Sooooo... what AFTER Ramadaan?!?

We leave the blessed month of Ramadaan, 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 Ramadaan 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.
 
What Have We Gained From Ramadaan?

Ramadaan is a school of Imaan 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 Ramadaan?

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.

"Verily, Allah does not change the condition of a people until they change what is in themselves." [Ar-Ra`d:11] 

Delight of ones Heart...

Allah says ordering His Prophet (saws): 
“Recite (O Muhammed) what has been revealed to you of the Book (Quraan), and perform as-Salah. Verily, as-Salah (prayer) prevents from al-Fahsha’ (great sins of every kind) and al-Munkar (disbelief, and every wicked deed). And the Remembering (praising) of (you by) Allah (in front of the angels) is greater indeed [than your remembering (praising) Allah in prayers]. And Allah knows what you do.” [Al-‘Ankabut 29:45] 

He (swt) also said: 
“I (Muhammed) have been commanded only to worship the Lord of this city (Makkah), Him Who has sanctified it and His is everything. And I am commanded to be from among the Muslims (those who submit to Allah in Islam). And to recite the Quraan.” [An-Naml 27:91,92] 

Allah said: 
“Nay, but they, the clear Ayat [the description and the qualities of Prophet Muhammed (saws) written like verses in the Torah and the Gospel] are preserved in the breasts of those who are have been given knowledge (from the people of the Scriptures). And none but the Zalimun (polytheists and wrong-doers…) deny Our Ayat (proofs, evidences, verses, lessons and signs).” [Al-‘Ankabut 29:49] 

He (swt) also said: 
“And we have indeed made the Quraan easy to understand and be remembered, then is there any that will remember (or receive admonition)?” [Al-Qamar 54:17] 

The month of Ramadan is known as the month of sacrifice and fasting. It is also known and recognized and known as the month of the Quraan. Allah says: 
“The month of Ramadan in which was revealed the Quraan, a guidance for mankind and clear proofs for the guidance and the criterion (between right and wrong).” [Al-Baqarah 2:185] 

Allah says: 
“Verily! We have sent it down in the Night of Al-Qadr (Decree).” [Al-Qadr 97:1]

Keep the Spirit of Ramadaan Alive All Yearrrrrr...

Now that the Ramadaan has ended, let us not leave off the many acts of worship we have performed during the blessed month of Ramadaan. Ramadaan, for most of us is a time of renewal and reestablishment of our commitment to Allah and His (swt) religion.

We fast, give charity, read the Qur'an and perform the night prayer. We avoid gossip, slander and every evil that would invalidate our fasts and additional acts of worship. But now that Ramadaan is over, the majority of us unfortunately will put the Qur'an back on the shelves, will suspend fasting until next year and will abandon the night prayer. This is not the way it should be, because all of these acts of worship carry rewards and are of benefit to us throughout the year, in addition to the fact that there is no divine prescription limiting them to Ramadaan.

The Qur'an

It's sad, true, that many of us have fallen into the bad habit of only reciting the Qur'an during the month of Ramadaan. By doing this, we cheat ourselves out of the abundant blessing that come from reading the words of Allah. Reading the Qur'an is the best way to remember Allah, it is a protection from the shaytan and in it are cures for what ails us. Allah says, "Oh mankind, there has come to you a protection from your Lord and a healing for what is in your hearts and for those who believe, a guidance a mercy." [10: 57] 

Hear and Obey !!!

Prophet Ibrahim’s wife (Haajar) asked him, “To whom are you leaving us?” And in certain al-Bukhari narrations, she repeated this question or plea over and over again, yet throughout, he did not turn around to answer her; finally, she said, “Did Allāh order you to do this?” He said, “Yes.” She said, “Then He will not allow us to waste away (or perish).” In another narration, she said, “I am pleased with Allāh (i.e., with His decree and with being placed in His care).” She did not, however, say, “There are priorities. Instead of leaving us in this barren desert, you should take us with you, for we can then help you in calling others to the way of Allāh.”

If we know that a command is from Allāh, we must only do as the mother of Isma’il did: answer and obey. Being pleased with Allāh’s decree, she began to move briskly from al-Safa to al-Marwa, now hoping to find water, and now fearing for her son who was on the verge of dying.

Some who have weak faith might say, “This was the calamity of near death for the child! What did this experience benefit him, his father, or his mother!” Such people do not appreciate the struggle and patience and sacrifices of Prophet Ibrahim and his family; instead, such people uphold a purely worldly view – the very view that has effectively struck down our Nation.

