WHAT TO DO AFTER RAMADAAN AND
ADVICE TO UMMAH
ASSEMBLED BY MALLAM ABBA ABANA, KUBWA, ABUJA, NIGERIA
http://variousislamicdawadocuments.blogspot.com
https://web.facebook.com/abba.abana
emails:gonidamgamiri@yahoo.com; abba.abana@gmail.com
DATED 25TH JUNE 2017 CE AND 1st SHAWWAL 1438 AH
HOW TERRIBLE IT IS WHEN
PEOPLE ONLY ACKNOWLEDGE ALLAAH IN RAMADAAN AND SIDELINE AFTER TRAINING
Months, days and years are made
to determine lifespan and to afford people the opportunity to perform good
deeds. Further, death do patrol day and night to take the souls of those whose
time is due and you shall be addressed on the Day of Resurrection on account of
your deeds. It is then that your Lord will say: “These are only your deeds that
has been recorded for you and for which I am going to reward you. So, whoever
gets a good reward should be thankful to Allaah and whoever gets otherwise
should only blame himself.”
We leave the blessed month of Ramadan, its beautiful days and its fragrant nights. We leave the month of the Qur'an, taqwa, patience, jihad, mercy, forgiveness and freedom from hellfire…
Have we fulfilled the requirements of Taqwa and graduated from the Ramadan school with the diploma of the god-fearing?
Have we fought our souls and desires and defeated them, or have we been overtaken by our customs and blind imitations?
Have we performed our actions in a way that fulfills the conditions for receiving mercy, forgiveness and release from the Fire?
Many questions and numerous thoughts come to the heart of the sincere Muslim, who asks and answers with truthfulness.
Our month of Ramadan has now gone with our deeds. Let those who have committed wrong among you quickly repent and mend their ways before Door of Repentance is closed and let those who have done good continue on the same for, the best of all acts of obedience are the ones followed up with its like. Be concerned more over the acceptance of your deeds than over the deeds itself for, Allaah does not accept deeds except from the pious ones. Also, beware of following up good deeds with bad ones because, if we say that good deeds eradicate bad ones, it is also not impossible that bad deeds destroy good ones.
Brothers in faith! We were - during the just concluded month of righteous - fasting in the day, praying in the night and doing different kinds of sacrificial acts in order to get reward and to be saved from the Fire.
We leave the blessed month of Ramadan, its beautiful days and its fragrant nights. We leave the month of the Qur'an, taqwa, patience, jihad, mercy, forgiveness and freedom from hellfire…
Have we fulfilled the requirements of Taqwa and graduated from the Ramadan school with the diploma of the god-fearing?
Have we fought our souls and desires and defeated them, or have we been overtaken by our customs and blind imitations?
Have we performed our actions in a way that fulfills the conditions for receiving mercy, forgiveness and release from the Fire?
Many questions and numerous thoughts come to the heart of the sincere Muslim, who asks and answers with truthfulness.
Our month of Ramadan has now gone with our deeds. Let those who have committed wrong among you quickly repent and mend their ways before Door of Repentance is closed and let those who have done good continue on the same for, the best of all acts of obedience are the ones followed up with its like. Be concerned more over the acceptance of your deeds than over the deeds itself for, Allaah does not accept deeds except from the pious ones. Also, beware of following up good deeds with bad ones because, if we say that good deeds eradicate bad ones, it is also not impossible that bad deeds destroy good ones.
Brothers in faith! We were - during the just concluded month of righteous - fasting in the day, praying in the night and doing different kinds of sacrificial acts in order to get reward and to be saved from the Fire.
With the departure of this month,
a stage of our live has passed. Such is how we pass days of this life in stages
on our way to the everlasting abode. Indeed, continuation of good deeds at all
time is character of righteous people for, acts of obedience do not have a
specific time; it is rather Allaah’s unconditional right upon His servants as
long as they are alive. Though, month of Ramadaan is an opportunity for the faithful
to race with one another towards good deeds and an opportunity to direct one’s
soul towards meritorious acts and keep it from vices; yet, it is quite
incumbent on Muslims to remain on the path of righteousness even after
Ramadaan. Worshipping Allaah should not be restricted to Ramadaan alone for,
there is no end to Muslim’s worship except when he dies. What evil people those
who worship only time and do not know Allaah except in Ramadaan!
Certainly, the acceptance and rejection of deeds in this month have signs. Among the signs of acceptance of good deed is when it is followed up by good deeds and it is among the signs of rejection to follow up one’s good deeds with evil ones.
Certainly, the acceptance and rejection of deeds in this month have signs. Among the signs of acceptance of good deed is when it is followed up by good deeds and it is among the signs of rejection to follow up one’s good deeds with evil ones.
Therefore, follow up the good
deeds with its like, it will be a sign of acceptance of that good deed and
follow up your evil deeds with good ones, that will indicate that those evil
deeds have been overlooked. Allaah says: “Verily, the good deeds remove the
evil deeds (i.e. small sins). That is a reminder (an advice) for the mindful
(those who accept advice)." (Holy Quran Chapter Hood 11:114)
The Prophet saws also said: “Fear Allaah wherever you are, follow up the evil deed with good one it will remove it and relate with people with good conduct.” (Reported by At-Tirmidhee)
Let those who are determined to go back to sins after Ramadaan know that Allaah is always pleased with those who obey Him regardless of the month the obedience takes place and is angry with those who disobey Him irrespective of the month the disobedience takes place.
