Assalamualykum

With less then a day to go to the end of the month of Rajab, the countdown
to Ramadaan intensifies. The passing of every day results not only in an
increase of enthusiasm but anxiety and stress as well. The reason being that
Ramadaan is "the" month in the world of Islamic Media. The listenership in
Radio increases, listeners are more receptive, and the general desire to
learn is stronger. Hence the pressure to "deliver" is immence .Coupled with
that as an Alim there is the added responsibility of Taraweeh and lecture
programmes.

I've described what occupies my mind in the weeks leading up to the most
blessed month of the year. What occupies your mind? For the ladies it might
be white meat, savories and eid clothes,etc. For men, it might be what all
of this is going to cost over and above the zakaat that needs to be paid and
the army of charity collectors who will come knocking.

The question that escapes most of our minds every year is: What occupied the
mind of Nabi-e-Kareem (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) prior to Ramadaan? What
does the famous dua "Allahumma barick lanaa fi rajaba wa sa`baan wa
ballighnaa ramadaan" teach us?

By making this dua two months prior to Ramadaan, Nabi-e-Kareem (Sallallahu
Alaihi Wasallam) highlights the importance of preparing mentally and
spiritually for the this great month prior to its commencement.

Decrease in sin, increasing good deeds, making sincere taubah and slowly
building up momentum is what is required during this remaining month of
Sha'baan. We need to try and clear our schedules and do as much as we can
now to free ourselves for ibaadah during the blessed month.

The reason we have not previously benefited to the maximum from Ramadaan is
because we entered Ramadaan unprepared. We continued with our normal routine
and expected things to change when Ramadaan commenced.

Let us make it different this year by preparing mentally, spiritually and
physically.

The fan which has been spinning needs to stop early, otherwise the momentum
of our wrongful ways will take us through Ramadaan without offering
ourselves the chance of redemption.

Shukran

Sulaimaan