4 Easy Practices in the Month of Ramadan, the Key to the Promised Paradise

Kapanlagi.com - Every year, Muslims around the world look forward to the arrival of this blessed month. The month of Ramadan is a special gift from Allah SWT, inviting every servant to draw closer, increase worship, and earn as many rewards as possible.

Ramadan is not just about refraining from hunger and thirst, but also a moment to maximize every second in doing good deeds for others. Often, we focus too much on the major acts of worship that must be performed during this holy month. However, do not forget that there are many simple practices that are often overlooked, yet hold great virtue and value in the sight of Allah.

These seemingly small and trivial acts may be the path to paradise for those who diligently worship during this blessed month. Quoted from Kapanlagi.com by NU Online Jatim, here are four simple practices in the month of Ramadan that can serve as a gateway to the paradise promised by Allah.

Let us observe and practice!

1. Spreading Greetings

Those who yearn for paradise are the spreaders of greetings, peace, and affection.

By saying "Assalamualaikum warahmatullahi wa barakatuh," we not only offer a greeting but also hope for the safety, mercy, and blessings of Allah SWT for our brothers and sisters.

The response we receive, "Wa'alaikumussalam warahmatullahi wa barakatuh," is a reply that reaffirms the same hope.

Although it may seem simple, this greeting holds deep meaning, as explained by Imam an-Nawawi in Syarah Sahih Muslim; greetings are not just words, but a symbol of peace, love, and harmony among us, whether with family, neighbors, or fellow Muslims.

In this context, greetings serve as a key to easing hostility and hatred, making Islam a primary motivator for exchanging greetings to create harmony and peace in our communal life.

2. Feeding

In addition to our obligation to provide for our families and pay zakat, the Prophet Muhammad SAW also highly encourages us to give charity, especially to those in need.

Why can giving food be a path to heaven? Because those who enjoy sharing food are individuals who are close to paradise.

In a narration by Imam Tirmidhi found in Sunan Tirmidhi, it is explained that a generous person is not only close to Allah but also close to paradise, close to fellow humans, and far from the fire of hell.

3. Establish Brotherhood and Relationships

In an interesting narration from Imam Hakim in the book Mustadrak ala Shahihain, there is a valuable message from Prophet Muhammad that touches the heart: there are three noble actions that can ease a person's reckoning before Allah and open the doors of heaven through His mercy.

When a companion asked about who was meant, the Prophet explained that it is those who give to those who hinder them, forgive those who act unjustly, and reconnect with those who sever ties of kinship.

When the companion was curious about the reward for such deeds, the Prophet emphasized that they would be reckoned lightly and promised paradise as a form of Allah's love. A call to do good and maintain relationships, right?

4. Performing Night Prayer

The night prayer is a special moment full of blessings, where we can draw closer to Allah while many people are asleep.

This worship not only demonstrates sincerity of heart but also serves as a sign that we are free from showing off and ostentation, as it is performed in silence.

Those who perform the night prayer are promised abundant rewards, and even the Prophet Muhammad SAW hinted that they will enter paradise without difficulty.

In his sayings, the Prophet emphasized that the best fast after Ramadan is in the month of Muharram, and the night prayer is the most important after the obligatory prayers.

May we all be able to perform this practice sincerely, as a step towards His pleasure, and may Allah grant paradise as the best reward for us. Ameen.

(kpl/rao)