The Prophet saws also said: “Fear Allaah wherever you are, follow up the evil deed with good one it will remove it and relate with people with good conduct.” (Reported by At-Tirmidhee)
Let those who are determined to go back to sins after Ramadaan know that Allaah is always pleased with those who obey Him regardless of the month the obedience takes place and is angry with those who disobey Him irrespective of the month the disobedience takes place.
The essence of prosperity lies in
long life and good deeds and a person’s continuation of good deeds without
restricting it to a certain period, particular month or special place is a sign
of one’s righteousness and acceptance of his good deeds.
Though Ramadaan season is now gone, yet, fasting is still recommended in other months. The Messenger of Allaah saws has recommended fasting on Mondays and Thursdays. He said:
“Deeds are presented to Allaah on Mondays and Thursdays and I would like that my deeds be presented while I am fasting."
It is also reported that he admonished Aboo Hurayrah ra thus: "Fasting for three days in every month is (equal to) fasting forever." (Reported by Al-Bukhaaree and Muslim).
He also said: Whoever fasts in the month of Ramadaan and then follows it with six days fasting in Shawwaal has done as if he has fast for live." (Reported by Muslim).
Though, night prayer during Ramadaan might have gone; yet, the night prayers throughout the year is also recommended. It has been authentically reported from the Prophet saws that "Allaah use to descend to the nearest heaven to this world when it is the last third of the night and say: 'Who is going to call Me that I may answer him? Who is going to ask from Me that I may give to him? Who is going to seek for my Forgiveness that I may forgive him?"
Therefore, the most pleasing to Allaah of all acts are the ones that are continuously done.
While there are a set of youths who during the noble month of Ramadan were busy passing their time in lustful things, sins and acts of obedience, there are others who were busy doing deeds of righteousness such as I‘tikaaf in the Houses of Allaah severing all ties with fellow creatures and meditating with the Creator. They gave obedience of their Lord preference over their own desires. You would see them bowing, prostrating and reciting the Glorious Qur’aan. Such youths are the hope and pride of this Ummah.
Fear Allaah; for fear of Allaah is the head of all matters. Obey Allaah and keep away from His restrictions, you will achieve His pleasure and be saved from His torment. Do not go back to sins and disobedience so as not to be entitled to His punishment.
Let us thank our Lord for making us complete the fasting of this month, Ramadan. Enjoy your Eid by remaining consistent on the those good deeds and keep away from undesirable things that are capable of removing Allaah’s favors from you.
Though Ramadaan season is now gone, yet, fasting is still recommended in other months. The Messenger of Allaah saws has recommended fasting on Mondays and Thursdays. He said:
“Deeds are presented to Allaah on Mondays and Thursdays and I would like that my deeds be presented while I am fasting."
It is also reported that he admonished Aboo Hurayrah ra thus: "Fasting for three days in every month is (equal to) fasting forever." (Reported by Al-Bukhaaree and Muslim).
He also said: Whoever fasts in the month of Ramadaan and then follows it with six days fasting in Shawwaal has done as if he has fast for live." (Reported by Muslim).
Though, night prayer during Ramadaan might have gone; yet, the night prayers throughout the year is also recommended. It has been authentically reported from the Prophet saws that "Allaah use to descend to the nearest heaven to this world when it is the last third of the night and say: 'Who is going to call Me that I may answer him? Who is going to ask from Me that I may give to him? Who is going to seek for my Forgiveness that I may forgive him?"
Therefore, the most pleasing to Allaah of all acts are the ones that are continuously done.
While there are a set of youths who during the noble month of Ramadan were busy passing their time in lustful things, sins and acts of obedience, there are others who were busy doing deeds of righteousness such as I‘tikaaf in the Houses of Allaah severing all ties with fellow creatures and meditating with the Creator. They gave obedience of their Lord preference over their own desires. You would see them bowing, prostrating and reciting the Glorious Qur’aan. Such youths are the hope and pride of this Ummah.
Fear Allaah; for fear of Allaah is the head of all matters. Obey Allaah and keep away from His restrictions, you will achieve His pleasure and be saved from His torment. Do not go back to sins and disobedience so as not to be entitled to His punishment.
Let us thank our Lord for making us complete the fasting of this month, Ramadan. Enjoy your Eid by remaining consistent on the those good deeds and keep away from undesirable things that are capable of removing Allaah’s favors from you.
One of our righteous predecessors
said: “Each day in which no act of disobedience to Allaah is committed is Eid
and each day a believer spent in acts of obedience to his Lord is Eid”
Even though Ramadan has ended, we all have to make sure it stays with us. How, might you ask? Everybody knows that Ramadan lasts only for a month, 29 or 30 wonderful days. This special month is a time to get closer to Allah (Subhanahu Wa Taala), physically and mentally. And we have to take care not to lose this closeness with Allah (Subhanahu Wa Taala).
We know that Ramadan is a very special time in our lives. In addition to the obvious, fasting from sunrise to sunset, we must also abstain from so many other things. One added bonus that comes with fasting is that we actually learn to be more kind to those around us.
