The end of Ramadan ushers in one of two major celebrations in the Islamic calendar - a day of festivities called Eid ul Fitr. In Arabic Eid means something which returns and is repeated every certain period of time. The word Eid, however, has evolved to mean a festivity. The word Fitr is the root of the word iftar (breaking the fast) and denotes the end of the fasting month. It would be wrong to assume that Muslims celebrate the fact that they no longer have to fast, as Muslims indeed are saddened by the passing of the month of Ramadan. The reality is that Muslims celebrate because Allah has allowed them to participate in and complete the month of fasting and spiritual reflection. Muslims celebrate the fact that Allah, in His infinite mercy and wisdom, may accept their deeds and reward them.
"Ramadhan is the (month) in which was sent down the Qur'an, as a guide to mankind, also clear (Signs) for guidance and judgment (between right and wrong). So every one of you who is present (at his home) during that month should spend it in fasting, but if any one is ill, or on a journey, the prescribed period (should be made up) by days later. Allah intends every facility for you; He does not want to put to difficulties. (He wants you) to complete the prescribed period, and to glorify Him in that He has guided you; and perchance ye shall be grateful." [Surah Al-Baqarah 2:185]
The Eid (or celebration) is not carried out in the way we might expect. After the previous night's moon sighting, indicating that the blessed month of Ramadan is over, Muslims wake for the dawn prayer and the beginning of a very special day. In the early morning Muslims bathe and put on their best clothes in preparation for the special Eid prayer. It has become customary to wear new clothes in celebration of Eid. "Allah is beautiful, and He loves that which is beautiful," [Saheeh Muslim] and Eid is a time to display the favours of Allah. It is an act of worship to eat a few dates before setting out for the prayer in emphasis of the fact that the fasting month has indeed ended, and thus, fasting on the Day of Eid is forbidden, as it is a day of celebration and remembrance of Allah.
Muslims who seized the benefits inherent in Ramadan are grateful for this time to celebrate and understand it is but one of the ways that Allah bestows His mercy upon us. Life can sometimes be full of tests and trials, but through the trying times as well as the celebrations, there is wisdom, mercy and forgiveness from Allah. A Muslim is encouraged to celebrate by glorifying Allah, but reminded never to forget that the ability to love life and to celebrate, is but one of Allah's bounties.
What Have We Gained From Ramadan?
Muslims who seized the benefits inherent in Ramadan are grateful for this time to celebrate and understand it is but one of the ways that Allah bestows His mercy upon us. Life can sometimes be full of tests and trials, but through the trying times as well as the celebrations, there is wisdom, mercy and forgiveness from Allah. A Muslim is encouraged to celebrate by glorifying Allah, but reminded never to forget that the ability to love life and to celebrate, is but one of Allah's bounties.
What Have We Gained From Ramadan?
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 Allah-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 of Hell?
Many questions and numerous thoughts come to the heart of the sincere Muslim, who asks and answers with truthfulness.
Ramadan is a school of iman 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.
Have we fulfilled the requirements of taqwa and graduated from the Ramadan school with the diploma of the Allah-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 of Hell?
Many questions and numerous thoughts come to the heart of the sincere Muslim, who asks and answers with truthfulness.
Ramadan is a school of iman 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.
"For each (such person) there are (angels) in succession, before and behind him: They guard him by command of Allah. Verily never will Allah change the condition of a people until they change it themselves (with their own souls). But when (once) Allah willeth a people's punishment, there can be no turning it back, nor will they find, besides Him, any to protect." [Surah Ar-Ra'd 13:11]
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 your 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 thaub, 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, ringgit by ringgit. What would people say about such a person?!
This is the condition of one who returns to sinning and evil-doing after Ramadan and leaves obedience and righteous actions. So after he was favoured 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!
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 favours, 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.
Be not like one who has sewn a shirt and then destroyed it... Have you seen one who sewed a shirt or thaub, 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, ringgit by ringgit. What would people say about such a person?!
This is the condition of one who returns to sinning and evil-doing after Ramadan and leaves obedience and righteous actions. So after he was favoured 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!
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 favours, 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.
"And remember! your Lord caused to be declared (publicly): "If you are grateful, I will add more (favours) unto you; But if you show ingratitude, truly My punishment is terrible indeed." [Surah Ibrahim 14:7]
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 to you the certainty (i.e. death)." [Surah Al-Hijr 15:99]
The Muslim must continuously be in the state of obedience of Allah, firm upon His Shari'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 Shari'ah of Allah until he meets Him while He is pleased with him. Allah said:
"So remain on a right course as you have been commanded, (you) and those who have turned back with you (to Allah); and transgress not (from the Path): for He see well all that you do" [Surah Hud 11:112]
And,
"Say (O Muhammad): "I am but a man like you: It is revealed to me by Inspiration, that your Allah is one Allah: so stand true to Him, and ask for His Forgiveness." And woe to those who join gods with Allah." [Surah Fussilat 41:6]
And the Prophet Muhammad s.a.w. said:
"Say 'I believe in Allah', then be steadfast." [Saheeh Muslim]
1. 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 'Ashura and 'Arafat, and others.
2. 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." [Surah Az-Zaariyaat 51:17]
3. If the charity in Ramadan and Zakat Fitrah have ended, then there is the obligatory Zakat, and also there are many other open doors to charity, voluntary actions and jihad.
4. 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, 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.
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"
Let us 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.
[Source: Islam House and The Religion of Islam. Images added.]
[Source: Islam House and The Religion of Islam. Images added.]
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