Prayers in Ramadan

Rajnaara Akhtar finds out how people are inspired by additional prayers and seclusion during the holy month.

I'tikaf

Shifa Chachia is a young Muslim woman who devotes the last days of the month of Ramadan to observing Itikaf in her home, following the example of the Prophet who performed this in the Masjid during the last ten days of Ramadan each year. According to Fiqh Us Sunnah there are two types of I’tikaf: Sunnah and obligatory.

The Sunnah I'tikaf is performed when a Muslim wants to get closer to Allah by following the actions of the Prophet, especially during the  last ten days of Ramadan. The obligatory Itikaf is that which the person makes obligatory upon himself. This may be done, for example, by an oath. In Sahih al-Bukhari it is reported that the Prophet said: “Whoever makes an oath to obey Allah should be obedient to Him.” ‘Umar said: “O Messenger of Allah, I made an oath to perform I’tikaf one night in the mosque at Makkah.” The Prophet said: “Fulfill your oath.”

Shifa explains: “I have been performing I'tikaf for about four years now, mainly during the last ten days of Ramadan. However, I do not restrict it to Ramadan and also try to make the intention of I'tikaf (seclusion) when entering any mosque. I had the amazing opportunity of going to Jerusalem recently and made the intention for I'tikaf in Masjid Al-Aqsa. I have also done the same for the Masjid Al-Haram in Makkah and other Masjids I have visited.

During Ramadan, it is something different; more special. Throughout the rest of the year I feel myself getting lost or distanced from the things in life that bring peace and goodness. It’s the usual rat race and we all get lost in it at times. I'tikaf is my way of speaking to Allah and dedicating my time in something that will bring real everlasting benefit for me. I feel that at least once a year my body and mind really need to be refreshed, revitalized and re-equipped for the everyday tests and struggles that life brings. It helps me to refocus and realize what is important by detaching myself, for a little while, from the worries of life. There are so many people out there looking for peace, and I want to tell them: I'tikaf can bring you that.

The benefits cannot really be put into words, whether speaking spiritually or physically. I come out of I'tikaf having spent a lot of time thinking about my being, my purpose, and what I really want to achieve in my life. It is so refreshing! Today the world has become such that it revolves around material comforts and gains.

It is nice to be able to take a step back and contemplate and be thankful for the things we tend to get accustomed to. There are so many who lack the material comforts that are our norm and I often think about them more during I'tikaf, bringing out a greater sense of humanity.

I would advise every Muslim to try I'tikaf at least once, in order to get that much needed bat-tery re-charge and realize what devotion to Allah really can mean. It is important to ensure that in the time leading up to I'tikaf, one clears ones mind of all concerns and makes the intention solely for Allah, in order to gain His pleasure. The rest then becomes very easy.

I cannot stress enough how much the time you have with yourself and Allah alone can change one’s life for the better. Also, I feel for those who do not have the opportunity or time to take the immense benefits offered by Allah in Itikaf. I would say to all those people; life’s way too short, find time!”

The Tarawih Prayers

Aisha Janjua is a doctor who started learning more about Islam since when she was a second year student at Medical School. This lead to an increase in her practice of Islam.

Aisha says: “When I began practicing Islam I wanted to utilize every opportunity to get closer to Allah. I wasn’t used to praying in congregation because the Asian culture seems to exclude women from the mosques. When I realised I could pray in congregation on campus, I took part without hesitation.

The Tarawih prayers of Ramadan allow me to dedicate time to Allah and His worship, and the congregational prayer reinforces the idea of togetherness in Ramadan. It has drawn me closer to my Muslim sisters in the past as praying together often does, and it also allows me to contemplate more, listen to the Qu’ran and grow closer to Allah. Although there is some discrepancy over the length of the prayers, I always pray 20 rakaat because I don’t want to lose the opportunity for rewards from Allah.

Every single second of the month is so precious and it’s very important to make the most of the invaluable opportunity presented to us. This is especially so in the last 10 days when I feel like I want to emulate the Prophet, where you roll up your sleeves and put all your energy into the spirit of Ramadan.

Ramadan has so many blessings, and for me it brings peace to my life, strengthens my focus, gives me confidence, and brings unbelievable happiness and contentment; all through a closer relationship with Allah, and the sisters I see so often who remind me of good deeds.

On the practical front, the Tarawih prayers are often quite long and can stretch to two hours. Although I do not understand Arabic, I try listening to the Imam’s recitation to understand some of the words that I can recognise from studying translations or knowing Urdu (they have a few words which have the same meanings.)

It is very difficult to concentrate sometimes when you’re not used to the routine and at those times I focus on the Qur’an being recited and on Allah. Sometimes, I find closing my eyes helps to remove visual stimuli that can be disturbing. One important thing is to wear comfortable clothing! The last thing you want to be doing is pulling your sleeves or re-adjusting your Hijab whilst trying to concentrate on the spiritual side of Tarawih.