Since we strive to strengthen our bodies with both the physical and mental power that we need to complete our fasts, let's take that a step further and make it last throughout the year. It takes real devotion to Allah to fast for His sake only. There is a hadith narrated by Sufyaan ibn 'Abdallah (RA) who said, "O Messenger of Allah (SAW), tell me something about Islam, which I cannot ask anyone else besides you." He (SAW) replied, "Say, 'I believe in Allah' and then be steadfast (upon that)." Saheeh Muslim
This hadith is proof that we are obligated, after having faith in Allah, to be steadfast in obeying Allah by performing the obligatory acts and avoiding the prohibited ones. This is achieved by following the Straight Path, which is Islam. If a Muslim lives through Ramadan and spent his days in fasting and his nights in prayer and he accustomed himself to doing acts of good, then he must continue to remain upon this obedience to Allah at all times.
In fact, steadfastness after Ramadan is the greatest sign that one has gained benefit from the month of Ramadan. These are the real signs of a successful Ramadan. Furthermore, the deeds of a Muslim do not come to an end with the end of Ramadan. Rather, they continue and extend throughout the year. Allah (SWT) says, "And worship your Lord until the certainty (death) comes to you." (Holy Quran Chapter Al Hijr; 99).
When the fasting of Ramadan comes to an end, then indeed the voluntary fast is prescribed throughout the entire year. When standing in prayer at night in Ramadan comes to an end, then indeed the entire year is a time for performing the night prayer. And if zakat ul fitr comes to an end then there is still the zakat that is still obligatory as well as the voluntary charity that lasts the whole year. This goes the same for reciting the Quran and pondering over its meaning, as well as every other good deed that was sought, for these can be performed at all times. Therefore, the zeal that was felt throughout Ramadan must continue through the whole year.
It is unfortunate to find that some people perform worship by doing righteous deeds only during Ramadan. They guard strictly upon their five daily prayers, they recite Quran, and they give charity. But when Ramadan comes to an end, they grow lazy in their worship. Sometimes, they even abandon their obligation entirely.
Truly, there is much reward that Allah grants his servant in the fasting of Ramadan. Allah (SWT) says in the Quran, "He wants that you must complete the same number of days and that you must magnify Allah (by saying Allah Akbar) for having guided you, so that you may be grateful to Him." (Quran 2: 185)
Ramadan is a time to correct and change our habits that we have acquired over the year without the whispers of Satan. For now is the time in which Shaytan is locked up and he does not have the chance to twist our thoughts and change our good actions. The first step is always hard to take, but Ramadan is the time to do it. So after Ramadan, may we all try to keep up with our good deeds—praying at the correct times, charity to the less fortunate, and genuinely being more patient and kind with one another.
Even though Ramadan has ended, we all have to make sure it stays with us. How, might you ask? Everybody knows that Ramadan lasts only for a month, 29 or 30 wonderful days. This special month is a time to get closer to Allah (Subhanahu Wa Taala), physically and mentally. And we have to take care not to lose this closeness with Allah (Subhanahu Wa Taala).
We know that Ramadan is a very special time in our lives. In addition to the obvious, fasting from sunrise to sunset, we must also abstain from so many other things. One added bonus that comes with fasting is that we actually learn to be more kind to those around us.
Since we strive to strengthen our bodies with both the physical and mental power that we need to complete our fasts, let's take that a step further and make it last throughout the year. It takes real devotion to Allah to fast for His sake only. There is a hadith narrated by Sufyaan ibn 'Abdallah (RA) who said, "O Messenger of Allah (SAW), tell me something about Islam, which I cannot ask anyone else besides you." He (SAW) replied, "Say, 'I believe in Allah' and then be steadfast (upon that)." Saheeh Muslim
This hadith is proof that we are obligated, after having faith in Allah, to be steadfast in obeying Allah by performing the obligatory acts and avoiding the prohibited ones. This is achieved by following the Straight Path, which is Islam. If a Muslim lives through Ramadan and spent his days in fasting and his nights in prayer and he accustomed himself to doing acts of good, then he must continue to remain upon this obedience to Allah at all times.
In fact, steadfastness after Ramadan is the greatest sign that one has gained benefit from the month of Ramadan. These are the real signs of a successful Ramadan. Furthermore, the deeds of a Muslim do not come to an end with the end of Ramadan. Rather, they continue and extend throughout the year. Allah (SWT) says, "And worship your Lord until the certainty (death) comes to you." (Holy Quran Chapter Al Hijr; 99).
When the fasting of Ramadan comes to an end, then indeed the voluntary fast is prescribed throughout the entire year. When standing in prayer at night in Ramadan comes to an end, then indeed the entire year is a time for performing the night prayer. And if zakat ul fitr comes to an end then there is still the zakat that is still obligatory as well as the voluntary charity that lasts the whole year. This goes the same for reciting the Quran and pondering over its meaning, as well as every other good deed that was sought, for these can be performed at all times. Therefore, the zeal that was felt throughout Ramadan must continue through the whole year.
It is unfortunate to find that some people perform worship by doing righteous deeds only during Ramadan. They guard strictly upon their five daily prayers, they recite Quran, and they give charity. But when Ramadan comes to an end, they grow lazy in their worship. Sometimes, they even abandon their obligation entirely.
