Cheat Code

Ramadan Mubarak to everyone. I see everybody's facebook status' and its such a beautiful thing to see so many people focused on this blessed month and focused on trying to get the most out of it iA. I don't have anything beyond what others have already said so I will say the same here, that let's take advantage of this blessed month as best we can and reap the true benefits of it.

For those who don't know or for my non muslim friends, this month is a cheat code for good deeds, every good deed gets multiplied and God's mercy is at its highest. The gates of hell are closed during this month and the gates of heaven open. Many many people will (iA) be forgiven this month for their sins, sins they've committed in the open, in secret, small sins and major sins. We as muslims are never to doubt God's infinite mercy, and this is part of his mercy to give us a month like this where we can really gain from, where we can 'catch up' (so to speak) on our good deeds, where we can refocus our efforts on our religion (this is a very quick and dirty explanation, go do some googling people).

We also fast during this month. From sunrise to sunset each day. We don't eat or drink during that time, and we try to stay away from temptations. Fasting is something God loves for us to do, maybe because it shows our commitment to him, or the sacrifices we're willing to make I'm not too sure. I was at the mosque and the Imam (akin to a priest I guess, religious leader of sorts) was saying how God multiplies all your good deeds for you during this month, but asks that you fast, and the fast is the one thing that is solely for him. So it is definitely something of great value and great importance.

Lastly since this is a month of forgiveness, I believe it is important that we forgive each other for all these little things we hate on each other for so that we can focus on seeking forgiveness from God. Lets try and mend all the broken relationships with friends and family. With that being said there are a lot of things that I'm sure I've done knowingly or unknowingly to people that I should be apologizing for and seeking forgiveness for and if I were to ask all of you separately I'd be 82 by the time I'd be done so I say it in this blog that anything I may have done to you, whether I meant to or not, whether it was a big deal or not, whether you did something to me first or not; if I hurt you or upset you in anyway, if I wronged you in any way, I am sorry and I ask that you please forgive me because I am not perfect, and chances are I'll screw up again, but I'd like to humble myself in front of you all and in front of God, and ask that you forgive me for my shortcommings. This goes out to all my friends past and present, my family from all over, my acquaintances, my coworkers and anybody else I've been fortunate enough to meet in my life. And don't ask me to forgive you for anything, its already been done.

May Allah allow all of us to truly reap the benefits of this month. Ameen