The blessed month of Ramadan left us with the spiritual essence of good deeds and a purified heart. We strove hard in this month to earn the pleasure of Allah and get rid of our bad habits so that we may gain His acceptance and forgiveness of our sins. We hope for the reward only from Allah. We tried to fulfil the major purpose of fasting that is the building the foundation of At-Taqwa i.e. piety and righteousness in our hearts that were once astray.
If you were alive throughout Ramadan; this was a golden opportunity by Allah as many people left us halfway through it and some didn’t even each it. Glad tidings to those who strove hard by performing all kinds of obligatory and voluntary deeds without wasting their precious time and especially spent the last 10 nights of Ramadan in hope and mercy only from Allah. We pray that we were among those who witnessed the blessed Night of Decree.
Successful are the ones who utilized their time in the best possible way and who intended to remain consistent in their actions even after Ramadan. Now that ‘Ramadan’ is completed, how shall the actions performed in Ramadan impact the rest of your days, months, and in general – Your entire life! You must have heard that it only takes about 21 days to develop a habit. So, how are we actually planning to live after Ramadan?
We cannot always blame Shaytaan after Ramadan. He indeed has the power to whisper; but the more conscious you are, the more you would strive to NOT to respond to his calls. I have seen people having this mindset during the end of Ramadan, “So, from tomorrow the devils are unchained and they can mislead us now”. So if you become lazy or miss an obligatory prayer, you blame him! The matter of fact lies with what mindset you started after Ramadan? Some even return back to their previous life whilst others continue the recitation of the Qur’an, memorization, and keep performing good deeds without limit.
Once you have a vision to why you adhered to certain core values then that will keep you going! Here are few tips to remain steadfast after Ramadan –
- Live as you were living in Ramadan – We all must have scheduled our days & nights in Ramadan revolving around worship, recitation & memorization of the Qur’an, spending in charity more often, refraining from ill speech & arguments/backbiting that we might earn His endless reward. What matters most now is ‘how are your actions’ after Ramadan. If a Muslim continues to have the patience to do righteous deeds after Ramadan, this is a sign that his (fasting) has been accepted by his Lord, the Most Generous, the Bestower of blessings. So, ensure to do your best and start preparing a bucket list of good deeds and loopholes where you feel you need to work!
The Prophet stated, “The most beloved deeds to Allah are those that are most consistent, even if it is small.“
Al-Bukhari & Muslim
- Shift the mindset – If you have the same mindset that I mentioned above, please get over it! You have the power to get rid of procrastination, do not involve Shaytaan in everything that you do. Instead, be a planner and start putting intentions into action! Indeed, the chain has been loosened but do not forget – You are capable to change your condition. Be conscious of Allah just as you were conscious of Him last month, hold yourself accountable before you are held accountable.
Allah says, “Take one step towards me, I will take 10 steps towards you. Walk towards me, I will run towards you.”
Hadith Qudsi
- Make dua’ – When it comes to seeking help, who’s the best in changing your condition other than your Rabb?! Our Imaan is always fluctuating, so reach out to Him whenever your heart feels low or you do not feel anything. Whatever you do, seek His help. Indeed, He is As-Samee’ – The All-Hearing, An-Naseer – The Helper, Al-Waliy – Your Protecting friend.
Light of Islam 