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We attended a conference yesterday @MasjidAlImaamMuqbil and came away with the following benefits: LECTURE 1: While some people view Ramaḍhān as a burden rather than a blessing, one way to shift this mindset is by learning about its significance and excellence. The speaker discussed how the Salaf eagerly anticipated Ramaḍhān months in advance and highlighted some of its virtues. The Prophet ﷺ even made du’ā against those who fail to take advantage of this sacred month. Therefore, it is essential to educate ourselves and regularly refresh our knowledge of the rulings related to fasting and night prayers. This ensures that we worship Allah with understanding and avoid unnecessary mistakes. LECTURE 2: The speaker outlined several ways to safeguard oneself from Hellfire: 1. Worshiping Allah with sincerity. 2. Fasting 3. Performing four voluntary units of prayer before Dhuhr and four after. 4. Witnessing the congregation 40 days straight from the first Takbīr 5. Seeking refuge from Hellfire three times. 6. Crying for the sake of Allah LECTURE 3: Although Ramaḍhān is a month of fasting, food consumption often exceeds normal levels. This increase leads to more time spent in the kitchen, additional cleaning, and, in many cases, greater food wastage. One of the speakers highlighted five ways to attain Barakah (blessings) during mealtimes: 1. Allow food to cool before eating rather than consuming it while it is still hot and steaming. 2. Eat together from the same plate. 3. Eat from the sides of the dish rather than the centre and consume from the shallower areas rather than the raised parts. 4. Lick one’s fingers or have them licked before washing. 5. Clean the dish before washing it and pick up any dropped morsels. LECTURE 4: The speaker relayed an interesting story of a man who sought guidance from Ibrahim ibn Ad-ham (Abu Ishaq) regarding his sinful ways. Ibrahim admonished him with five conditions: not eating from Allah’s sustenance, not living in His land, sinning only where Allah cannot see, delaying death to repent, and refusing to go to Hell. Realising the impossibility of these, the man repented sincerely and remained steadfast in worship until his death LECTURE 5: One of the primary objectives of fasting is to attain Taqwa (God-consciousness). Understanding the wisdom behind Allah’s commands helps believers overcome the challenges of worship. Ṭalq ibn Ḥabīb defined Taqwa as: «العمل بطاعة الله على نور من الله رجاء ثواب الله، وترك معاصي الله على نور من الله مخافة عذاب الله» "Acting in obedience to Allah, guided by His light and hoping for His reward, while abstaining from sin, guided by His light and fearing His punishment." Although Taqwa originates from the heart, it is reflected in one’s words and actions. The benefits of Taqwa include: 1. Allah providing sustenance in unexpected ways 2. Increased blessings in provisions 3. Relief from difficulties and ease in hardships 4. Becoming among Allah’s close allies (Awliyāʾ) 5. Receiving glad tidings in both this world (through good dreams) and the Hereafter (Paradise).