Port Shepstone Ladies Programme

Main Topic

Preparing for the blessed month of Ramadan by cultivating taqwa (Allah-consciousness), purifying the heart from spiritual diseases, and eliminating time-wasting distractions to maximize spiritual benefits.

Key Lessons

• The gift of Iman is far more valuable than any worldly wealth or material possession, yet many fail to appreciate its true worth.
• Laylatul Bara'ah (15th Shabaan) serves as a spiritual clean-slate to scrape away sins before Ramadan beautifies the heart.
• True taqwa is not a fear born of terror, but a loving reverence and fear of breaking one's cherished bond with Allah Subhanahu wa Ta'ala.
• Fasting suppresses the nafs and illuminates the heart with Quranic light, elevating one toward divine recognition (Marifat).
• Spiritual numbness often stems from unrepented sins, internal diseases like ghibat (backbiting) and envy, and frivolous distractions.

Quranic/Hadith References

• Surah Al-Baqarah (2:183): "Ya ayyuhalladhina amanu kutiba alaykum as-siyam..." – Fasting is prescribed so that believers may attain taqwa.
• Surah Al-Baqarah (2:208): "Udkhulu fis silmi kafah" – Enter into Islam completely without leaving room for deficiency.
• Surah Az-Zariyat (51:56): "Wa ma khalaqtul-jinna wal-insa illa li-ya'budun" – Jinn and mankind were created solely to worship and recognize Allah.
• Hadith on Ramadan's stages: The first ten days are mercy, the second ten are forgiveness, and the final ten are emancipation from the Fire.
• Hadith of Ubayy ibn Ka'b (RA): Prophet Muhammad (Sallallahu alayhi wasallam) waking his family in the last third of the night, reminding them of death and the blowing of the trumpet.
• Hadith on Fasting: Warning that many fasting people gain nothing from their fast except hunger due to backbiting and sinning.

Practical Advice

• Establish a strict daily schedule for Ramadan and stick to it, maintaining spiritual routines (dua, dhikr, tafsir) even during non-praying days.
• Eliminate digital distractions by exiting non-essential group chats and deleting time-consuming apps for the duration of the month.
• Wake up during the last portion of the night for Tahajjud to connect directly with Allah in silent devotion.
• Simplify meals and reduce excess food prep and social gatherings to focus energy on worship and spiritual reflection.