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The blessed month is with us once again, Alhamdulillah and we are lucky enough to witness the beauty of this holy month, a time that we all look forward to year round.

Ramadan is about many things but it is also the month of forgiveness, the month of mercy where the doors of hell are closed and the doors of Jannah open; where shaytaan is locked up. It is the perfect opportunity to ask for forgiveness from your Lord, no matter how big or small the sin. Trust in Allah’s forgiveness as he is the Most Merciful, All-Forgiving.

First and foremost it is important to forgive ourselves. This month is about healing and repentance which is ultimately the source of inner peace and tranquillity. We are all human, nobody is perfect, we all sin. Yes, we are responsible for our actions, but it is knowing that we sinned which is important. Allah SWT loves those who repent, after all Jannah is filled with the believers who repented. How beautiful is it that Allah will eagerly forgive you for the things you can’t even forgive yourself for?

Ramadan truly reminds us of the mercy of our Lord. Allah SWT loves the voice of a believer, so ask Him for forgiveness for all of your sins and shortcomings. Take advantage of this month and repent to your Lord. Don’t ever think ‘My sin is too huge to be forgiven. Allah will never forgive me’. This is totally not the case. Take the example of the prostitute woman who was forgiven by providing water to a dog who was on the verge of dying. Such a small act of kindness, yet Allah SWT forgave her. Doesn’t that show you how Merciful your Lord is?

Abu Huraira reported Allah's Messenger (ﷺ) as saying:

He who seeks repentance (from the Lord) before the rising of the sun from the west (before the Day of Resurrection), Allah turns to him with Mercy.- Sahih Muslim

مَنْ تَابَ قَبْلَ أَنْ تَطْلُعَ الشَّمْسُ مِنْ مَغْرِبِهَا تَابَ اللَّهُ عَلَيْهِ ‏"‏ ‏.‏

Whilst on the topic of forgiveness, it is also important to forgive others for any wrongdoing. Islam teaches us about forgiveness. Forgive others and pray for their well-being. Sometimes it may feel impossible to forgive people who have hurt us, betrayed us but remember everything happens for a reason, Allah SWT is the biggest of planners.. Forgive others for the sake of your own well-being. If you don’t forgive others, how do you expect Allah SWT to forgive you? Your Lord forgives the biggest of sins, so what makes you think you can’t forgive another being? Forgiving others is a part of healing. Forgive others just as Allah will forgive people on the Day of Judgement.

Allah SWT constantly reminds us in the Quran of his merciness and forgiveness..

قُلْ يَـٰعِبَادِىَ ٱلَّذِينَ أَسْرَفُوا۟ عَلَىٰٓ أَنفُسِهِمْ لَا تَقْنَطُوا۟ مِن رَّحْمَةِ ٱللَّهِ ۚ إِنَّ ٱللَّهَ يَغْفِرُ ٱلذُّنُوبَ جَمِيعًا ۚ إِنَّهُۥ هُوَ ٱلْغَفُورُ ٱلرَّحِيمُ

“ Say, ˹O Prophet, that Allah says,˺ “O My servants who have exceeded the limits against their souls! Do not lose hope in Allah’s mercy, for Allah certainly forgives all sins.¹ He is indeed the All-Forgiving, Most Merciful.” 39:53 Saheeh international

Take advantage of this month, repent to your Lord, ask for his forgiveness and appreciate how Merciful Allah is. Surely, you will obtain inner peace and will strengthen your imaan.