-Muslim Students Association of Cyprus International University
Ramadan is a month of spiritual rejuvenation and self-reflection for Muslims all around the world. It is a time to focus on our relationship with Allah (SWT) and seek forgiveness for our sins. So what is the importance of seeking forgiveness during Ramadan and what are some ways to do it?
First of all, Why Seek Forgiveness during Ramadan?
Ramadan is a time when the gates of heaven are open and the gates of hell are closed. It is a time when Allah (SWT) showers His mercy and blessings upon His servants. Seeking forgiveness during Ramadan is particularly important because it is the month of forgiveness. Allah (SWT) forgives the sins of those who seek forgiveness with a sincere heart.
وَٱسْتَغْفِرُوا۟ رَبَّكُمْ ثُمَّ تُوبُوٓا۟ إِلَيْهِ ۚ إِنَّ رَبِّى رَحِيمٌۭ وَدُودٌۭ
“And ask forgiveness of your Lord and repent to Him, indeed, my Lord is Merciful and Loving.” (Quran 11:90)
Moreover, seeking forgiveness during Ramadan is a way to purify ourselves and improve our relationship with Allah (SWT). It is a time to reflect on our actions and seek forgiveness for our sins. It is a time to ask Allah (SWT) for guidance and strength to do better in the future.
How to Seek Forgiveness in Ramadan?
There are several ways to seek forgiveness during Ramadan. Here are some of them:
- Istighfar: Istighfar is the act of seeking forgiveness from Allah (SWT). It is a simple yet powerful way to seek forgiveness. We should try to recite istighfar as often as possible during Ramadan.
أَجْرًۭا ۚ وَٱسْتَغْفِرُوا۟ ٱللَّهَ ۖ إِنَّ ٱللَّهَ غَفُورٌۭ رَّحِيمٌۢ
“And seek forgiveness of Allah. Indeed, Allah is Forgiving and Merciful.” (Quran 73:20)
- Salah: Salah is the most important act of worship in Islam. It is a way to connect with Allah (SWT) and seek His forgiveness. We should try to offer our five daily prayers on time and with sincerity.
وَأَقِيمُوا۟ ٱلصَّلَوٰةَ وَءَاتُوا۟ ٱلزَّكَوٰةَ وَٱرْكَعُوا۟ مَعَ ٱلرَّٰكِعِينَ
“So establish prayer and give zakah and seek forgiveness from Allah, indeed, Allah is Forgiving and Merciful.” (Quran 2:43)
- Quran: The Quran is the word of Allah (SWT) and a source of guidance and comfort for Muslims. We should try to read and understand the Quran during Ramadan. It is a way to seek forgiveness and improve our relationship with Allah (SWT).
وَنُنَزِّلُ مِنَ ٱلْقُرْءَانِ مَا هُوَ شِفَآءٌۭ وَرَحْمَةٌۭ لِّلْمُؤْمِنِينَ ۙ وَلَا يَزِيدُ ٱلظَّـٰلِمِينَ إِلَّا خَسَارًۭا
“We send down in the Quran that which is healing and mercy to the believers.” (Quran 17:82)
- Charity: Charity is a way to seek forgiveness and earn the blessings of Allah (SWT). We should try to give charity during Ramadan, whether it is in the form of money or time.
وَأَقِيمُوا۟ ٱلصَّلَوٰةَ وَءَاتُوا۟ ٱلزَّكَوٰةَ ۚ وَمَا تُقَدِّمُوا۟ لِأَنفُسِكُم مِّنْ خَيْرٍۢ تَجِدُوهُ عِندَ ٱللَّهِ ۗ إِنَّ ٱللَّهَ بِمَا تَعْمَلُونَ بَصِيرٌۭ
“And establish prayer and give zakah, and whatever good you put forward for yourselves — you will find it with Allah. Indeed, Allah of what you do, is Seeing.” (Quran 2:110)
- Dua: Dua is the act of supplicating to Allah (SWT). We should try to make dua during Ramadan and ask Allah (SWT) for forgiveness and guidance.
وَقَالَ رَبُّكُمُ ٱدْعُونِىٓ أَسْتَجِبْ لَكُمْ ۚ إِنَّ ٱلَّذِينَ يَسْتَكْبِرُونَ عَنْ عِبَادَتِى سَيَدْخُلُونَ جَهَنَّمَ دَاخِرِينَ
“And your Lord says, ‘Call upon Me; I will respond to you.’ Indeed, those who disdain My worship will enter Hell [rendered] contemptible.” (Quran 40:60)
In conclusion, seeking forgiveness during Ramadan is an important part of our spiritual journey as Muslims. It is a way to purify ourselves and improve our relationship with Allah (SWT). We should try to seek forgiveness with a sincere heart and make a conscious effort to improve our actions in the future. May Allah (SWT) grant us forgiveness and guide us on the path of righteousness. Ameen.
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