Main Topic
Preparing the heart for the blessed month of Ramadan by instilling deep love (mahabbah) for Allah Subhana wa Ta'ala and Nabi Kareem (Sallallahu alayhi wasallam) to make worship enjoyable rather than burdensome.
Key Lessons
- Viewing acts of worship or the approaching month of Ramadan as heavy or burdensome indicates a missing core ingredient in one's faith: love for Allah and His Messenger (Sallallahu alayhi wasallam).
- Just as sugar sweetens tea, love transforms difficult duties into delightful acts of devotion.
- The contrast between a genuine believer and a superficial one is like a real fragrant flower versus an artificial imitation flower that yields no growth or perfume.
- The Sahaba (Radiyallahu anhum) prioritized divine love and eternal closeness to Nabi Kareem (Sallallahu alayhi wasallam) over any worldly leadership, wealth, or comfort.
Quranic/Hadith References
- Surah Ali 'Imran (3:31): "Qul in kuntum tuhibbunallaha fattabi'uni yuhibbikumullah..." (If you love Allah, follow me, Allah will love you and forgive your sins).
- Incident of Khaibar: The Prophet (Sallallahu alayhi wasallam) declared he would hand the flag to a man who loves Allah and His Messenger, and whom Allah and His Messenger love (given to Sayyiduna Ali Radiyallahu anhu).
- Narrations of Suffah: A Sahabi who prepared Tahajjud water for the Prophet (Sallallahu alayhi wasallam) was asked what he desired, and he requested only the Prophet's companionship in Jannah.
Practical Advice
- Frequently recite supplications begging Allah Subhana wa Ta'ala for His divine love and the love of Nabi Kareem (Sallallahu alayhi wasallam).
- Evaluate your inner anticipation for Ramadan and strive to replace feelings of hesitation or tiredness with eagerness and joy.
- Guard congregational Salah, Tahajjud, and Quranic recitation, refusing to compromise them for temporary worldly gains.
Hazrat Moulana Dawood Seedat Saheb