Ramadan Timetable UK and Ireland 2012 - The Official Site

"Deeds are but by intentions, and every person shall be rewarded according to his intention."
- (Bukhari)

Actions are based on intentions; you will only receive what you intend for. We should be on guard against our intentions at all times because they often change as much as the direction of the wind. When making Du'a¹ you should have belief and patience in Allah as he has said; he will either give it to you straight away, give you something better or He will make you wait to test your patience.

It is easier said than done when someone tells you to remain calm and absolute. In fact many times you will find yourself twiddling your thumbs waiting for the clock to strike 12, entering a new day, a new beginning when all the while a bead of sweat trickles down and you're expecting your Du'a to have been accepted by now.

We are mid-way through this blessed month of Ramadan yet we still have much reward to reap.

During this month our rewards are multiplied, multiplied 70 times more than they would be outside of Ramadan. We have been blessed to fast during these long hours in hot sweltering conditions, but inshaAllah we will be rewarded for our perseverance and patience. It is understandably difficult to concentrate on Ibadah² and Dhikr³ when we have countless amounts of worries at the back of our minds. However the best time to turn to Allah with our doubts and fears are during the late night Tahajjud⁴ prayers when Allah descends to the lowest heavens to listen to your Dua's. There are various allocated times of the day where it has been said by reliable sources that Dua's are accepted, ie: during the time of breaking your fast and between Asr & Maghrib Salah⁵. This leaves no excuses for us to miss out on vital opportunities in making Du'a attaining as much reward as possible. We should always make each day of Ramadan count and not count down the days of Ramadan.

There are certain etiquettes to making Du'a, keeping it consistent and meaningful, literally nagging Allah to listen to your prayers. No matter what we say or think, our faith should rest only with Allah for he is the best of planners. We are taught 'Insha'Allah' (God Willing); if our intentions are not pure then we should remember that Allah is The All-Knowing. It is important to remain patient and steadfast for Allah works accordingly and tests those whom He loves, He is fully aware of your capabilities and wants you to turn to him in adversity as well as in prosperity.

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