HOW TO SUSTAIN ALL THE BENEFITS OF FASTING AFTER THE HOLY MONTH OF RAMADAN

The Holy month of Ramadan brings all the spiritual benefits to the faithful. It is the Spring of the Glorious Qur’an, prayers, and supplications. Islam is not a weekly religion; it is a complete code of life to be practiced 24 hours. The Infallible Imam Muhammad Baqir (a.s.) said, “Allah likes any virtuous deed done on regular basis, even if it is little.” The Infallible Imam Ja’far al-Sadiq (a.s.) said, “Anyone who starts a virtuous deed, he should do it for at least one year. And he should not discontinue after some time.” Reason being that he becomes used to it forming into a second nature. To sustain the benefits of Ramadan for the entire year, efforts may be made by following the 10-point plan as under:

                FASTING: It is recommended to fast at least 3 days every month; first Thursday, last Thursday and first Wednesday after the 10th. If the individual’s health status permits, 3 more fasts may be kept on the 13^th, 14^th and 15^th.

                SALAAT: It is the pillar of Islam and the Ascension (Mai’raj) of a believer. It should be established on timely and regular basis with complete attention.

                CHARITY: Giving alms for the Pleasure of Allah, on daily basis, weekly basis, or monthly basis. It purifies our hearts. Although, Zakat and Khums is given on yearly basis, but Sadaqat and Khairat should be given as frequently as possible as it is recommended by the Ahlul Bayt (a.s.)

                HAJJ, UMRA AND ZIARAAT OF THE INFALLIBLES: If one can afford, perform Hajj, Umrah and Ziaraat frequently.

                RECITATION OF THE GLORIOUS QUR’AN: Retain connection with the Glorious Qur’an and comprehend and understand its contents. It should be recited as frequently as possible but at least once a day.

                AHLUL BAYT (A.S.): Relate to their values and the sermons by studying their pure lives and try to practice it.

                FAMILY LIVES: According to the Glorious Qur’an and the Ahlul Bayt (a.s.), we should look after our immediate and extended families and participate in the community affairs.

                FRIDAY CONGREGATIONS: Great emphasis is placed on attending the Friday Prayers in the community and if anyone misses the Friday Prayers 3 times consecutively, without valid reason, could be considered as a hypocrite.

                MORAL VALUES OF AHLUL BAYT (A.S.): As far as possible, we should follow our “Ideal Role Models”. Control our different parts of body especially the tongue and as per Ayatollah Makarem Shirazi, we commit 30 sins by our tongue.

                ENHANCE KNOWLEDGE OF ISLAM: This could be achieved by reading the Glorious Qur’an, Nahjul Balagha, Sahifa Sajjadia and biographies of our Infallible Noble Messenger (s.a.w.a.s.), Sayyida Fatima Zahra (s.a.), the Doyenne of the World and the Pure Imams (a.s.).  Establish close relations with the religious scholars and other knowledgeable community members.

                Source: Hujjatul Islam Maulana Mukhtar Faezi’s Lecture at Baitul Ilm, Streamwood, Illinois