Oman

Ramadhan enters second phase; time to ask for forgiveness

 
MUSCAT: Mosques in and around Muscat became more active as more people began to stay overnight seeking Almighty’s forgiveness upon His slaves as the holy month of Ramadhan entered the second part of the ten days today.

The holy Quran says that the first 10 days of the holy month of Ramadhan are the days of 'Mercy of Allah' while the following ten days are 'Forgiveness from Allah' and the last being 'Salvation from hellfire'.

These ten days are the days to seek forgiveness from Almighty Allah, and for the very reason, they are of great importance to a believer as the days of fasting are moving forward taking us on an intangible spiritual voyage.

The Prophet (SAW) said about the blessed month of Ramadhan: ’And it is a month, the first (part) of which is mercy, the middle (part) of which is forgiveness and the last (part) of which is freedom from the Fire’. [Ibn Khuzaimah]. Religious scholars opine that the second phase of the three phases of Ramadhan is the real testing ground of one's integrity, adherence to human values and the ability to let go all the material pleases that we look forward to, during the day.

According to religious scholars, some of the traits that we can try to increase during these days are, continuously extinguishing one's sins, giving charity and taking care of the poor and destitute.

'Since the time of prophet Muhammad (May Peace be Upon Him), the second ten days of the holy month is more prosperous and one should cultivate better values inside him/her and discard unwanted feelings like hatred and jealousy,' said Hatim Abdissalam, a religious scholar based in Muscat.

'Giving or doing charity is one of the good deeds and feeding a poor is the best out of them because it could be just smiling at people, simply saying a good word and a quick online donation to the needy are the best charities. A good way to downweigh one's sins is through Sadaqah Jariyah, such as planting an olive tree, sponsoring an orphan or building a water well,' he added.

It is always great to learn to forgive and we can always forgive others and forget their mistakes so that you will be forgiven.

'One can also keep a tab on to forgive anyone whom one had an issue with, altercation or verbal fight with. If you are holding onto any anger, bitterness or pain, it will help neither you nor them - in fact, you could be missing out on Allah’s forgiveness because of it. Take the first step towards building bridges, as Allah forgives those who have a forgiving nature,' Hatim added.

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