The blessed month of Ramadan has passed. Muslims all around the world try their best to please the Lords of the world in this auspicious month. But should we stop our good deeds now that Ramadan is over?
Of course, not!
Ramadan is the month which should train our hearts and minds to obey Allah. After Ramadan, we should make use of this training and continue our efforts to please our Creator. Allah loves the good deeds done consistently. You do not have to leave your routine jobs and dedicate yourself entirely to the worship of Allah. Instead, you may take up small deeds which you can carry on consistently. As the Messenger of Allah (P.B.U.H) said:
“Take up good deeds only as much as you are able, for the best deeds are those done regularly even if they are few.” [Ibn Majah]
Obligatory Salah:
Salah is the first obligation on Muslims and whichever month it is, a Muslim must strictly offer Salah five times each day. The significance of this form of worship must not be underestimated. Allah’s Apostle (P.B.U.H) said:
“What lies between a man and disbelief is the abandonment of prayer.” (Muslim)
Salah offered with the correct rituals and pure intentions helps an individual stay away from evils. Prayers are a means of purification of human beings. Allah (S.W.T) says:
“Verily, the prayer keeps one from the great sins and evil deeds” [Quran 29:45]
Also, Allah promises forgiveness for those who pray sincerely and with the fear of Allah in their hearts. In a hadith, Messenger of Allah, Muhammad (P.B.U.H) said:
“Allah has obligated five prayers. Whoever excellently performs their ablutions, prays them in their proper times, completes their bows, prostrations and khushu has a promise from Allah that He will forgive him. And whoever does not do that has no promise from Allah. He may either forgive him or punish him.” [Abu Dawud, Nasai]
Recitation of Quran:
Recitation of Quran should not be limited to the month of Ramadan. It is the Holy Book with Allah’s words and deserves our respect and time. The rewards for reciting the Holy Quran are numerous. Prophet Muhammad (P.B.U.H) said:
“Whoever reads a letter from the Book of Allaah, he will have a reward, and this reward will be multiplied by ten. I am not saying that ‘Alif, Laam, Meem’ (a combination of letters frequently mentioned in the Holy Quran) is a letter, rather I am saying that ‘Alif’ is a letter, ‘Laam’ is a letter and ‘Meem’ is a letter.” [Tirmidhi]
On another occasion, Allah’s Messenger (P.B.U.H) said:
“Indeed the one who recites the Quran beautifully, smoothly, and precisely, will be in the company of the noble and obedient angels. As for the one who recites with difficulty, stammering or stumbling through its verses, then he will have twice that reward.” [Bukhari & Muslim]
Hence, we must try to take out some time every day for Quran recitation. Even if we have a busy schedule, we can take out a few minutes after any of the Salahs and recite a page from the Holy Book.
Learn and Spread the Message of Islam:
Islam is a beautiful religion which teaches us a complete lifestyle. To know the religion, the Holy Book, and the commands of Allah (S.W.T), we need to learn about them. Take out a little time and take classes, perhaps, only once a week or as your routine allows. Prophet Muhammad (P.B.U.H) said on an occasion:
“The best of you are those who learn the Qur’an and teach it.” [Bukhari]
Allah holds a learned man in high esteem. Whenever you learn a verse or a hadith, you should convey it to your fellows. (Make sure you preach only the authentic ones). Allah’s Apostle (P.B.U.H) said:
“Convey from me, even if it is one verse.” [Bukhari]
He (P.B.U.H) explained the virtue of a learned man and teacher in following words:
“The virtue of the learned man over the worshipper is like my virtue over the least of you. Verily Allah and His Angels and the inhabitants of the heavens and the earths, even the ant in its hole and even the fish send blessings upon the one who teaches the people good.” [Tirmidhi]
Dhikr:
Remembering Allah does not require any additional time. You may do dhikr while commuting or eating or before sleeping and upon waking up. Glorify your Lord sincerely who has blessed you with in-numerous blessings and He will bless you more.
“Therefore remember Me (by praying, glorifying, etc.). I will remember you” [Quran 2:152]
“…and remember Allah much, that you may be successful” [Quran 62:10]
Dhikr brings peace to the hearts in this chaotic world.
“Verily, in the remembrance of Allah do hearts find rest” [Quran 13:28]
Asking for Forgiveness and Repentance:
Human beings are prone to erring. We may sin intentionally or unintentionally but Allah is most Merciful and most Forgiving. We must, however, keep seeking forgiveness for our sins.
“Truly Allah loves those who turn [to Him] in repentance, and He loves those who keep themselves in purity.” [Quran 2:222]
Seeking forgiveness not only expiates sins but also provides a chance to enter the Paradise:
O you who believe! Turn to Allah with sincere repentance! It may be that your Lord will expiate from you your sins, and admit you into Gardens under which rivers flow (Paradise)” [Quran 66:8]
Attitude and Moral Values:
We try to stay calm and gentle during Ramadan as fasting helps us to abstain from fighting, swearing, lying, cheating, and other such vices. This attitude should be carried on after Ramadan. Our moral values are very important to us as Muslims. Allah’s Messenger (P.B.U.H) said:
“Among the dearest of you to me and those who will be seated closest to me on the Day of Resurrection are those of you who are best in attitude.” [Tirmidhi]
The Messenger of Allah (P.B.U.H) was asked about that which will admit most people to Paradise. He said: “Fear of Allah and a good attitude.” [Tirmidhi]
The good news of Paradise is for those who refrain from evil deeds and stay true to their faith:
“But as for him who feared standing before his Lord, and restrained himself from impure evil desires and lusts.
- Verily, Paradise will be his abode” [Quran 79:40-41]
Charity:
Charity is not to be done only during Ramadan; it should be done all year round. Giving charity does not lessen our wealth. Allah increases the wealth of the person who does charity with a pure intention:
“The likeness of those who spend their wealth in the way of Allah is as the likeness of a grain (of corn); it grows seven ears, and each ear has a hundred grains. Allah gives manifold increase to whom He wills. And Allaah is All-Sufficient for His creatures’ needs, All-Knower.” [Quran 2:261]
In a hadith Qudsi, Allah said:
“Spend, O son of Adam, and I shall spend on you.” [Bukhari, Muslim]
Charity to the poor and needy helps them lead a better life and not go on a hungry stomach. We may set a certain amount or percentage of our income for charity and make sure that we give something to the needy ones each month.