Praise be to Allah for making us witness yet another Ramadan. A lot has happened within the last year and for a lot of people – Muslims especially – the year 2020 is a year to forget owing to the unsavoury events that took place in it.

One major event that came as a rude shock to Muslims generally was observing Ramadan under a state of lockdown. For the first time in modern history, the Muslim faithfuls had to observe Ramadan without the usual funfair.

Most of the mosques were under lock and key, thus grounding a lot of religious activities.

• There were no congregational Taraweeh prayers.
• No Umrah during Ramadan.
• No I’tikaf and Eid at their usual venues.
• Islamic lectures were mostly held online.

It was a completely strange situation for Muslims across the world.

The Impact of COVID-19

We all watched as people died in their thousands in different parts of the world. While every nation of the world felt the impact differently, countries from Asia, Europe and America were the worst hit.

Nigeria also had its fair share of the loss.

For example, the Nigerian Muslim Ummah lost many eminent personalities during the pandemic. Notable among them are Senator Abiola Ajimobi, the former Governor of Oyo State, and Mallam Abba Kyari, the former Chief of Staff. 

We ask Allah to show mercy to all the departed souls among the Muslims and comfort the bereaved.

One thing we must realize is that in spite of all the tribulations happening right now, we still have a lot to be thankful for.

As long as we are alive, we must always show gratitude to Allah through our individual or collective setbacks.

This Ramadan, we must make a conscious effort to thank Allah, for indeed His favour upon us is uncountable.

Allah says:

“If you tried to count Allah’s blessings, you would never be able to number them. Surely Allah is All-Forgiving, Most Merciful.” (An-Nahl 16:18).

3 Ways to Show Gratitude to Allah

There are a number of ways to appreciate Allah’s favours on us. Insha Allah, we’ll highlight a few of them in this article.

1. Acknowledge Allah’s Blessings Upon You

The first step towards gratitude is through the acknowledgement of Allah’s blessings upon you. In answering the question “what is the best way to express our gratitude to Allah,” Shaykh Abdurragmaan Khan said:

“Ibn al-Qayyim, may Allah be well pleased with him, in his Madarij al-Salikin explained the manners of showing gratitude to Allah when he said, “showing gratitude (shukr) is either with the heart by being submissive and tranquil or content; with the tongue by praising [Allah] and acknowledging [His favours]; and with the limbs by performing acts of worship and showing obedience.” Consequently, the best way we could show gratitude to Allah subhanahu wa ta’ala, is through all three mediums: our hearts, tongues and limbs.”

Thus saying alhamdulillah is a good way of showing gratitude. Recite it as many times as possible until it becomes part of you.

2. Be Obedient to Allah

One way of showing gratitude is through obedience to Allah. Come to think of it; Allah has done so much for you. He made you a Muslim, perfected your creation, and gave you provisions. Therefore, it only makes sense to increase your obedience towards Him as a show of appreciation.

Obedience to Allah can be summarised under two themes: following His injunctions and abstaining from His prohibitions.

Allah says: “

O you who believe! Obey Allah and His Messenger, and do not turn away from him while you hear (him).” 

“And be not like those who say: ‘‘We heard’’, but they do not hear (indeed).”

(Anfal: 20-21).

3. Reciprocate Allah’s Goodness Towards His Creatures

Islam encourages us to be compassionate towards other creatures. In the Quran, Allah reminds the believers about the essence of extending the hands of fellowship towards other creatures and it would be a great act of disservice to ignore this admonition.

Allah says:

“But seek, through that which Allah has given you, the home of the Hereafter; and [yet], do not forget your share of the world. And do good as Allah has done good to you. And desire not corruption in the land. Indeed, Allah does not like corrupters.” (Qasas: 77).

Those who have enough provisions should help the less privileged around them. Masha Allah, there are numerous avenues to reach out to the poor these days.

They include feeding the poor during Ramadan, sending relief packages to IDPs, helping the sick Muslims etc.

May Allah help us to become His grateful and obedient servants. 

MPAC Urges Muslims to Perform Acts of Kindness This Ramadan

Alhamdulillah, this year’s Ramadan presents another opportunity to aid the work of Allah. The Muslim Public Affairs Centre welcomes donations from the general public to execute its various projects.

You may send your general donations (sadaqah) or pay your zakat online through our website. Whatever you spend will be used in advancing the cause of the Ummah. May Allah enrich you as you aid His work.

So are you ready to MAKE A DIFFERENCE? Please donate generously using any of the following means;

Make a Transfer

You can transfer money directly into the MPAC accounts from your own account using the account details below.

Make a Cash Deposit

You can directly deposit a one-off or regular cash donation into the MPAC accounts using the account details below.

Account Name: Muslim Public Affairs Centre (MPAC)

Account Numbers:

0003610695 (MPAC ZAKAT Payment)

0003670628 (General Donation)

Bank: Jaiz Bank Plc

Should you wish to receive MPAC Official Receipt for your payment please send us your contact and donation details at info@mpac-ng.org.

To learn more about us and our projects, please go here.

We wish you a spirit-filled and fulfilling Ramadan.