As Ramadan Ends.. What After Ramadan??

A companion once asked the prophet to tell him something about Islam that only the prophet could tell. And he said: "Say: 'I believe in Allah' and then be steadfast (upon that)." [Saheeh Muslim ]

This hadith shows that as Muslims we are obligated to: Persevere and be steadfast upon obeying Allah 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.

Although Ramadan comes to an end: The Muslim lived through Ramadan spending his days in fasting and his nights in prayer and thus accustomed himself to doing acts of good; so he must continue to remain upon this obedience to Allah at all times. Indeed, steadfastness after Ramadan and the rectification of one's statements and actions are the greatest signs that one has gained benefit from the month of Ramadan and striven in obedience. They are tokens of reception and signs of success.

So thus: e 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: 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]

One can still: Perform voluntary fasting thru the rest of the year, and also perform the night prayer during the rest of the year. Charity too can be given during the year as well as reading the Quran and attending classes to learn your religion.

You do not want to be: A Ramadan Muslim

Instead you want to become: A person whose condition is better after Ramadan. You want to be one who is more receptive to obey Allah, desiring to do good deeds and quick to enforce the obligatory acts. Why? Because this is one who fears for having his fast not accepted, for indeed Allah only accepts from those who fear Him.

The Companions would struggle to complete and perfect their deeds hoping for acceptance from Allah: From the reports of `Alee, "Be more concerned with having your deeds accepted than the deed itself. Did you not hear Allah say: 'Verily Allah, only accepts those from those who fear Him. (i.e. possess taqwaa).' [5:27] "[Lataa'if ul Ma`aarif, p. 246]

Aisha Said: "I asked the Messenger of Allah concerning the ayah: 'And the one who are given what they are given and their hearts tremble with fear.' Are they the ones who drink alcohol and steal?" He said: "No, o daughter of as-Siddeeq. Rather, they are the ones who fast and pray and give in charity yet fear that it won't be accepted from them. They are the ones who rush to do good deeds and they are the first to do them." [Saheeh Sunan at-Tirmidhee 3/79-80] [Saheeh Sunan at-Tirmidhee 3/79-80]

So: Be warned and again be warned of turning backward after having attained guidance of going astray after persevering!

So Now What have we gained from ramadan?

You should have gained: Taqwa Allah – Fear of Allah Taqwa Allah – Fear of Allah Patience Patience Self discipline Self discipline Empathy for others Empathy for others Renewed Faith Renewed Faith Renewed self esteem Renewed self esteem Renewed understanding of your deen Renewed understanding of your deen Certainty of Faith Certainty of Faith

Do Not fall back in your commitment to Allah by: Leaving Praying at the masjid in congregation Going back to listening to music Backbiting, gossips and the likes Talking to men and women who are not mahram's to you Not being thankful of the favors of Allah Failing to do extra good deeds

A sign that your deeds of ramadan were accepted is: That you will have improved in your obediance to Allah after ramadan: “And remember when your Lord proclaimed, 'If you are grateful, I will surely increase you [in favor]…” [Ibrahim, 7]

And that: You will continue to do good deeds all year round and when the next ramadan comes, you will have grown more than the previous one.

May this Ramadan Have been a success for us all.. Ameen!

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