Ibn Rajab

Ibn Rajab Selection
Translated by Imam Zaid Shakir

In the Name of Allah, Most Compassionate, Most Merciful

Ibn Rajab, May Allah Have Mercy on him, says in Lata'if al-Ma'arif:

In that Satan has been chained up during the month of Ramadan; and the fires of the carnal lusts have died down due to fasting; and the authority of the soul's vain inclination has been placed in isolation, and power has been turned over to the rule of the intellect, which rules justly; the sinner now has no excuse.

The clouds of heedlessness! Disperse from over the hearts.
The suns of piety and faith! Rise for this new day.
The pages wherein are recorded the deeds of the Fasting people! Elevate yourselves.
The hearts of the fasters! Be filled with humility.
The feet of those exerting themselves strenuously in their devotions! Prostrate to your Lord and bow in humility to Him.
The eyes of those passing the night in prayer! Do not sleep.
The sins of the penitent! Do not return.
The earth of the soul's vain inclinations! Absorb your water.
The sky of the elevated souls! Hold back your rain.
The lightning of longing for the Divine! Shine for the lovers of God.
The intimate thoughts of the Gnostics! Graze in the pastures of Godly bliss.
The aspirations of all who love other than God! May you find no contentment with your imperfect beloved.
Junayd! Be overjoyed.
Shibli! Come quickly.
Rabi'a! Listen carefully.

During these days the tables of Divine Blessings have been spread out for the fasters, and there is no one who has not been invited to the feast. The Almighty says, "O our folk! Respond to the caller of God." Al-Ahqaf: 31

O the lofty spiritual aspirations of the believers! Hasten. Paradise is for one who responds promptly and attains the blessings. Woe unto whomsoever is turned away at the door, and misses the invitation.

May Allah bless us all to respond to the invitation He extends to us during this blessed month.