So, another Ramadan has come and gone! 30 days of reading Qur’an and feeding the poor, 30 nights of Qiyaam-ul-Layl and Taraweeh and Tahajjud. And so, ‘Eid comes again.
Congratulations! You have been one of those lucky few who lived to receive this great blessing from Allah (سبحانه وتعالى), this chance to get all your sins forgiven! Because the Messenger of Allah (صلي الله عليه وسلم) said: “Whoever fasts during Ramadan out of sincere faith and hoping to attain Allah’s rewards, then all his past sins will be forgiven.” [Saheeh Al-Bukhari]
So rejoice! Spend today with your family! And remember, Ramadan is the excuse killer. All of those things you started doing–praying in the masjid every day, fasting every now and then, reading Qur’an often, praying extra (nafl) prayers–that’s taqwa. Keep doing those things. And all those things you stopped doing–lying, cheating, backbiting, arguing, listening to music, wearing immodest clothes, boycotting your boyfriend or girlfriend–that’s taqwa. Keep avoiding those things. Forget about Shaytaan being on the loose, that’s just an excuse–be strong, and ask Allah to help you.
Brothers and sisters, remember, you start with a clean slate after Ramadan! Don’t let the future be like the past! Take a moment, right now, and decide on some changes that will, insha’allah, be for your akhira, your eternal life. Decide NOW to:
- Be a better son or daughter to your parents
- Be a better husband or wife to your spouse (if you’re married)
- Cut out at least three haraam activities from your life, permanently, starting today
- Block, delete, and break contact with non-mahrams of the opposite gender you have communication with–whether your boyfriend or girlfriend, that sister on facebook, or someone else.
- Ask Allah, As-Sittiyr, to cover your sins and help you overcome them.
O Allah, make us among those people who benefit from every Ramadan, who have our sins forgiven and become better people for all time after that! Ameen ajma’een!
‘Eid Mubarak to you and your families, from Ilm Fruits!
(P.S. If you’re interested, check out this excellent Flash presentation on ‘Eid–what to do and not do, and what it’s all about.)
