The Doors of the Heavens open and the doors of the hellfire shut and the devils are chained
Prophet
Muhammad, the Messenger of Allah, peace, and blessings be upon him, once
said, “When
the month of Ramadan begins, the gates of the heaven are opened; the gates of Hellfire are closed, and the devils are chained.” (Sahih Bukhari
1800)
Obviously, this hadith explains some key concepts of Ramada in an allegorical
manner using symbolic language. If they are read literally, they would sound a
statement of blind faith reflecting the above-mentioned understanding and if
read allegorically, they would offer a logical and viable rationale for
developing strong conviction and appreciation of the Prophetic wisdom.
We do not know if heavens or hell has gates like the gates of a city or a building. None of us has ever witnessed or would ever witness them in our lifetime. So the meanings have to be found in the symbolism they represent. Opening of the gates of heavens means an easy and smooth journey to a state of utmost peace and happiness under the divine grace because heavens is a place of utmost comfort and peace. The prophet is alluding to this journey during the month of Ramadan when believers have month-long opportunities to change their lifestyle and environment to attain a higher status of self-consciousness. Such a journey would help them enjoy every moment of the month and qualify for uninterrupted mercy and blessings of the divine in this life and the life hereafter as well. Everything can change and with this change, the blessings could multiply. This is how one can understand the meaning of opening the gates of the heavens.
Closing the gates of heavens mean that the creator is eager and ready to forgive every sin committed by sinful beings byanyone if
sincere repentance is sought. Thus the month invites people to introspect and
self evaluate them and identify every act that may appear to be deviant and
seek forgiveness by pledging that they would not repeat it. In other words,
forgiveness would be the divine offering for this month. However, one must realize
that represented and forgiveness has to be done in a manner that is
suggested by God and his messenger. They are more than offering lip service.
They mean that a person is consciously aware of the wrongs committed and is
willing to change the lifestyle never to repeat it.
Chainingdevils means that the individual would
have the opportunities to control their behavior in the wake of all
temptations, physical, social, spiritual and what not. In a moment of high self
consciousness an individual would ensure that he/she does not commit any act
that would either defy the divine or reject his mercy. In another word, each of
the believing person has to have a personal
battle with one's own ego, the biggest satanic whisper that sits in
the sub-consciousness of each one of us and win it..
Thus, this month-long opportunities to earn the boundless bounties, limitless forgiveness and reigning one's own ego are what the fasting offers in a tangible manner. The more intense, a person becomes in seeking these goals, the more beneficial the month becomesto him
or her. In other words, humans have the capacity to change them and earn the
blessings of God through their efforts and good deeds and they would always be
supported by the divine in this endeavor. But as for those who strive hard
in Our cause -We shall most certainly guide them onto paths that lead unto Us: for,
behold, God is, indeed, with the doers of good. ( Quran
29:69)
We do not know if heavens or hell has gates like the gates of a city or a building. None of us has ever witnessed or would ever witness them in our lifetime. So the meanings have to be found in the symbolism they represent. Opening of the gates of heavens means an easy and smooth journey to a state of utmost peace and happiness under the divine grace because heavens is a place of utmost comfort and peace. The prophet is alluding to this journey during the month of Ramadan when believers have month-long opportunities to change their lifestyle and environment to attain a higher status of self-consciousness. Such a journey would help them enjoy every moment of the month and qualify for uninterrupted mercy and blessings of the divine in this life and the life hereafter as well. Everything can change and with this change, the blessings could multiply. This is how one can understand the meaning of opening the gates of the heavens.
Closing the gates of heavens mean that the creator is eager and ready to forgive every sin committed by sinful beings by
Chaining
Thus, this month-long opportunities to earn the boundless bounties, limitless forgiveness and reigning one's own ego are what the fasting offers in a tangible manner. The more intense, a person becomes in seeking these goals, the more beneficial the month becomes
Ramadan, the month of fasting is no different than any other month
as far as crimes are concerned. Every perceivable sin and crime takes place in
this month all around the world. Does this hadith mean the deviations of this
month would not count? Does it mean that every sin in this month would be
forgiven or does it mean that people cannot commit sin in this month?
Yes! we would have to find logical and viable rationale, because human beings have been given both khair and Shaar, and the ability to behave in any way they like. Islam and the wisdom of our Prophets give us controls needed to use or abuse. Thank you for reminding us that Islam is not a religion of blind faith. We have been given the faulty of thinking, and Allah Mighty God has told us to reflect and move forward and do good.
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