Interestingly...

Interestingly, supplication is a form of worship, which has a very great impact not only on the spiritual well-being of individuals but also on the fulfilment of their worldly needs. Lesson Six: Ramadan; A Month of Late-Night Prayers The month of Ramadan is a month popularly known for the regular observance of late-night prayers (Qiyam al-Layl). In fact, the honour and greatness of a believer -according to tradition- is in his praying at night.

Thus, every servant of Allah who wishes to purify his soul; enliven his heart; strengthen his will; and perfect his sincerity always uses a part of the night to worship Allah. Meanwhile, having established the significance and benefits attributed to the late-night prayer, it is expected of every believer after the expiration of the month of Ramadan to inculcate the habit of regular observation (even if it is just a 2-unit prayer).

Lesson Seven: Ramadan; A Month of Generosity The month of Ramadan is a period when Allah invites the rich as well as the poor to be His special guests and irrespective of their social status, they are both charged with the same duty of observing the fast. However, the well-to-do individuals during this Holy month experience the conditions and situations of the poor and less-privileged ones in the community and hence they are generous to them [6] .

For this reason, the month of Ramadan is a month especially known for immense acts of charity and generosity in Muslim communities. However, the acts of generosity to the poor and the less-privileged ones should not be restricted only to the month of Ramadan; rather, it should be a continuous one.

In light of this, let the well-to-do individuals (including you and me) endeavour to identify the poor and the less-privileged ones around us (either in our family or the community at large) and respond positively (financially or otherwise) to their needs. Mind you! Generosity is not only about money or financial aid, it is rather about being kind, understanding, and helpful to others. Thus, let’s help those around us in whatever ways possible.

Lesson Eight: Ramadan; A Month of Self-Purification and Discipline The month of Ramadan is a period for the purification of souls and self-discipline [7] . For a period of a month, the fast-observers in an attempt to gain proximity to Allah voluntarily abandon some of their most dear daily activities (such as eating, drinking, etc.) during the daytime.