The writer, Zishaan E Fatima Karim (Dar es Salaam, Tanzania) is a writer and a poet, passionate about making a difference and believes in beginning at the roots. She has 4 decades’ experience in teaching as a Madrasah teacher.
Holy Ramadhan Day 1
Once again, it is time to be the guests of The Supreme. When we accept an invite to any Gala or a Reception event, we look at the appropriateness of our dress and ensure that it matches the dress code of the event.
As we enter this Holy Banquet, where the host is The Lord Himself, I look at myself and my appearance, both outer and from within.
Does my attire match the dress code for the Banquet?
What is the dress code that I am supposed to adopt both for by body and soul, in order to enjoy the Banquet, the most?
I need guidance and for that I turn to my Master Imam Sajjad (as), who as his words portray, seems to be at the height of enjoying bliss at all moments of his life.
I resort to his dua of Makarimul Akhlaq, where he gives the foundation of being a good practicing Muslim. A step by step guidance to adopting the right dress code which can be worked upon in the Holy Month and derive the right bounties from the banquet to make the dress last a lifetime…or at least a year, when the process can recycle and get my soul refreshed with a newer and brighter attire.
As I journey, I request my readers too, to journey with me. Let us have an ACTION PLAN laid out
1. Read again the dua lines.
2. Jot down our own reflections
3. Discuss with family
4. Practical plan to implement
Surah Al-Ahzab, Verse 56:
Surely Allah and His angels bless the Prophet; O you who believe! call for (Divine) blessings on him and submit to him with a (becoming) submission.
The verse shows that it is a two process Salutation:
Prayer for blessings and Submission to him
O Allah! Send blessings upon Muhammad and his Progeny
Are they already not conferred with sufficient blessings?
How does my dua for blessings upon them be of a merit?
Why is it highly recommended to recite Salawaat?
Why does Imam Sajjad (as) send blessings so many times?
Some probable answers…
1. One act that we do similar to Allah (swt)
2. It is a definitely accepted Dua
3. Sandwich effect- If I sandwich my dua between salawaat, Allah will not leave out my dua and accept only Salawaat.
4. Imam Sajjad (as) was at a time where people had just slaughtered an Imam. They had forgotten the value of the Aal of the Prophet (saww)
5. If they are blessed just like a glass is filled to the brim, when I send salawaat upon them, the blessings overflow on me just as would in an overfilled glass poured upon with added liquid.
With the barakah of Salawaat, we begin our reflective journey. Hoping for forgiveness from the Almighty, I stretch my hand to the reader too, to excuse my shortcomings and forgive my lapses.
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