By Iylia Marsya Iskandar
John Donnes œNo man is an island has invoked researchers into critically analysing the meaning between the lines, putting everyone in a manner of realisation.
Putting things in perspective, the title of the poem has been straightforward; that no matter how empty one feels in a world full of wonders, no matter how isolated or lonesome does one feel in a world of billions, it all comes down to one small fact. No one is ever truly alone in this world and our actions are interconnected with others.
Growing up as a Muslim, the saying œIn our rizq, there are other peoples rizq as well have always been implanted in my mind, consciously making me strive to lift myself up to be successful, so I can always help those in need. I believe this is the same case scenario for every Muslim worldwide especially in this month of Ramadan where everyone is struggling to be the best version of himself or herself. Adding on, the famous phrase also signifies how we Muslims are interconnected as brothers and sisters of Islam despite our differences in wealth or rankings, as everyone is equal in the sight of Allah.
Reflecting on Ramadan and charity, we should not look far away from our very own qudwah hasanah.
Imam Al-Bukhari and Muslim reported that Ibn ˜Abbas had said, œThe Prophet (PBUH) was the most generous of people. He used to be the most generous in Ramadan when he would meet with angel Jibrail and study the Quran with him. Angel Jibrail would meet with the Prophet every night in Ramadan to teach him the Quran. The Prophet was so generous when he met with Jibrail, more generous than the wind that brings rain.
Furthermore, Al-Bayhaqi reported that ˜Aishah had said, œWhen Ramadhan would start, the Prophet would release all prisoners of war and fulfil the need of every person who would ask him for something.
This increased generosity of the Prophet (PBUH) in Ramadan has several reasons and indications that we have to pay attention to, among them are:
- Ramadan is an honourable and a blessed month, and the rewards for generosity are multiplied in this month. The Prophet (PBUH) said,
œThe best charity is that given in Ramadan. [At-Tirmidhi].
- This is a source of help and support to the ones fasting. To encourage this, the Prophet said,
œWhoever provides the food for a fasting person to break his fast with, then for him is the same reward as his (the fasting person’s), without anything being diminished from the reward of the fasting person. [At-Tirmidhi]
Even though charity in Ramadan is especially emphasised, mankind as social creatures where it is in our fitrah to do good things has been regularly practising charity be it in monetary form or others.
This has led us to be generous, considerate and most importantly, selfless.
Selflessness to help others is often clapped upon but this has led us to overlook the most important charity of all, which is the charity to ourselves.
This world is nothing but a temporary harvesting ground for us in our quest to gain the ultimate reward; Jannah. It is no doubt that by doing charity can take you even 10,000 steps closer to goodness but have you been kind enough on yourself to pack up some baggage of improvement on your deen?
In this month of giving, I believe that it is utmost important to spend some time to give charity to ourselves as well.
It is okay to tend to your work a little bit late and finish up that one juz of the Quran.
Dhikr while cooking for iftar will give nothing but benefits to yourself and your family.
Starting to cover your aurah properly in Ramadan for Allah and yourself is praiseworthy.
Sharing Islamic quotes on social media will only give you reward and beneficial for others as well.
Just starting to recite the Quran in this month will bring you closer to Allah.
Praying on time will only make your days longer and blessed.
Reciting istighfar will ease your mind.
The month of Ramadan is a month of ibadah.
I believe that these are often the acts of charity to ourselves that we have missed while selflessly helping others. The month of Ramadan should not only be spent solely to help others but also to help purify ourselves and rekindle our relationship with Allah. As the popular saying goes, a journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step, thus we do not need extravagant steps to start helping ourselves, it can be as small as stop delaying prayers.
However, in our journey to improve and be œcharitable to ourselves, we should always be reminded that no one shares the same shoes in the journey. Subconsciously, people tend to compare their lows with the best version of others. Religion is not a competition. We cannot compare our level 1 to someone elses level 10. It does not matter where you start, as long as you keep going.
May this Ramadan be a time that will make us steadfast and istiqamah as in other months as well.***