This Ramadan, Ask

In the Qur’an, Allah subhanahu wa ta`ala (exalted is He) tells us clearly that fasting is made obligatory upon us:

“O you who have believed, decreed upon you is fasting as it was decreed upon those before you that you may become righteous,” (Qur’an, 2:183).

Allah (swt) tells us about fasting and who is exempt, and right in the middle of these verses, He reminds us that He is near:

“And when My servants ask you, [O Muhammad], concerning Me – indeed I am near. I respond to the invocation of the supplicant when he calls upon Me,” (Qur’an, 2:186).

When we are fasting from food and drink, we are made to realize how in need we are of Him. We are distracted the entire year but Ramadan reminds us: Allah (swt) is near to us! Allah (swt) is near to YOU.

So ask Him.

In every sajda (prostration), just before you break your fast, and in the early hours. Ask Him in those moments when you feel your heart is broken, or when you have been let down or simply when you want someone to listen.

Be right there at Allah’s doors knocking every single day and night. If you were to stand at the door of a human being and knock multiple times a day every single day, they will open that door even if they do not like you.

Now imagine that you are at the door of al-Fattah (THE One who opens doors), al-Wadud (the Affectionate), ar-Rahman (the Most Merciful) and al-Mujeeb (the One who answers). You are at the door of the One who LOVES when you ask Him. You are at the door of the One who does not lose anything by giving to you. And you are at the door of the One who said, “Call upon Me; I will respond to you,” (Qur’an, 40:60).

We create mental blocks in our mind to prevent ourselves from asking because we are afraid of being rejected. We are afraid to lay bare our needs to our Creator because: what if He rejects us? Who else do we have?

But with Allah (swt), you can be vulnerable. Allah (swt) never, ever turns away those who seek Him. He knows everything you are going through without you saying a word.

In His wisdom, He teaches through the process of giving. Some things will come easy. Other things will take time. But remember that al-Mujeeb will respond with His mercy and wisdom. When you ask Allah (swt) knowing just these two attributes, your eyes and heart will always be open to the good, because you know what kind of Lord you have. You have everything to gain and absolutely nothing to lose, so pray with all your heart.

Make this a Ramadan of du`a’ (supplications). Think of the things that you truly want for both dunya (this world) and akhira (the Hereafter), or try to visualize where you want to be this time next year. And focus on those things, knowing that He is there and that He heard everything—that even when your tongue was tied but your eyes brimmed with tears, and you could not find the words: He heard your heart.

Ramadan task: One way to keep hope alive is by keeping a journal of “answered du`a’“. Write down the du`a’ that Allah (swt) has answered, both the big things and the small, and you will see all the times Allah has been there for you.