Truly, there is much reward that Allah grants his servant in the fasting of Ramadan. Allah (SWT) says in the Quran, "He wants that you must complete the same number of days and that you must magnify Allah (by saying Allah Akbar) for having guided you, so that you may be grateful to Him." (Quran 2: 185)
Ramadan is a time to correct and change our habits that we have acquired over the year without the whispers of Satan. For now is the time in which Shaytan is locked up and he does not have the chance to twist our thoughts and change our good actions. The first step is always hard to take, but Ramadan is the time to do it. So after Ramadan, may we all try to keep up with our good deeds—praying at the correct times, charity to the less fortunate, and genuinely being more patient and kind with one another.
WHAT HAVE WE GAINED FROM
RAMADAN?
Ramadan is a school of imam and a 'stop to recharge one's spiritual batteries' - to acquire one's provision for the rest of the year, For when will one take a lesson and change for better if not in the month of Ramadan?
The noble month is a true school of transformation in which we change our actions, habits and manners that are in variance with the Law of Allah 'azza wa jall. “Verily, Allah does not change the condition of a people until they change what is in themselves.” [Holy Quran Chapter Ar-Ra`d, 11]
If you are from those who benefited from Ramadan, fulfilled the requirements of taqwa, truly fasted the month, prayed in it with truthfulness, and strove against you soul, then praise and thank Allah, and ask Him for steadfastness upon it until you meet your death.
Be not like one who has sewn a shirt and then destroyed it, Have you seen one who sewed a shirt or thawb, so when she looked at it, she liked it. Then she destroyed it pulling a thread by thread for no reason. What would people say about such a person?! Or have you seen one who earns a fortune trading throughout the day, then when the night comes, he throws away all that he earned, dirham by dirham. What would people say about such a person?!
This is the condition of one who returns to sinning and evildoing after Ramadan and leaves obedience and righteous actions. So after he was favored with the blessing of obedience and enjoyment of communicating with Allah he returned to the blaze of sins and evil actions. How evil are the people who know Allah only in Ramadan!
Ramadan is a school of imam and a 'stop to recharge one's spiritual batteries' - to acquire one's provision for the rest of the year, For when will one take a lesson and change for better if not in the month of Ramadan?
The noble month is a true school of transformation in which we change our actions, habits and manners that are in variance with the Law of Allah 'azza wa jall. “Verily, Allah does not change the condition of a people until they change what is in themselves.” [Holy Quran Chapter Ar-Ra`d, 11]
If you are from those who benefited from Ramadan, fulfilled the requirements of taqwa, truly fasted the month, prayed in it with truthfulness, and strove against you soul, then praise and thank Allah, and ask Him for steadfastness upon it until you meet your death.
Be not like one who has sewn a shirt and then destroyed it, Have you seen one who sewed a shirt or thawb, so when she looked at it, she liked it. Then she destroyed it pulling a thread by thread for no reason. What would people say about such a person?! Or have you seen one who earns a fortune trading throughout the day, then when the night comes, he throws away all that he earned, dirham by dirham. What would people say about such a person?!
This is the condition of one who returns to sinning and evildoing after Ramadan and leaves obedience and righteous actions. So after he was favored with the blessing of obedience and enjoyment of communicating with Allah he returned to the blaze of sins and evil actions. How evil are the people who know Allah only in Ramadan!
PEOPLE ASKING DIFFERENT
QUESTIONS?
I
wonder whether the fasting person continued after Ramadaan to be as he was
during Ramadaan, or is he “like her who undoes the thread which she has spun,
after it has become strong” [cf. Holy Quran Chapter al-Nahl 16:92]?
I
wonder whether the one who during Ramadaan was fasting, reciting and reading
Qur’aan, giving and spending in charity, praying at night, making du’aa’, will
he be like that after Ramadaan, or will he follow another path, I mean the path
of the Shaytaan, so that he commits sin and does things that anger the Most
Gracious, Most Merciful?
If
a Muslim continues to have the patience to do righteous deeds after Ramadaan,
this is a sign that his (fasting) has been accepted by his Lord, the Most
Generous, the Bestower of blessings. If he fails to do righteous deeds after
Ramadaan, and follows the ways of the Shaytaan, this is a sign of humiliation,
meanness, lowly status and being deprived of the help of Allaah, as al-Hasan
al-Basri said: “They were no longer of any significance to Allaah, so they
committed sin. If they had mattered to Him, He would have protected them.” When
a person becomes insignificant to Allaah, Allaah will no longer honour him.
Allaah says (interpretation of the meaning): “And whomsoever Allaah disgraces,
none can honour him” [Holy Quran Chapter al-Hajj 22:18].
What
is amazing is that during Ramadaan, you see some people who fast and pray at
night, who spend in charity and worship the Lord of the Worlds, then no sooner
has the month come to an end, but their nature changes completely, and they
begin to have a bad attitude towards their Lord. So you see them
neglecting prayer and avoiding righteous deeds, committing sins and disobeying
Allaah in many different ways, keeping away from obedience towards Allaah, the
Sovereign, the Holy, the One Free from all defects.
