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By:
Dr. Maher Hathout
As
our blessed month of Ramadan is approaching, we need to reflect and
prepare ourselves spiritually for this month. God gives us so many
opportunities to be close as possible to Him. Through the Qur’an
and the teachings and lessons of Prophet Muhammad (P), we can almost
guarantee this closeness. During this season when we are preparing
ourselves to receive the light of the revelation, at the top of the list
should be the process of having our hearts completely pure and clean.
This cleansing process is mandatory to prepare our hearts to receive the
gifts of God.
There
is a systematic approach that we can take to reach this level. The
Qur’an actually gives us guidance in a step-wise method.
Step
1
Clear your heart towards people.
Most
of us are ready to evaluate others, their good and bad, but do we ever
reflect on our shortcomings. Those who fail to hold themselves
accountable will never reach a stage of improvement. “But nay, I
call to witness the accusing voice of man’s own conscience.” (75:2)
As the Prophet Muhammad (P) said, “Glad tidings to that person who is
preoccupied by his own shortcomings rather than delving into other
people’s shortcomings.”
Step
2
Be objective, fair and just.
The
Qur’an teaches us very clearly not to have a double standard.
“…but when they have to measure or weigh whatever they owe to others,
give less than what is due” (83:3), and “O you who have attained
faith, be ever steadfast in your devotion to God, bearing witness to the
truth in all equity; and never let hatred of anyone lead you into the sin
of deviating from justice. Be just, this is closest to being
God-conscious, and remain conscious of God. Verily God is aware of
all that you do.” (5:8)
Step
3
Could it be that the other person is better than me?
Do
not ridicule or mock people. Those people that you mock may be
better than you in the eye of God. “O you who have attained to
faith, no men shall deride other men. It may well be that those whom
they deride are better than themselves…” (49:11)
Step
4
Control your anger.
This is a step farther
than just being fair. Don’t act through the impulse of anger.
“…who spend in His way in time of plenty and in time of hardship and
hold in check their anger…” (3:134) |
