Doesn’t it feel like just yesterday we were preparing for Ramadan? The days have passed by so quickly, similar to our life in this world and what we get out of it, is our deeds, which will be a proof for, or against us.
Some of us may not have been in the best of health, mentally, physically or spiritually, but it’s ok to stumble – we keep trying, and we remain hopeful as Allah reminds us:
“Despair not of the Mercy of Allah…”
(Qur’an 39:53)
It may not have been the most productive so far, but matters are based on how they end, so let’s take advantage of these last days and nights of Ramadan with the best that we’ve got.
“The lesson lies in perfection of the conclusion of a thing, not in the shortcomings of the beginning of it.”
(Ibn Taymiyyah)
Ramadan may be leaving us, but let’s hold on to any good habit we’ve started this month; that can be our resolution, it doesn’t just end because Ramadan has, rather these actions can continue with us for the rest of the year and InshaAllah our lives.
Nor does it all have to end on Eid, yes it’s our celebration, and shaytaan may be unchained, however that makes it even more of an opportunity to keep up beneficial acts.
The Prophet (ﷺ) was asked, “What deeds are loved most by Allah?” He said, “The most regular constant deeds even though they may be few.” He added, ‘Don’t take upon yourselves, except the deeds which are within your ability.”
(Sahih Al-Bukhari)
Eid will be here sooner than we think, and it can be a time where it is easy to simply focus on food, money and clothes. Nevertheless, it is also a time wherein we can follow up our good deeds with further good, by still giving to charity, still making du’aa and still visiting the sick or family members – we should do something beneficial to round off the month alongside getting dressed up, taking selfies and eating food all day.
“So strive as in a race in good deeds.”
(Qur’an 5:48)
It’s important to not forget the purpose of Ramadan just because it has ended, and let’s not forget that the month of Shawwal comes after Ramadan, a month whereby voluntarily fasting six days in Shawwal (after Eid) completes the reward for fasting for a full year (Muslim). Allah has also blessed us with an “eid” each week where on Friday we have been given the great opportunity to celebrate each week.
Fasting is not restricted to only Ramadan and neither is our abilities to perform good deeds, which with effort can be carried out at any time. Many people may even feel slightly relieved at the conclusion of Ramadan due to its difficulty, length of fasting or even boredom, yet that mind-set should not overcome us. Ramadan should be cherished and its spirit should be kept alive within our hearts – may Allah grant us the sweetness of Ramadan and help us to continue to do good onwards, Ameen.
