Ramzan is the month of blessings, abundance, and forgiveness.
This is the month in which every sincere prayer goes straight to the heavens,
Allah Almighty says, "I am closest to my servant when he sits down for Iftar. Whatever prayer he makes at that time will not be rejected." This is the moment when, after spending the whole day in hunger and thirst, the body is weak and the heart is soft. Eyes are moist, lips are dry, and the heart is acknowledging its need. This is the state that turns prayer from words into sobs, and this is the moment when a servant is closest to his Lord.
But alas, what are we doing today..?
What do the scenes look like a little before Iftar?
Stoves are burning in the kitchen, pakoras and samosas are being fried on one side, and delicious drinks etc. are being used to decorate the table on the other. Where hands should be raised for prayers, we are spending this precious time running around in the kitchen, and in the cycle of this hustle and bustle, we are missing out on the moments when blessings are raining down from the sky. We have turned Iftar into a celebration instead of worship, whereas the real beauty of Iftar is in simplicity, in gratitude, in prayer.
That prayer that could change destiny, those tears that could wash away sins, those few moments that could make the path to Paradise easier, we are losing them ourselves,
The prayer at the time of Iftar is not just words, but it is a hope from one's Lord, and we are depriving ourselves of that hope. Why do we forget that different kinds of delicacies on the table give pleasure for a few moments, but our prayer can become a source of comfort forever.
Will our heart allow that Pure Being, who is ready to change His "Be" decree upon our one call, and we are running around in the kitchen?
That Lord who is waiting for us to ask Him for something, and we are entangled in stoves and plates?
Isn't it enough to put a few simple things on the table?
Isn't it possible that we take some time out and dedicate these precious moments to tears and prayers?
This blessed month is granted to us after waiting for 11 months. Can't we give priority to this one month over those 11 months?
Can't we spend this one month only in worship?
This table can be decorated in the remaining eleven months as well, but these moments of acceptance of Iftar are only available in Ramadan.
We should organize our routines, complete the preparation of food first, and sit down leaving all work at least 5-10 minutes before Iftar. Do not deprive yourself of this precious moment in the cycle of hot things, this time is for prayer more than eating. Perfume the atmosphere before Iftar with remembrance and prayer.
Remember! The pleasure of pakoras and samosas is for a few minutes, but the effect of prayer lasts a lifetime, even until the hereafter. Raising your hands for prayer before the Adhan is more important than picking up a date because perhaps this one prayer will improve our destiny, our difficulties will be eased, and our name will be written among those who are accepted. Come! And resolve that we will not waste those few moments before the Adhan, Insha'Allah.
Who knows! The blessings descending from the sky may be waiting for our raised hands, and a sincere prayer may write the end to our years of troubles. Sometimes, one prayer is enough to change life, and that prayer is hidden in the few moments before Iftar.