17/03/2024
SACRED SHOWERS: RAMADAN, RAIN, AND THE DIVINE BENISON
By: AbdulMalik Adeyemo
Oh! Hearts feel like August all over again in the tranquil embrace of the holy month of Ramadan, a celestial phenomenon which ushers in other phenomena of its kind such as rain. Ramadan unfolds as raindrops gently dance upon the earth, merging spirituality with the rhythm of the rainy season. Guided by the profound teachings of the Qur'an and Hadith, this serendipitous connection weaves a tapestry of divine reflections for Muslims worldwide especially during the last ten days of this holy month.
The nights (not daylight) of the last ten days of Ramadan are the best of nights. Allah Himself described one of these nights, the night of majesty or Laylat-ul-Qadr as one night which is "better than a thousand months". (Quran 97:3) During these nights, rain and revelation converge in a symphony of divine grace. One of the narrations by Abu Sa`id Al-Khudri (May Allah be pleased with him) where he saw the Prophet (Peace Be Upon Him) at the completion of the morning prayer during this period leaving with his face covered with mud and rain water emphasizes this. (Sahih al-Bukhari, 2018. Book 32: 5).
The blessings of Allah that accompany Ramadan are endless. Of the essence of Ramadan as a spiritual symphony, the following are easily remembered:
1. Spiritual purification through fasting: Allah says in the glorious Qur'an "O you who believe, fasting has been prescribed upon you as it was prescribed upon those before you, that you may become righteous". (Quran 2:183) Beyond the physical act of abstaining from sustenance, Ramadan is a spiritual voyage—a cleansing of the soul. Fasting becomes a channel for self-discipline, empathy, and gratitude, echoing the profound teachings encapsulated in the Qur'an.
2. Divine culmination in the last ten days: the last ten days of Ramadan emerge as a sacred culmination. In these days, Muslims intensify devotion, seeking Laylat-ul-Qadr — the night of majesty — when the Quran was first revealed. In a narration by 'A'isha (Allah be pleased with her), she said that "the Prophet (Peace Be Upon Him) used to exert himself in devotion during the last ten nights to a greater extent than at any other time". (Sahih Muslim 1175. Book 14:9) This underscores the extraordinary significance of this period as it represents a time of intensified spiritual focus, prayer, and reflection for Muslims.
3. The teaching of charity and compassion: this again examplifies the great similarity between Ramadan and the rain. Rain is a direct blessing of Allah from the heavens; and just as it nourishes the earth to bring forth seedlings, Ramadan nourishes the spirit of charity and compassion in Muslims. The last ten days amplify this call to benevolence, encouraging Muslims to extend generosity to those in need. Allah has said in the holy Qur'an "the example of those who spend their wealth in the way of Allah is like that of a grain that sprouts seven ears, and in every ear, there are a hundred grains." (Quran 2:261) This Quranic verse beautifully illustrates the concept of charity and its far-reaching impact. The imagery of a single grain sprouting seven ears, each with a hundred grains, symbolizes the manifold rewards that arise from acts of generosity in the path of Allah. As Muslims engage in acts of charity during the last ten days of Ramadan, this verse serves as a reminder of the bountiful returns that await those who selflessly give.
In conclusion, the sacred convergence of Ramadan and the rainy season makes Muslims witness a celestial symphony — a divine dance between rain and revelation. As we navigate the spiritual landscape of fasting, prayer, and reflection, the raindrops become a gentle reminder of the interconnected beauty of nature and faith. With the last ten days serving as the crescendo of Ramadan's spiritual symphony, Muslims find solace in the divine downpour and the transformative power of Laylat-ul-Qadr. The rain, in its gentle descent, mirrors the blessings that Allah bestows upon those who ardently seek His mercy during this sacred month.