Ramadan Message 2008 - Day 9

"When My servants ask thee [O Muhammad] concerning Me, [tell them] I am indeed close: I listen to the prayer of every supplicant when he calls on Me: Let them also, with a will, Listen to My call, and believe in Me: That they may walk in the right way"
(Quran 2:186)

Ramadan is an important month. And one of the reasons behind it, is that it gives us, believers, the opportunity to fast and pray so that all of our sins will be forgiven. We have the opportunity each year to ensure our moral and spiritual health is in good condition. So fasting is very important.

The Prophet (peace be upon him) said, “Whoever believes in Allah and His Messenger, offers prayer perfectly and fasts the month of Ramadan, will rightfully be granted Paradise by Allah, no matter whether he fights in Allah's cause or remains in the land where he is born.” (Bukhari)

The Quran says that God listens to our prayers. And we are not forbidden to ask for our earthly needs in this life. The Prophet (pbuh) noted that, "The fasting person has a supplication that is answered when he breaks his fast". So it is important for us to fast properly during Ramadan, and also to pray consistently, and to purify the heart. But remember that if your intention in doing Ramadan is solely so that you can reap its benefit, then you may be already doing it wrong.

The Prophet (peace be upon him) has also said, “Many a fasting person will reap nothing but hunger, and many a night worshipper will reap nothing but staying up late.” (Nisai)

To avoid that, try to purify your intentions each day.