How
terrible it is, by Allaah, when people only acknowledge Allaah in Ramadaan.
The
Muslim should make Ramadaan an opportunity to turn over a new leaf by
repenting, turning to Allaah, persisting in worshipping Allaah, always being
aware that Allaah is watching at every minute of every hour. So after Ramadaan
the Muslim should continue to obey Allaah and should avoid sin and evil
actions, as a continuation of th way he was during Ramadaan and the things that
he did then to draw closer to the Lord of creation.
Allaah
says (interpretation of the meaning): “And perform As‑Salaah (Iqaamat‑as‑
Salaah), at the two ends of the day and in some hours of the night [i.e. the
five compulsory Salaah (prayers)]. Verily, the good deeds remove the evil deeds
(i.e. small sins). That is a reminder (an advice) for the mindful (those who
accept advice)”[ Holy Quran Chapter Hood 11:114]
The
Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said: “Follow a bad deed
with a good deed, for it will wipe it out; and have a good attitude and good
manners towards people.”
Undoubtedly
the purpose for which Allaah created everyone was to worship Him Alone, with no
partner or associate. This is the ultimate purpose and the highest aim, which
is to attain ‘uboodiyyah (being a slave of Allaah in the truest and fullest
sense). This was achieved in the most beautiful manner during Ramadaan, when we
saw people going to the houses of Allaah in groups and individually, and we saw
them striving to perform the obligatory prayers on time and to give in charity,
competing with one another in doing good deeds. And for this let (all) those
strive who want to strive (cf. al-Mutaffifeen 83:26), for they will be rewarded
in sha Allaah. But there remains the case of those whom Allaah keeps firm with
the word that stands firm in this world and in the Hereafter (cf. Holy
Quran Chapter Ibraaheem
14:27). Whomever Allaah helps to be steadfast in doing righteous deeds after
Ramadaan, Allaah says (interpretation of the meaning): “To Him ascend (all) the
goodly words, and the righteous deeds exalt it (i.e. the goodly words are not
accepted by Allaah unless and until they are followed by good deeds), but those
who plot evils, theirs will be severe torment. And the plotting of such will
perish”[ Holy Quran Chapter Faatir 35:10].
Undoubtedly
righteous deeds are among the acts which bring a person closer to Allaah at all
times, and the Lord of Ramadaan is also the Lord of Jumaada and Sha’baan and
Dhu’l-Hijjah and Muharram and Safar and all the other months. That is because
the worship that Allaah has enjoined upon us includes five pillars, one of
which is fasting, which is for a set period which has come to an end. But there
remain other pillars, Hajj, prayer and zakaah, for which we are answerable to
Allaah. We must perform these duties in the manner which is pleasing to Allaah,
and we must strive thereby to fulfil the purpose for which we were created.
Allaah says (interpretation of the meaning):“And I (Allaah) created not the
jinn and mankind except that they should worship Me (Alone)”[ Holy Quran
Chapter al-Dhaariyaat 51:56]
The
Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) taught his Companions to
compete in doing good, and he said, “One dirham may weigh more with Allaah than
a dinar, and the best of charity is that a man gives when he is rich.” He
(peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) explained that if the person gives
charity when he is disinclined to do so and is in good health, but fears
poverty, that charity will weigh heavily with Allaah in the balance of good
deeds; whereas the one who delays it, then when he gets sick he starts to spend
in charity here and there, fearing that his good deeds will be rejected, there
is the danger that his (charity) will not be accepted – we seek refuge with
Allaah. Allaah says (interpretation of the meaning):
“Allaah
accepts only the repentance of those who do evil in ignorance and foolishness
and repent soon afterwards; it is they whom Allaah will forgive and Allaah is
Ever All Knower, All‑Wise. And of no effect is the repentance of those who
continue to do evil deeds until death faces one of them and he says: “Now I
repent;” nor of those who die while they are disbelievers. For them We have
prepared a painful torment”[ Holy Quran Chapter al-Nisaa’ 4:17-18].
The
pious and sincere believer should fear Allaah and strive to obey Allaah at all
times, persisting in his taqwa and always striving to do good, call others to
Allaah, enjoin what is good and forbid what is evil. For the believer, his days
and nights in this world are storehouses, so let him see what he can deposit in
them. If he deposits good things in them, it will testify in his favour before
his Lord on the Day of Resurrection; if it is the opposite, then it will be a
disaster for him. We ask Allaah to save us and you from that loss.
The
scholars (may Allaah have mercy on them) said: Among the signs of acceptance
(of good deeds) is that Allaah causes one hasanah (good deed) to be followed by
another, for the hasanah says, “My sister, my sister!” And the sayi’ah (evil
deed) also says, “My sister, my sister!” –we seek refuge with Allaah. If Allaah
has accepted a person's Ramadaan, and he has benefited from this period of
(spiritual) training and has remained steadfast in obeying Allaah, then he has
joined the caravan of those who have remained steadfast and responded to
Allaah. Allaah says (interpretation of the meaning):
“Verily,
those who say: ‘Our Lord is Allaah (Alone),’ and then they stand firm, on them
the angels will descend (at the time of their death) (saying): ‘Fear not, nor
grieve! But receive the glad tidings of Paradise which you have been promised!
