Sadaqa al-Fitr is a small amount of charity that Muslims are obliged to give at the end of Ramadhan. Fitr is compulsory on those who can afford it. It should be given before the Eid Prayer.
Muslims are encouraged to fast another six days after Eid in the month of Shawwal, to keep alive the lessons learned during Ramadhan, and to become of those devoted to God. The Prophet (SAW) said: “Whoever fasts of Ramadhan then fasts six days in the month of Shawwal shall have the reward of having fasted the whole year.” (Muslim)
Now that we are ready to celebrate eid in full spirits let us not forget what Ramadhan has taught us. The holy month of fasting was selected by Allah (SWT) to help prepare believers for a bigger responsibility. While fasting, believers are required to refrain from things that are otherwise lawful for them.
The purpose of fasting is mentioned in the following verse of the Holy Qur'an: "O believers! Fasting is prescribed for you as it was prescribed for those before you, So that you may attain Taqwa." (Surah al Baqarah 2: verse 183).
Abu Hurairah (RA) narrated: The Prophet (SAW) said, “Whoever does not give up forged speech and evil actions, Allah is not in need of him leaving his food and drink (i.e. Allah will not accept his fasting.)” (Bukhari)
Taqwa cannot be attained without cleansing and purifying our hearts.
On the Day of Resurrection, only those who come to Allah with a healthy heart will be saved. Allah (SWT) says: "The day on which neither wealth nor sons will be of any use, except for whoever brings to Allah a sound heart. (26:88-89)"
"Truly, what is lawful is evident, and what is unlawful is evident, and in between the two are matters which are doubtful which many people do not know. He who guards against doubtful things keeps his religion and honour blameless, and he who indulges in doubtful things indulges in fact in unlawful things, just as a shepherd who pastures his flock round a preserve will soon pasture them in it. Beware, every king has a preserve, and the things Allah has declared unlawful are His preserves. Beware, in the body there is a flesh; if it is sound, the whole body is sound, and if it is corrupt, the whole body is corrupt, and behold, it is the heart." {Bukhari & Muslim}
The heart (the core of our personality) is the storage place for knowledge and wisdom, and it can guide us along the path towards Allah’s pleasure. The heart, however, can be afflicted by diseases like anger, envy, ostentation, arrogance, stinginess and love of position & power. Diseases that preoccupy the heart, divert it away from the love of Allah. Each and every one needs to inspect his heart carefully to diagnose any affliction, and search for cures.
Purification of the heart or Tazkiya e Nafs is a series of lectures that will help you identify the disease and take steps to cure it, inshaAllah.
|
