Ramadan 2008 Chance to Heal Those Broken Promises
 By  Shayma Alshakshir Ramadan is on its way once more. Lucky are those who will be there when it arrives. Looking back at the last Ramadan, I remember the plans, promises and changes I intended to make which did not go exactly as planned. More sadly, I remember that I knew of people that were alive then, but this year they are gone! Who would have thought that they would not be able to get ‘one’ more Ramadan? Some of us take it for granted. We tend to only think of it when an incident as such takes place, and once we get through Ramadan; the reality of life just happens to slip through our minds. Those who do not forget and keep a record of their promises will surely be the winners.

Fasting: Spiritual food for our souls

Since Ramadan has not yet arrived, we can prepare our own ‘to be’ and ‘to do’ lists from today. We can mend those broken promises.

Every job has its rewards, incentives and recognition. Islam is no different-for every good dead is multiplied by ten times. In the month of Ramadan, we have tremendous incentives given to us: mercy, forgiveness and endless opportunities to gain rewardThe month of Ramadan is one of the best months of the year, in which Allah Almighty grants us the opportunity to cleanse our hearts and feed our thirsty souls with something that is everlasting: piety.

Fasting: Frees your imprisoned soul

Fasting is one recipe that frees our souls from temptations and from every prison we unintentionally invent around our souls. At one point, our Dua’as tap the doors of the sky hoping they would be answered. Joy is for those whose calls are answered by Allah Almighty in which he says: I hear you My servant, I hear you. The Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) told us: “Three supplications will not be rejected (by Allah) the supplication of the parent for his child, the supplication of the one who is fasting, and the supplication of the traveler. [Al-Bayhaqi, at-Tirmidhi - Sahih].

Aussie Youth: How are they preparing for Ramadan?

The Aussie youth seem eager to make the most of the upcoming Ramadan. Let’s see what are their plans and goals for this year’s Ramadan.

Huda, 16, Pakistani-Indian/Australian

Insha `Allah, this Ramadan, I plan on trying to be the best person I can in every aspect. I want to try getting close to Allah in understanding and acknowledging the deeper meaning behind things. Also, I want to try maintaining my 'Ramadan' persona throughout my life.

I think I feel more different in Ramadan. I spend less time in wasting the day because of how full it is- especially during school. Therefore, my daily routine is usually altered. I also feel better about myself because I know that I’m not lazing away my time which makes me more active and energetic to do other sorts of worship like Taraweeh and more night prayers. My tips for anyone wanting to feel or taste the beauty of the holy month of Ramadan would be to make sure that you use your time wisely, and to try to restrain from your bad habits.

Zuraya, 16, Albanian-Fijian/Australian

My plans for this Ramadan are to try and read the Quran, speak good or keep silent, try not to get angry, watch less TV and maybe throw out the radio. In Ramadan I feel different and happier. The weather usually gives me a more relaxed feeling. I intend to keep up with attending study circles (Halaqas) available in my local area insha `Allah.

Kamilah, 21, Pakistani-Indian/Australian

During Ramadan, I feel at peace, happy and content with myself especially when I pray. Plans for this Ramadan are to pray all the Taraweeh prayer in the mosque. Try my best to avoid evil and to do good. I want to try and step away from backstabbing (hopefully), and to read as much Quran as possible.

One thing that boosts my motivation to do good is to always learn of the reward one will get of doing a deed. Iftars with family and friends during Ramadan are a great way to keep the beauty of the Islamic spirit amongst us.

Aseel, 12, Palestinian/Australian

I am going to try to read as much Quran as possible since I never got the chance to finish reading the whole Quran.
My normal routine of daily life has a lot of playing around and relaxing, so maybe I could dedicate most of that time in doing some worship. In Ramadan, I really do feel different, I feel like I have taken a step closer to Allah and especially when I pray I seem to concentrate a lot better because I know that I should make the most of Ramadan, I go to sleep feeling happy and I sleep deeply and relaxed, unlike many days it is easier for me to get up for early morning breakfast before Fajr Prayer and go through the day fasting.

My number 1 tip for anyone wanting to feel the goodness of Ramadan is to try to pray as much as they can, especially at night, and make a lot of Duaa. I know it fills me with goodness, Alhamdullah.

Tasneem, 17, Palestinian/Australian

This Ramadan I'm planning on consolidating my relationship with my Creator. I want to gain more khushu and feel like a true Muslim who becomes humble and whose heart is filled with tranquillity upon hearing the Lord’s words. To attain this state I want to become committed to the night prayer, which includes Taraweeh. I also want to ponder upon the meaning of the Quran rather than just recite it.

During Ramadan drastic changes occur to the normal routine of daily life and this can take a while to adapt to. As a year twelve student, balancing between different tasks is probably the most difficult aspect of the experience. Waking up earlier, using up free time at school and making Duaa that our time is blessed is probably the most effective means of keeping up with the pressure.

When Ramadan arrives the whole atmosphere around me changes to become more peaceful and spiritual and that will reflect on the way I feel and the way I function.

The sort of activities I would like to have are things like group worship, because that strengthens the bond between people and encourages them to continue the good deeds even after Ramadan departs. If it is done with a good intention then hopefully Allah will place the goodness in the person’s heart.

Through fasting, we strengthen our drives and we learn a great lesson in patience. For everything there is charity and a charity for our souls and bodies is fasting, and fasting is patience.

As you read, the Aussie Muslim youth have come up with their own strategies to make the most of this Ramadan.

We ask Allah Almighty to grant us the opportunity and the strength to be part of those who will be there and to take the chance to review our hearts and restore the love and faith we might have missed at one point of our lives.

Quick Things to keep in mind

The month of Ramadan is an invitation from Allah to boost our faith; do not turn it awayProtect yourself from yourself

 The fruit of fasting is piety; our way to Paradise

Do not overload yourself with big plans

Do one good thing at a time, and add items as you go

Let it bse the month in which you start the new ‘you’  Shayma Alshakshir is studying professional writing and editing at Victoria University of Technology (VUT). She is involved with the VUT's student magazine and with voluntary community work including youth and tajweed classes. http://tinyurl.com/6luycw

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