Ummah, offers spiritual opportunities that were not granted to previous nations. This includes nights like Laylat al-Qadr and special days like Fridays and Eid, which are more blessed and significant than similar times in other religions.

What does it mean when the lecture refers to 'multiplying rewards' during Ramadan?

During Ramadan, the rewards for good deeds are greatly multiplied. Even small actions, like a little charity or a prayer, earn immense rewards. This is a special feature of Ramadan, where the significance of worship and devotion is heightened, making it an ideal time for spiritual growth.

What is the importance of paying off any debts before Ramadan?

It is crucial to settle any outstanding debts before Ramadan, especially if they relate to missed fasting days from the previous Ramadan. This ensures that a Muslim is free from obligations and can fully dedicate themselves to the worship and rituals of the month without distractions or guilt.

What did the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) teach about time management during Ramadan?

The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) taught the importance of utilizing one's time effectively, particularly during Ramadan. Time should be focused on worship and devotion, with less time spent on trivial matters. Muslims are encouraged to avoid distractions, including excessive use of social media, to maximize their benefit from Ramadan.

What role does 'intentions' play in the acts of worship during Ramadan?

The intention, or niyyah, is key to the acceptance of acts of worship in Ramadan. A Muslim should be sincere in their intention to fast, pray, and engage in good deeds, aiming to please Allah alone. The lecture emphasized that having a firm, purposeful intention will help Muslims gain greater rewards for their actions.

What does the term 'better than good' (afdal al-khayr) mean in the context of Ramadan worship?

This concept refers to prioritizing the most rewarding acts of worship over others. For example, in Ramadan, the best actions after fasting are night prayers (Taraweeh), Quran recitation, and making charity. Muslims are encouraged to focus on the most beneficial deeds rather than getting distracted by lesser ones.

What is the significance of reading the Quran during Ramadan?

Ramadan is the month in which the Quran was revealed, so it is especially important to read and reflect upon it during this time. The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) and his companions used to study the Quran together during Ramadan, making it a time of spiritual renewal and connection to Allah’s word.

What does the lecture say about the practice of Itikaf (spiritual retreat)?

Itikaf is a special practice in which a person secludes themselves in the mosque for intense worship, especially during the last ten days of Ramadan. The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) regularly practiced Itikaf and emphasized its significance. Itikaf offers an opportunity for deep reflection, prayer, and seeking forgiveness.

Why is the concept of 'fidyah' (compensation) mentioned for those who miss fasting in Ramadan?

Fidyah is mentioned for those who miss fasting in Ramadan due to illness or other valid reasons. If a person is unable to fast and their condition is unlikely to improve, they are required to pay fidyah by feeding a poor person for each missed day of fasting. This is a way to compensate for not being able to observe the fast.