From a realistic and sensible point of view, let us ask, what were the fruits of Ibrahim’s and his wife’s obedience to Allāh? They are fruits that were reaped not just by Prophet Ibrahim, his wife, and his child; rather they are fruits that every Islamic Monotheist on the face of the earth has reaped and will continue to reap until the coming of the Hour.

Muslims come to Makkah in throngs from both the east and the west. They are happy and contented because they are making circuits between al-Safa and al-Marwa, in the same place that the mother of Isma’il performed the same circuits. They come from far-off lands in order to train themselves to obey Allāh’s commandments. As they move briskly between the two said mountains, they reflect on how the mother of Isma’il raced back and forth in a state of pain and sadness, placing obedience to her Lord before all else.

Remaining Steadfast AFTER Ramadaan...

Sufyaan ibn Abdillaah (ra) said: "O Messenger of Allah, tell me something about Islam, which I cannot ask anyone else besides you." He (saws) said: "Say: 'I believe in Allah' and then be steadfast (upon that)." [Saheeh Muslim], The Hadith is proof that the servant is obligated, after having Imaan in Allah, to persevere and be steadfast upon obeying Him (swt) by performing the obligatory acts and avoiding the prohibited ones. This is achieved by following the Straight Path, which is the firm Religion without drifting away from it, to the right or to the left. 

If the Muslim lives through Ramadaan 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. This is the true state of the slave, for indeed, the Lord of the months is One and He (swt) is ever watchful and witnessing over His (swt) servants at all times. 

Indeed, steadfastness after Ramadaan and the rectification of one's statements and actions are the greatest signs that one has gained benefit from the month of Ramadaan and striven in obedience. They are tokens of reception and signs of success. 

Furthermore, the deeds of a servant do not come to an end with the end of a month and the beginning of another, rather they continue and extend until he reaches death. Allah says:

"And worship your Lord until the certainty (death) comes to you." [Al-Hijr:99]
 

Ramadaan is Half Over... CHARGE UP!!!

We're in the middle of Ramadaan... Yes, it's hard to believe but HALF of this blessed month has already passed away. Some of us might have lost the enthusiasm by now that they had in the beginning of the month.
Sad isn't it... people in the Masaajid for Taraweeh have already shrunk down to 50%... SubhanAllah!!!

Reasons can be plenty... you might have lost the burning desire to do good deeds, or you got distracted such as going around doing shopping for Eid, or you simply got lazy... Whatever the reason may be, at it's core this is what went Wrong-Your Imaan Level got LOW!

We do charge up our "body" during the iftaar, but now Our Imaan needs some Charge-up!

Prophet Muhammad (saws) said: "Faith wears out in the heart of any one of you just as clothes wear out, so ask Allah to renew the faith in your hearts” (Mustadrak al-Haakim).

Repent to Allah for having lost your focus and ask His (swt) assistance to guide you once again to do more good deeds and help you increase your Imaan. Don't give up now... Remember it could be your last Ramadaan.

The Last Ten Nights of Ramadaan - Don't Miss Them !!!

The last ten nights of Ramadaan are very special. The first of these nights occurs on the eve of the 21st day of Ramadaan. In other words, it is the night that commences after the completion of the 20th day of fasting. Sometimes there are only nine nights, whenever the month of Ramadaan lasts for only 29 days. Nevertheless, they are still traditionally referred to as "the last ten nights".

The last ten nights of Ramadaan are very special. These are the nights that the Prophet (saws) would spend in constant worship. Among these nights is Laylah al-Qadr – a night more blessed than a thousand months.

The Prophet (saws) used to single these nights out for worship and the performance of good deeds. He would exert himself in worship during these ten nights more than any other nights of the year. 

Â'ishah tells us: "During the last ten nights of Ramadaan, the Prophet (saws) would tighten his waist belt and spend the night in worship. He would also wake up his family." [Sahîh al-Bukhârî (1920)]

 Â'ishah also says: "I had never known Allah's Messenger (saws) to read the entire Qur'ân in a single night, or to spend the whole night in prayer up until the morning, or to spend a whole month in fasting – except in Ramadaan." [Sunan al-Nasâ'î (1641) and Sunan Ibn Mâjah (1348)]
 

Whilst the People Sleep...

"Verily, the pious will be in the midst of gardens and springs, taking joy in the things which their Lord has given them. Verily, they were before this Muhsinun. They used to sleep but little of the night. And in the hours before dawn, they were asking for forgiveness, and from their properties was [given] the right of the beggar, and the deprived." (Adh-Dhariyat 15-19)

Thus He (swt) described them as being awake at night, seeking forgiveness in the early hours of the morning, and spending from their wealth. Some of the Salaf would be asleep and something would come to them saying: Stand and pray. Don’t you know that the keys to Jannah lie with those who stand at night? They are its treasurers. 