We
have been your friends in the life of this world and are (so) in the Hereafter.
Therein you shall have (all) that your inner selves desire, and therein you
shall have (all) for which you ask”[ Holy Quran Chapter Fussilat
41:30-31]
“And
whosoever takes Allaah, His Messenger, and those who have believed, as
Protectors, then the party of Allaah will be the victorious” [Holy Quran
Chapter al-Maa’idah 5:56]
“Verily,
those who say: “Our Lord is (only) Allaah,” and thereafter stand firm (on the
Islamic Faith of Monotheism), on them shall be no fear, nor shall they grieve”
[Holy Quran Chapter al-Ahqaaf 46:13]
This
standing firm should continue from one Ramadaan to the next, because the
Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said: “From one prayer to
the next, from one Ramadaan to the next, from one Hajj to the next, this
expiates for whatever (sins) were committed from one to the next, so long as
you avoid major sins.” And Allaah says (interpretation of the meaning):
“If
you avoid the great sins which you are forbidden to do, We shall expiate from
you your (small) sins, and admit you to a Noble Entrance (i.e. Paradise)” [Holy
Quran Chapter al-Nisaa’ 4:31]
The
believer should join the caravan of those who stand firm and should board the
ship of salvation from the time when he reaches the earliest age of discretion
until he draws his last breath. He should remain in the shade of “Laa ilaaha
ill-Allaah”, enjoying the blessings of Allaah. This religion is the truth and
the way in which we steadfastly adhere to it in Ramadaan is that with which
Allaah honours us by the bounty of His giving, His gracious blessing and His
great favour, so that we might continue to pray qiyaam and to worship Him after
the month of Ramadaan. Do not forget, my brother, that Allaah has blessed you
with i’tikaaf, and Allaah has blessed you with giving charity, and Allaah has
blessed you with fasting, and Allaah has blessed you with du’aa’ which has been
accepted. Do not forget, my brother, to take care of these good deeds and this
support from Allaah, and do not let them be wiped out by bad deeds. So strive
to cultivate goodness and happiness on your way, and to keep company with those
who remain steadfast (in Islam), and to seek Allaah and His Messenger and the
Home of the Hereafter, where it will be said to you, Receive glad tidings of
Paradise as wide as the heavens and the earth, prepared for the pious, for you
responded to the call of Allaah; O seeker of good, continue, for Allaah has
some people who will be freed from Hell, and O seeker of evil, desist. And you
responded to the words of the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon
him), “Whoever prays at night during Ramadaan out of faith and hoping for
reward, his previous sins will be forgiven. And whoever prays at night during
Laylat al-Qadr out of faith and hoping for reward, his previous sins will be
forgiven.”
I
ask Allaah Who has blessed us and you with fasting, i’tikaaf, ‘umrah and
charity to bless us with guidance, piety, and acceptance of our good deeds; may
He help us to persist in doing good deeds and to remain steadfast, for
persistence in doing good deeds is one of the greatest means of drawing closer
to Allaah. Hence when a man came to the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah
be upon him) and said, “Advise me,” he said, “Say, ‘I believe in Allaah,’ and
remain steadfast.” (Agreed upon).
According
to a report narrated by Ahmad, he said, “Say, I believe in Allaah,’ then remain
steadfast.” [The man] said, “O Messenger of Allaah, all the people say that.”
He said, “Some people who came before you said that, but they did not remain
steadfast.” So the believers must continue to be steadfast in obeying Allaah:
“Allaah
will keep firm those who believe, with the word that stands firm in this world
(i.e. they will keep on worshipping Allaah Alone and none else), and in the
Hereafter. And Allaah will cause to go astray those who are Zaalimoon (polytheists
and wrongdoers), and Allaah does what He wills”[ Holy
Quran Chapter Ibraaheem
14:27 – interpretation of the meaning]
The
one who is steadfast in obeying Allaah is the one whose du’aa’ will be
answered, the du’aa’ which he repeats more than twenty-five times each day,
“Guide us to the Straight Way” [Holy Quran Chapter al-Faatihah 1:6 –
interpretation of the meaning], which we say in al-Faatihah. Why is it that we
say and believe strongly that if we remain steadfast Allaah will forgive us,
but we are too lazy to apply that in practical terms? We should fear Allaah and
apply this in deed and thought and word. We should strive in the way of
“ihdinaa al-siraat al-mustaqeem (Guide us to the Straight Way)”, and we should
travel the route of “iyaaka na’budu wa iyyaaka nasta’een (You (Alone) we
worship, and You (Alone) we ask for help (for each and everything))” [Holy
Quran Chapter al-Faatihah
1:5 – interpretation of the meaning], in the shade of “ihdinaa al-siraat
al-mustaqeem (Guide us to the Straight Way)”, following the route that will
lead us to Paradise the width of the heavens and the earth, whose key is Laa
ilaaha ill-Allaah. I ask Allaah to grant us and you a good end.
