Only a few days remain until the advent of Ramadan; most people have started sending each other greetings on the occasion of this virtuous month, and the majority has made preparations to receive this noble month. The Mus-hafs (copies of the Quran) have been distributed, the places for prayer have been prepared and fridges are stocked with the customary food eaten during this month. Some people have even scheduled their family and social visits and get-togethers, besides making other preparations and arrangements.
However, the important question that we must not ignore is: Are we really going to reach Ramadan? Have we been guaranteed fasting during this blessed month?
As strange as this question may seem to some, when reflected upon, it is, in fact, very realistic and logical. For in the coming days, Allah will probably take away the lives of numerous people in our small local communities alone; are we, then, guaranteed that we will not be among them?
Perhaps the writer or one of the readers of this article will be among them; or perhaps one of our relatives or beloved ones would be among those chosen by the Lord Almighty before the beginning of the month. Nevertheless, the (rewards of) deeds depend upon intentions.
Being certain of the fact that we would reach this month is extending one's hopes without any real basis. If we think it over, we will find that most of those who died in the days preceding Ramadan had been ready for this month, and perhaps even for the ‘Eed after it. However, when fate befalls anyone, there would be no way to flee from it, as Allah The Almighty Says (what means): {So when their time has come, they will not remain behind an hour, nor will they precede [it].} [Quran 7:34]
No doubt the setting of the sun on the last day before Ramadan upon us, while we are living, affirming the Oneness of Allah The Almighty, and having the intention to observe the fasts and stand in prayer in the nights of Ramadan, is indeed a great favor from the Lord Almighty. For this reason, the true believers ask their Lord The Almighty, from the depth of their hearts, to enable them to reach that month. If they catch up with it, they ask Him, faithfully and sincerely, to aid them to observe its fasts and to stand in prayer in its nights. No one can observe fasts and stand in prayer in the nights of this month unless he seeks the aid of his Lord The Almighty. The believer always says, from the depth of his heart (what means): {It is You we worship and You we ask for help.} [Quran 1:5]
The devils and rebels among the Jinn will be chained during this month, in order to help the believers obey their Lord The Almighty. But who will stop the devils of mankind?
If some such people are neither considerate of the feelings of the Muslims nor fear their Lord The Almighty before that time, nor do they have any shame/modesty to speak of, they should be deterred by law or authority.
The owners of satellite channels must stop broadcasting programs depicting dissoluteness, nakedness and decadence, especially during this month, as well as after it.
The owners of newspapers and magazines should stop displaying licentious photos intended, regrettably, only for sexual stimulation.
Writers are required to abide by the morals of Islam, and not engage in what is impermissible, at the very least during this month.
The owners of cafes are required not to turn on the channels of music, singing and serials that contradict the etiquette of the fasting persons in this month.
Whoever wishes to advertise his product on a roadside hoarding, in a mall, or in a means of public transportation, let him fear Allah The Almighty and avoid pictures that may annul or corrupt the fast of those who are fasting or the prayer of those who stand in night prayer.
The owners of hotels, resorts and health spas are responsible before Allah The Almighty for their activities, programs, and whatever takes place in their premises, especially during this month, as well as other months.
Let them fear Allah The Almighty concerning the Muslims, and know that the favors (of Allah bestowed upon them) come to an end due to sins and misdeeds.
Unless these people and others of their ilk respond, fear their Lord Almighty, and respect this month and its rank, the state should have an effective role in this matter. The people of knowledge should petition the respective ministries to oblige the heedless to respect this month and to respect the Muslims and their rites: perhaps some would be deterred by the power of authority if not by the Quran; and Allah guides whomever He likes to a straight path.