MidReal Story

Whispers of Forgiveness: A Ramadan Journey

ahsan zaman

Scenario:In this hadith, the Prophet (ﷺ) is encouraging us to offer prayers during the nights of Ramadan, commonly known as the Taraweeh prayers, and the great reward waiting for those who choose to do so. Ramadan is a month full of blessings in which the doors of paradise are opened and the gates of hell are closed. One of the great blessings of this month is the opportunity to pray the Taraweeh prayers, which are offered between the Isha and Witr prayers. The Prophet (ﷺ) mentioned two things as conditions to obtain the reward attached to offering these prayers: The person must have faith – Meaning the person is a Muslim who believes in all of Islam’s tenets. Hope for reward – Meaning the person is hoping for reward from Allah for performing the Taraweeh prayers. The person is not doing it to be seen or rewarded by the people, rather, he/she is sincerely doing it for only Allah’s pleasure. Then the Prophet (ﷺ) mentioned the result of those who fulfill the previous two conditions that all of their previous sins will be forgiven. It should be noted that this is in reference to only those types of sins which violate the rights of Allah and not other individuals. If the sins are of latter nature, then the person must seek forgiveness from Allah and right the wrongs committed against others by either compensating them for their lost rights or seeking their forgiveness. For example, if a person stole another’s wealth, then he/she must return it back to its rightful owner unless the victim forgoes the right and chooses instead to forgive the perpetrator. The main lesson from this hadith is to take full advantage of the night prayers in Ramadan.

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In this hadith, the Prophet (ﷺ) is encouraging us to offer prayers during the nights of Ramadan, commonly known as the Taraweeh prayers, and the great reward waiting for those who choose to do so. Ramadan is a month full of blessings in which the doors of paradise are opened and the gates of hell are closed. One of the great blessings of this month is the opportunity to pray the Taraweeh prayers, which are offered between the Isha and Witr prayers. The Prophet (ﷺ) mentioned two things as conditions to obtain the reward attached to offering these prayers: The person must have faith – Meaning the person is a Muslim who believes in all of Islam’s tenets. Hope for reward – Meaning the person is hoping for reward from Allah for performing the Taraweeh prayers. The person is not doing it to be seen or rewarded by the people, rather, he/she is sincerely doing it for only Allah’s pleasure. Then the Prophet (ﷺ) mentioned the result of those who fulfill the previous two conditions that all of their previous sins will be forgiven. It should be noted that this is in reference to only those types of sins which violate the rights of Allah and not other individuals. If the sins are of latter nature, then the person must seek forgiveness from Allah and right the wrongs committed against others by either compensating them for their lost rights or seeking their forgiveness. For example, if a person stole another’s wealth, then he/she must return it back to its rightful owner unless the victim forgoes the right and chooses instead to forgive the perpetrator. The main lesson from this hadith is to take full advantage of the night prayers in Ramadan.

Fatima AlSalem

Aliyah's best friend and confidante, relationship with Aliyah and Khalid, petite with bright eyes, loyal and humorous

Khalid AlRashid

Aliyah's brother and spiritual guide, relationship with Aliyah and friends, tall with a gentle face, wise and supportive

Aliyah Hassan

devout Muslim, relationships with family and community, slender with hijab, compassionate and introspective

I tugged hard on my duvet, trying to get myself out of the warmth and comfort of my bed.

My alarm had gone off an hour ago, but I had chosen to ignore it, snuggling deeper into my blanket instead.

Now though, I had to get up.

I had to pray.

It was Ramadan, the month in which Muslims fasted from food and drink, but also the month in which we prayed more than usual.

Every night after the last prayer of the day – Isha – my brother Khalid and his friends would pray Taraweeh: extra prayers that were prayed in congregation during Ramadan.

They were long prayers, but they were also rewarding ones.

Each day, a portion of the Quran would be recited, until by the end of Ramadan, the entire Quran had been read.

It was beautiful to listen to, and even more beautiful to pray myself.