Take a moment to reflect on your previous Ramadan journey these past years. Are you really satisfied with all the deeds and ibadah you’ve performed during Ramadan? Or do you wish you had done more?
Ramadan is more than just a month of fasting. It is a month of deep reflection, spiritual renewal, and immense blessings. As we enter another Ramadan, we are reminded of the profound opportunity this month presents.
Recently, we had the privilege of attending the event “A Sacred Ramadan” hosted by Faith Events, featuring esteemed speakers: Shaykhh Daood Butt, Shaykh Dr. Ekrima Sa’id Sabri, Shaykh Zoubir, and Shaykh Dr. Waleed Abdulhakeem. This event brought together meaningful discussions on how we can truly benefit from Ramadan and carry its essence beyond these 30 days.
Here are key reflections shared during the event, urging us to make the most of this sacred time.
Where Were You During the Last Days of Ramadan Last Year?
One of the most thought-provoking questions posed during the event by Shaykh Daood Butt was: Where were you during the last days of Ramadan last year? As we near the end of Ramadan each year, we often ask ourselves, “Did I really make the most of this Ramadan?”
Although we engage in fasting, prayers, and charity, there’s always a lingering thought of “I wish I had done more.”. But instead of dwelling on regret, we should use this feeling to fuel our actions this Ramadan.
The reality is, none of us are promised another Ramadan. Some of us may not even reach the end of this one. With that in mind, we must seize every moment, treating each day as if it’s our last chance to seek Allah’s (s.w.t.) mercy and blessings.
Ramadan and the Qur’an: A Divine Connection
One of the most beautiful connections to reflect on during Ramadan is its link to the Qur’an. The Qur’an is not just any book; it’s a direct word of Allah (s.w.t.). A book of guidance was revealed to show us the way through life.
Many of us read the Qur’an without fully understanding the significance of what we are holding. When Allah (s.w.t.) revealed the Qur’an, He began by emphasising His mercy. In Surah Ar-Rahman, He says:
ٱلرَّحْمَـٰنُ (١) عَلَّمَ ٱلْقُرْءَانَ (٢)
The Most Compassionate (1) taught the Quran, (2)
This serves as a reminder that the Qur’an is a revelation of Allah’s (s.w.t.) mercy upon us. He (s.w.t.) knows us better than we know ourselves, for we are His creation.
During “The Sacred Ramadan” event, it was highlighted that the first teacher of the Qur’an was none other than Allah (s.w.t.) Himself. Out of all the beings in existence, Allah (s.w.t.) chose us to live among the people of the Qur’an. That alone is an honour and responsibility.
Ramadan, being the “month of the Qur’an,” is the perfect time to build a deeper connection with it. If we truly embrace its guidance, we will find peace in our hearts. Every fear, anxiety, and uncertainty fades away when we immerse ourselves in recitation and reflection.
Ramadan: The Lessons Beyond Hunger
When we fast, we experience hunger and thirst, but the event reminded us to shift our perspective. Instead of just enduring hunger, we should let it awaken a deeper sense of empathy and generosity. Try to ponder on this question each day: Who can I feed today?
The hunger we feel during the day should remind us of those who experience hunger daily, not by choice but by circumstance. The Prophet Muhammad (s.a.w.) was known for his generosity, especially during Ramadan, and we should follow in his footsteps.
Fasting is not just about abstaining from food and drink; it is about refining our character and increasing our kindness. The reward of feeding a fasting person is immense, and sharing our blessings with others multiplies the barakah in our own lives.
Seeking Laylatul-Qadr
As Ramadan nears its final days, many of us become preoccupied with ‘Eid Al-Fitr preparation. However, the last 10 nights are the most crucial of the entire month.
One of those nights holds Laylatul-Qadr, a night that is better than a thousand months. Yet we often fail to recognise its value. The rewards of worship on this night are beyond comprehension, but because we cannot see them, we sometimes neglect this opportunity.
Imagine if we knew that tonight was our last night on earth. Would our focus be on worldly matters, or would we be desperate to increase our good deeds and ibadah? During “The Sacred Ramadan,” the speakers urged us to approach these last 10 nights with this mindset: to hunt for Laylatul-Qadr and maximise every moment of worship.
What Will You Do Differently This Ramadan?
One of the key takeaways from the event was this challenge: Choose 1 thing you will do differently this Ramadan and commit to continuing it for the next 12 months.
This is a powerful way to ensure that our spiritual growth doesn’t end when Ramadan does. The sahabah of the Prophet Muhammad (s.a.w.) would increase their iman in Ramadan and maintain it throughout the year so that by the time the next Ramadan arrived, they would elevate even further.
But for most of us, our iman peaks in Ramadan and immediately declines once ‘Eid arrives. To break this cycle, we need to be intentional about sustaining our habits.
Some simple yet impactful suggestions suggested by Shaykh Daood Butt include:
- Spending more time in sajdah
The closest we are to Allah (s.w.t.) is when we are in sajdah. Thus, let’s take time when we are in prostration and increase our moments of humility before Him.
- Remain seated after salah
Stay seated after we give our salam, make dhikr and du’a’ to Allah (s.w.t.). Angels make du’a’ for those who stay seated after completing their prayer, so we should control the urge to rush off or immediately grab our phones after finishing our salah.
What Really Matters?
At the end of the event, a powerful question was posed: If you died tonight, what would really matter?
The answer is clear. Only our good deeds will follow. Wealth, status, and worldly success hold no value in the grave or the afterlife. What remains is the impact we made, the prayers we prayed, the Qur’an we recited, and the kindness we showed to others.
This Ramadan, let’s commit to doing at least one thing differently, something that will bring us closer to Allah (s.w.t.) long after the month has ended.
Ramadan is a training ground for the soul. It is our chance to reset, realign, and refocus on what truly matters. Let’s make this Ramadan one that leaves a lasting impact on our hearts and actions.
May Allah (s.w.t.) accept our fasts, prayers, and efforts, and may He grant us the ability to witness and benefit from Laylatul-Qadr. Amin.
It was such an honour to be a part of the event, and the opportunity to share this knowledge with everyone is such a privilege. We will be back with more beneficial blog posts, so stay tuned!