Standing at night entitles one to the highest levels in Jannah. Allah said to Prophet (saws), “And in some parts of the night offer the Salah with it (ie. recite the Qur’an), as an optional salah for you. It may be that your Lord will raise you to the highest level in Jannah.” (Isra: 79) Hence, He (swt) made the highest level in Jannah the reward for his (saws) tahajjud at night.

Ramadaan in History...

All praises to Allah, Lord of the worlds. He (swt) who revealed in His (swt) Glorious Qur'an, "O you who believe, fasting is prescribed for you asit was prescribed for those who came before you that you may keep your duty to your Lord (having taqwa)," (2:185). And may blessings and peace of Allah be upon His (swt) last Messenger Muhammad ibn Abdullah.

O you who believe, Ramadaan is a sacred month wherein Almighty Allah is constantly testing His (swt) creation and giving humanity the opportunity to achieve infinite, endless Bliss. Fasting is a complete purification and a means to developing the consciousness of Allah's presence. The consciousness of Allah (Taqwa) is a protection against the schemes of Shaitan, and the suffering of this world. Allah has informed us that, "Whoever keeps his duty to Allah (has taqwa), He ordains a way out for him and gives him sustenance from where he imagines not. And whoever trusts in Allah, He is sufficient for him. Surely Allah attains His purpose. Allah has appointed a measure for everything." (65:2)

Many Muslims today have a misconception about fasting and the activities of a fasting person. They go into a state of semi-hibernation, spending most of their daylight hours in bad. If they fear Allah, they wake up for prayer, but then return to sleep immediately. This unnatural sleep makes them become lazy, dull-witted and often cranky.

Ramadaan is actually a time of increased activity wherein the believer, now lightened of the burdens of constant eating and drinking, should be more willing to strive and struggle for Allah The Prophet (saws) passed through approximately nine Ramadaans after the Hijrah. They were filled with decisive events and left us a shining example of sacrifice and submission to Allah.

Qur'an in Ramadaan & all Year Round...

What does the Qur’an mean to you? As you have been reading it now more in Ramadaan, does it mean more to you now than it did before? Understanding the role of the Qur’an in our lives is essential if we are to make good use of it all year round.

The Qur’an is life’s guide book or manual provided by the One who created all there is. Its message gives all kinds of indicators about courses of action you can adopt to be a truly successful person in your spiritual life, in your relationships and in everything you do. Without this message, we would be left to the dictates of our own minds that have such a limited capacity to perceive beyond our own selves.

When we read the Qur’an we are reading a message from the Creator of the universe. It is a message from our Creator, our Sustainer - the One to whom we will all ultimately return. Allah the Almighty speaks to us through the Qur’an. It is His everlasting words. So we see how important it is that we stop and reflect while we are reading. Reading the Qur’an should not be a race to see how quickly we can finish it. We should be hoping to understand more and to feel more enlightened as we read and ponder.

Night Prayer During Ramadaan (Taraweeh)

Allah has legislated different forms of worship so that we do not continuously perform only one which would lead us to get tired of it, and as a consequence, halt performing that kind of worship. 

Allah made certain forms of worship obligatory that we may not fall short of performing. He  also prescribed the recommended acts of worship that would increase the rewards. In a Qudsi hadith reported by Imam Bukhari, The Prophet (saws) said: "Allah said:' My servant draws not near to Me with any thing more loved by Me than the religious duties I have enjoined upon him, and My servant continues to draw near to Me with supererogatory works so that I shall love him. When I love him I am his hearing with which he hears, his seeing, with which he sees his hand with which he strikes and his foot with which he walks. Were he to ask [something] of Me, I would surely give it to him, and were he to ask Me for refuge, I would surely grant him it." 

The prayer is one of these forms. Allah prescribed upon us five in a day and a night. Five to perform, and fifty in rewards in the scale on the Day of Judgment. Allah recommended us to increase our non-obligatory prayers so that they can make up for the less perfect obligatory prayer. In an authentic hadith reported by Imam At-Tirmithi, Abu-Dawud, An-Nisai and others that the Prophet Muhammad (saws) said: "The first of his actions for which a servant of Allah will be held accountable on The Day Resurrection will be his prayers. If they are in order, then he will have prospered and succeeded; and if they are wanting, then he will have failed and lost. If there is something defective in his obligatory prayers, the Lord will say: see if my servant has any voluntarily prayers with which may complete that which was defective in his obligatory prayers. Then the rest of his religious duties will be judged in like fashion."