Enhance worship acts in Ramadan with Qortoba Institution for Arabic Studies

 Ramadan is a month of immense spiritual opportunity, where various acts of worship are rewarded abundantly.  Worship (Ibadah) in Islam encompasses a wide array of devotional acts that serve as manifestations of a Muslim’s faith and submission to Allah . These acts of worship, both obligatory and voluntary, are imbued with profound rewards that are exponentially amplified during the holy month of Ramadan.

 رَغِمَ أَنْفُ رَجُلٍ دَخَلَ عَلَيْهِ رَمَضَانُ ثُمَّ انْسَلَخَ قَبْلَ أَنْ يُغْفَرَ لَه
May he be abased who passes through the whole of Ramadan before his sins are forgiven .

 For non-native Muslim speakers in America, Britain, and Canada,  Qortoba  Institution for Learning Arabic and  Qur’an provides invaluable support in enhancing their worship practices ,emphasizing  various acts of worship, their intrinsic rewards, and the special blessings they hold during Ramadan.

 1*Dhikr (Remembrance of Allah)

 Dhikr, the act of remembering Allah through repetitive utterances of His names and attributes, is a powerful form of worship that brings tranquility and spiritual closeness to the Creator.

 الَّذِينَ آمَنُوا وَتَطْمَئِنُّ قُلُوبُهُم بِذِكْرِ اللَّهِ ۗ أَلَا بِذِكْرِ اللَّهِ تَطْمَئِنُّ الْقُلُوبُ

“Those who believe (in the Oneness of Allah – Islamic Monotheism), and whose hearts find rest in the remembrance of Allah, Verily, in the remembrance of Allah do hearts find rest “. This highlights the spiritual solace and peace attained through Dhikr.

 Special Rewards in Ramadan :

The rewards of Dhikr are magnified during Ramadan, as the heightened spiritual atmosphere encourages increased engagement in this act of worship. As for example , saying “سبحان الله وبحمده  “ Glory and Praise be to Allah( Subhaana Allaahi Wabihamdih) is rewarded by planting a palm in Paradise. Imagin the multiplied number of palms you can get in Ramadan !

 2*Qiyam al-Layl (Night Prayers):Taraweeh and Tahajjud

 Qiyam al-Layl, the voluntary night prayers, are a deeply meritorious act of worship that brings the worshipper closer to Allah and provides an opportunity for reflection and spiritual growth. The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) said, “The best prayer after the obligatory prayers is the night prayer” (Sahih Muslim). This underscores the profound rewards associated with Qiyam al-Layl.

 Special Rewards in Ramadan :

The last ten nights of Ramadan, particularly Laylat al-Qadr, hold special significance for Qiyam al-Layl. Worship during these nights is believed to carry the rewards of a lifetime.

  3*I’tikaf (Spiritual Retreat)

 I’tikaf, the practice of secluding oneself in the mosque for worship, reflection, and devotion, is a highly esteemed act of worship that allows for deep spiritual renewal. The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) regularly practiced I’tikaf during the last ten days of Ramadan, highlighting its significance and rewards.

 Special Rewards in Ramadan :

 Performing I’tikaf during Ramadan allows Muslims to detach from worldly distractions and focus solely on their spiritual growth, amplifying the rewards of their worship.

 4* Sadaqah (Voluntary Charity)

 Sadaqah, the act of giving voluntary charity, is a powerful means of purifying one’s wealth and earning divine blessings. It fosters a sense of compassion and social responsibility. The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) said, “Charity does not decrease wealth” (Sahih Muslim), emphasizing the spiritual and material rewards of giving Sadaqah.

 Special Rewards in Ramadan :

 The rewards of Sadaqah are greatly magnified during Ramadan, encouraging Muslims to increase their acts of generosity and support those in need.

 5*Completing reciting the Qur`an

The salaf (may Allah be pleased with them) used to complete reciting the entire Qur`an during the month of Ramadan, following the example of the Prophet. A man once asked the Prophet, “Which deed is more beloved to Allah?” He replied, “Al-hal al-Murtahil.” The man asked, “O Messenger of Allah! What is al-hal al-murtahil?” He replied, “Reciting the Qur`an from surat al-Fatiha to its end and from its end to its beginning. Whenever a person finishes a complete recitation, he starts over without delay.”

 Special Rewards in Ramadan :

 The rewards for reciting the Qur’an during this month are immense, with each letter recited bringing multiplied blessings.

  6*Umrah (Lesser Pilgrimage)

Umrah, the lesser pilgrimage to Mecca performed at any time of the year, holds significant spiritual rewards. It is an act of devotion that brings the Muslim closer to Allah and expiates sins. The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) said, “The performance of Umrah is an expiation for the sins committed between it and the previous one” (Sahih Bukhari), underscoring the cleansing power of Umrah.

 Special Rewards in Ramadan :

 Performing Umrah during Ramadan is particularly meritorious, with the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) stating, “Umrah during Ramadan is equivalent to Hajj” (Sahih Bukhari), highlighting the immense rewards of this act.

   7*Breaking another fasting (Iftar)

Providing Iftar, the meal to break the fast, to  Muslims is a highly rewarding act of worship that fosters community spirit and compassion. The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) said, “Whoever gives Iftar to one who is fasting will have a reward like his, without detracting from the reward of the fasting person in the slightest” (Tirmidhi), emphasizing the dual rewards of this act.

 Special Rewards in Ramadan :

 The act of providing Iftar during Ramadan carries special blessings, as it strengthens communal bonds and exemplifies the spirit of generosity.

 Learning arabic & Quran Enhances Worship

  Understanding Arabic prayers and supplications enriches the worship experience, allowing for more sincere and meaningful participation in rituals .Thus,Qortoba Institution provides various programs to learn Arabic & the Qur’an for non-native Muslim speakers in America,Britain,& Canada :

 *Comprehensive Arabic Courses*: Qortoba offers on line courses in Modern Standard Arabic, Conversational Arabic, and Colloquial Arabic, ensuring fluency in speaking, reading, and writing. These courses are designed to help scholars communicate effectively in Arabic, which is essential for understanding Islamic texts and participating in community events.

  *Quran Recitation and Islamic Studies*: The institution provides e- platform  specialized programs for Qur’an recitation and Islamic studies, tailored for non-native Muslim speakers. These programs focus on correct recitation techniques and understanding the Quran’s meaning, enabling students to engage more deeply with Islamic teachings.

 *Summer Programs*: Qortoba’s summer programs in Egypt offer an immersive learning experience for both adults and children, combining Arabic language skills with Quranic knowledge. Participants can engage in cultural activities, visit historical sites, and practice Arabic in real-life settings, which enhances their learning experience.

 *Umrah (Lesser Pilgrimage) program*:  Non-native Muslim speakers in America,Britain,& Canada can learn Arabic &the Qur’an through an immersive program entertained in Madinah .  Qortoba Institution integrates performing Umrah with an immersive learning program , embracing unmatched learning journey.

 By integrating Arabic and Quranic studies with worship practices at Qortoba Institution, non-native Muslim speakers can elevate their spiritual journey during Ramadan and beyond, fostering a deeper connection with Islamic teachings and community.By engaging in these acts of worship, Muslims can maximize their spiritual growth and rewards during Ramadan.