Bismillaahir Rahmaanir Raheem
As Salaamu Alaykum Wa Rahmatullahi Wa Barkatuh!
Remaining Steadfast After Ramadaan
Shaykh Saleh al-Fouzan
Sufyaan ibn `Abdillaah radhiallahu `anhu said:
"O Messenger of Allah,
tell me something about Islaam,
which I cannot ask anyone else besides you."
He (Sallallahu Alayhi wasallam) said:
"Say: 'I believe in Allah' and then
be steadfast (upon that)."
[Saheeh Muslim (38)]
The hadeeth is proof that the servant is obligated, after having eemaan in Allah, to persevere and be steadfast upon obeying Him 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 is ever watchful and witnessing over his 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]
If the fasting of Ramadaan comes to an end, then indeed the voluntary fasting is still prescribed throughout the entire year. If standing in prayer at night during Ramadaan comes to an end, then indeed, the entire year is a time for performing the night prayer. And if the Zakaat-ul-Fitr comes to an end, then there is still the Zakaah that is obligatory as well as the voluntary charity that lasts the whole year. This goes the same for reciting the Qur'aan and pondering over its meaning as well as every other righteous deed that is sought, for they can be done at all times.
From the many bounties that Allah has bestowed upon his servants is that He has placed for them many different types of righteous acts and provided many means for doing good deeds. Therefore, the ardor and zeal of the Muslim must be constant and he must continue to remain in the service of his Lord.
It is unfortunate to find that some people perform worship
by doing different types of righteous deeds
during Ramadaan.
They guard strictly upon their five daily prayers in the masjid,
they recite the Qur'aan a lot
and they give in charity from their wealth.
But when Ramadaan comes to an end,
they grow lazy in their worship.
Rather, sometimes they even abandon the obligations,
both generally, such as praying in congregation,
and specifically, such as praying the fajr prayer.
And they commit forbidden acts
such as sleeping over the time of prayers,
indulging in places of foolishness and entertainment,
and mingling in parks, especially on the day of `Eid.
Obtaining help from these evils is only
through the grace of Allah.
Thus, they demolish what they have constructed
and destroy what they have established.
This is an indication of deprivation and a sign of perdition.
We ask Allah for His safeguarding and protection.
(Aameen)
Indeed, this type of people
take the example of turning in repentance
and ceasing from committing evil deeds
as something specific and restricted
to the month of Ramadaan.
And they stop doing these (good) acts
when the month stops.
Thus, it is as if they have abandoned sinning
for the sake of Ramadaan, and not out of fear of Allah.
How evil are these people who do not know Allah,
except in Ramadaan!
Truly, the success that Allah grants His servant lies in the fasting of Ramadaan. His assisting him to do that is a great favor, thus the calls for the servant to be grateful to his Lord.
This understanding can be found in the statement of Allah after completing the favor of the month of fasting:
"(He wants that you) must complete
the same number of days,
and that you must magnify Allah
(by saying Allahu Akbar)
for having guided you,
so that you may be grateful to Him."
[2:185]
The one who is grateful for having fasted, will remain upon that condition and continue to perform righteous deeds.
Verily, the true way of the Muslim is that of one who praises and thanks his Lord for giving him the ability to fast and make qiyaam. His condition after Ramadaan is better than it was before Ramadaan. He is more receptive to obey, desiring to do good deeds and quick to enforce the obligatory acts. This is because he has gained benefit form this prominent institute of learning. It is that of one who fears for having his fast not accepted, for indeed Allah only accepts from those who fear Him.
The righteous predecessors would struggle to complete and perfect their deeds, hoping afterwards, that it would be accepted and fearing that it would be rejected.
From the reports of `Alee (radhiallahu `anhu),
"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]
`Aa'ishah (radhiallahu `anhu) 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 (Sallallahu Alayhi wasallam) 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]
So be warned and again be warned
of turning backward
after having attained guidance
of going astray after persevering.
And ask Allah to provide you with duration
in doing righteous deeds
and continuity in performing good acts.
And ask Allah that He grant you a good end,
so that He may accept our Ramadaan from us.
O Allah ! O Merciful !
O the One, Who transforms the hearts!
Make my heart Steadfast
upon your religion!
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Guiding one soul to knowledge and faith
is a momentous achievement.
It is what will earn us great blessings.
(Insha Allah)
Jazak Allahu khairan !
With kind & humble regards.
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