After
the end of Ramadaan, the people are divided into various types, two of the most
prominent of which I will describe here. The first type are those whom you see
in Ramadaan striving hard in worship. You never see them but they are
prostrating or standing in prayer, or reading Qur’aan, or weeping, so much that
they remind you of some of the worshippers among the salaf, and you even feel
compassion for them because of the intensity of their efforts and striving. Yet
hardly has the month ended, before they go back to negligence and committing
sin, as if they were prisoners of that worship, so they turn their attention to
their desires and become negligent and commit sins which they think will take
away their distress and grief. But these poor people forget that sin is the
cause of doom, because sins are like war wounds, one of which may turn out to
be fatal. How often has sin prevented a person from saying Laa ilaaha
ill-Allaah when in the throes of death.
After
spending this entire month with faith, (reading) Qur’aan and other acts of
worship, these people then backslide, Laa hawla wa laa quwwata illa Billaah
(there is no power and no strength except with Allaah). These are the
occasional worshippers who only acknowledge Allaah on certain occasions or at
times of calamity and distress, then after that there is no more obedience or
worship. What a bad habit that is.
“The
worshipper prayed for something that he wanted, and when the matter was done,
he neither prayed nor fasted.” [Arabic poetry]
I
wonder what is the point of worshipping for a whole month, if that is going to
be followed by a return to dishonourable ways?
The
second type are those who feel distressed at the departure of Ramadaan, because
they have tasted the sweetness of being safe from sin, and the bitterness of
patience became insignificant to them, because they came to realize the true
nature of their weakness and need for their Master (Allaah) and their need to
obey Him. They fasted in a true sense and stood in prayer at night out of love,
so when they bade farewell to Ramadaan, their tears flowed and their hearts
were broken. Those among them who were burdened with sin hoped to be freed from
sin and ransomed from Hell, and to join the caravan of those who are accepted.
Ask yourself, my brother, which of the two groups do you belong to?
By
Allaah, are they the same? Praise be to Allaah, but most of them do not know.
The mufassireen said, commenting on the aayah (interpretation of the meaning):
“Say
(O Muhammad to mankind): ‘Each one does according to Shakilatihi (i.e. his way
or his religion or his intentions)…” [Holy Quran Chapter al-Israa’ 17:84] –
every person acts according to his way or the character that he is used to.
This is condemnation for the kaafir and praise for the believer.
You
should know that the dearest of deeds to Allaah are those that are continuous,
even if they are little. The Messenger (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon
him) said: “O people, you must do whatever you can of good deeds, for Allaah
does not get tired until you get tired. The most beloved of deeds to Allaah are
those which are continuous, even if they are little. The family of Muhammad
(peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him), when they did something, they
would persist in doing it.” Narrated by Muslim.
When
the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) was asked about which
deeds are most beloved to Allaah, he said, “Those which are continuous, even if
they are little.”
‘Aa’ishah
(may Allaah be pleased with her) was asked about what the Messenger of Allaah
(peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) did and whether he used to do
certain things on particular days. She said, “No, his good deeds were
continuous. Who among you could do what the Messenger of Allaah (peace and
blessings of Allaah be upon him) used to do?” The acts of worship prescribed in
Islam are based on certain conditions which must be fulfilled, like remembrance
of Allaah, Hajj and ‘Umrah and their naafil actions, enjoining what is good and
forbidding what is evil, seeking knowledge, jihaad, and other good deeds. So
strive to worship continuously according to your capability. From al-Da’wah magazine, issue no. 1774, p. 12
FALLING SHORT IN ONE'S COMMITMENT TO ISLAM AFTER RAMADAN IS MANIFESTED
IN MANY WAYS, INCLUDING:
1 – Men leaving the five prayers in congregation, after they filled mosques for Taraweeh prayers, thus going to the masjid for recommended prayers and leaving obligatory ones.
2 – Return to musical entertainment, forbidden films, women displaying their adornment beyond that which ordinarily appears thereof, free mixing etc.
This is not thankfulness for blessings and favors, nor is it the sign of acceptance of one's actions, rather this is opposition to favors and absence of thankfulness.
These are from signs of one's deeds not being accepted – and Allah's refuge is sought – for one who truly fasts rejoices on the occasion of `eid, praises his Lord for helping him complete the fast, and remains fearful that Allah may not accept his fasting, just as the Salaf would continue asking for acceptance of their actions in Ramadan for six months after it.
From signs that one's deeds are accepted is that he or she has improved in his or her obedience to Allah `azza wa jall. “And remember when your Lord proclaimed, 'If you are grateful, I will surely increase you [in favor]…” [Ibrahim, 7] Increase you in good, faith and righteous actions. So if the servant is truly thankful to his Lord, you will see him guided to more obedience and distanced from sinfulness. Thankfulness is leaving sins, as the early Muslims said.
“And worship your Lord until there comes you to the certainty [i.e. death].” [al-Hijr, 99]
The Muslim must continuously be in the state of obedience of Allah, firm upon His Sharee`ah, steadfast upon His Deen, so that he or she is not of those who worship Allah only during one month or only in one place. Rather, the believer knows that the Lord of Ramadan is also the Lord of other months, and that He is the Lord of all times and places, so he is steadfast upon the Sharee`ah of Allah until he meets Him while He is pleased with him. Allah ta`ala said, “So remain on a right course as you have been commanded, [you] and those who have turned back with you [to Allah].” [Hud, 112] And, “So take a straight course to Him and seek His forgiveness.” [Fussilat, 6] And the Prophet, sallallahu `alayhi wa sallam, said, “Say 'I believe in Allah', then be steadfast.” [Muslim]
-- If the fasting in Ramadan has ended, then there remains voluntary fasting, such as fasting six days in Shawwal, on Mondays and Thursdays, the three days in the middle of the month, the days of `Aashoora and `Arafat, and others.
-- If standing in prayer at night during Ramadan has ended, then there remains voluntary night prayer throughout the year. “They used to sleep but little of the night.” [Adh-Dhaariyaat, 17]
-- If the charity in Ramadan and zakat ul-fitr have ended, then there is the obligatory Zakat, and also there are many other open doors to charity, voluntary actions and jihad.
-- Reading of the Qur'an and contemplating it is not only for Ramadan, rather it is for all times.
Righteous actions are for all times and all places, so strive – O my brother and sister – and beware of laziness. And remember that it is not allowed for us to leave the obligatory actions or delay them, such as the five daily prayers on time, in congregation etc.
And do not fall into forbidden actions, such as forbidden sayings, food and drinks, or by looking at or listening to what is forbidden.
Be steadfast and upright upon the Deen of Allah at all times, for you do not know when you'll meet the Angel of Death. Beware of him taking you while you are in a state of sin. “O Allah, Who turns the hearts, keep our hearts steadfast upon Your Deen.”
I ask Allah to accept from us and you our fasting, our prayers and other righteous actions, that our condition after Ramadan be a better one, that the state of our Ummah improves, that we are granted honour and that we truly turn to our Lord…Ameen
1 – Men leaving the five prayers in congregation, after they filled mosques for Taraweeh prayers, thus going to the masjid for recommended prayers and leaving obligatory ones.
2 – Return to musical entertainment, forbidden films, women displaying their adornment beyond that which ordinarily appears thereof, free mixing etc.
This is not thankfulness for blessings and favors, nor is it the sign of acceptance of one's actions, rather this is opposition to favors and absence of thankfulness.
These are from signs of one's deeds not being accepted – and Allah's refuge is sought – for one who truly fasts rejoices on the occasion of `eid, praises his Lord for helping him complete the fast, and remains fearful that Allah may not accept his fasting, just as the Salaf would continue asking for acceptance of their actions in Ramadan for six months after it.
From signs that one's deeds are accepted is that he or she has improved in his or her obedience to Allah `azza wa jall. “And remember when your Lord proclaimed, 'If you are grateful, I will surely increase you [in favor]…” [Ibrahim, 7] Increase you in good, faith and righteous actions. So if the servant is truly thankful to his Lord, you will see him guided to more obedience and distanced from sinfulness. Thankfulness is leaving sins, as the early Muslims said.
“And worship your Lord until there comes you to the certainty [i.e. death].” [al-Hijr, 99]
The Muslim must continuously be in the state of obedience of Allah, firm upon His Sharee`ah, steadfast upon His Deen, so that he or she is not of those who worship Allah only during one month or only in one place. Rather, the believer knows that the Lord of Ramadan is also the Lord of other months, and that He is the Lord of all times and places, so he is steadfast upon the Sharee`ah of Allah until he meets Him while He is pleased with him. Allah ta`ala said, “So remain on a right course as you have been commanded, [you] and those who have turned back with you [to Allah].” [Hud, 112] And, “So take a straight course to Him and seek His forgiveness.” [Fussilat, 6] And the Prophet, sallallahu `alayhi wa sallam, said, “Say 'I believe in Allah', then be steadfast.” [Muslim]
-- If the fasting in Ramadan has ended, then there remains voluntary fasting, such as fasting six days in Shawwal, on Mondays and Thursdays, the three days in the middle of the month, the days of `Aashoora and `Arafat, and others.
-- If standing in prayer at night during Ramadan has ended, then there remains voluntary night prayer throughout the year. “They used to sleep but little of the night.” [Adh-Dhaariyaat, 17]
-- If the charity in Ramadan and zakat ul-fitr have ended, then there is the obligatory Zakat, and also there are many other open doors to charity, voluntary actions and jihad.
-- Reading of the Qur'an and contemplating it is not only for Ramadan, rather it is for all times.
Righteous actions are for all times and all places, so strive – O my brother and sister – and beware of laziness. And remember that it is not allowed for us to leave the obligatory actions or delay them, such as the five daily prayers on time, in congregation etc.
And do not fall into forbidden actions, such as forbidden sayings, food and drinks, or by looking at or listening to what is forbidden.
Be steadfast and upright upon the Deen of Allah at all times, for you do not know when you'll meet the Angel of Death. Beware of him taking you while you are in a state of sin. “O Allah, Who turns the hearts, keep our hearts steadfast upon Your Deen.”
I ask Allah to accept from us and you our fasting, our prayers and other righteous actions, that our condition after Ramadan be a better one, that the state of our Ummah improves, that we are granted honour and that we truly turn to our Lord…Ameen
May
Allaah bless our Prophet Muhammad and his family and companions, and grant them
peace. May Allah (Subhanahu Wa Taala) shower us with blessings,
forgive our sins and grant us all Paradise. Ameen!
Reference
http://www.gawaher.com/topic/2352-advice-after-ramadaan/
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