Mosque Foundation

Three Disciplines for Nurturing Istiqamah

Ramadan: A Journey of Spiritual Liberation and Divine Mercy

The Messenger of Allah ﷺ said: “There has come to you Ramadan, a blessed month, which Allah has enjoined you to fast. In it the gates of heaven are opened, the gates of Hell are closed, and every devil is chained up. In it Allah has a night which is better than a thousand months; whoever is deprived of its goodness is indeed deprived” (Sunan an-Nasa’i).

Ramadan is a manifestation of divine beauty and love upon Allah’s servants. As we approach this sacred month, we should feel a profound sense of awe and inspiration at Allah’s generosity. Ramadan is not merely a time for fasting, praying, and reading the Quran; it is an opportunity to deepen our spiritual connection with Allah, embracing the profound love and beauty that this month offers.

The Messenger of Allah ﷺ said: “(Allah says) Fasting is for Me and I shall reward for it. The fasting person rejoices twice: when he breaks his fast and the day when he meets his Lord. And the smell that comes from the mouth of the fasting person is better before Allah than the fragrance of musk.” (Sunan an-Nasa’i). This hadith reminds us that Allah cares about even the smallest details of our lives—such as our breath. He acknowledges that leaving our desires is not easy and that our breath while fasting may be unpleasant to others, yet it signifies our sacrifice and dedication to Him.

Allah tells us that Ramadan is the month when He sent down the guidance He chose for us, showing us how to live. Although many paths and choices exist in life, Allah assures us that His way is in our best interest. The Quran offers beautiful guidance, demonstrating how to practice self-discipline and rise above self-indulgence. We see this modeled by the Prophet ﷺ, who remained loving and compassionate no matter how challenging his circumstances.

Through Ramadan, Allah empowers us to overcome our lower nafs (the part of ourselves inclined toward wrongdoing) each day. This is the ultimate liberation because our worst enemy is often our own base desires. Allah’s mercy and love shine through acts of worship, which help us transcend our limitations and discover our true potential. We may doubt our ability to become better people—perhaps recalling that past Ramadans didn’t match our expectations—but Allah reassures us that He desires ease for us, not hardship.

If we fast during Ramadan with belief and submission, trusting in Allah and embracing His love, He promises to forgive all our sins. As our beloved Prophet ﷺ said, “He who fasts during Ramadan with faith and seeking his reward from Allah will have his past sins forgiven; he who prays during the night in Ramadan with faith and seeking his reward from Allah will have his past sins forgiven; and he who passes Laylat al-Qadr [Night of Decree] in prayer with faith and seeking his reward from Allah will have his past sins forgiven” (Bukhari and Muslim).

Every night in Ramadan, Allah saves people from the Hellfire and grants immeasurable rewards for their worship. The Prophet ﷺ said, “At every breaking of the fast, Allah has people whom He frees (from the Fire), and that happens every night” (Sunan Ibn Majah). As we anticipate this blessed month, let us do so with humility, hope, and the best opinion of Allah. Leave past shortcomings behind—do not let them sour your experience. Never doubt Allah’s mercy or His desire to lighten your burdens.

By Imam Basheer Abdeen

Ramadan: More Than Rituals

In Ramadan, many focus on fasting, night prayers, and completing the recitation of the Quran. While these are integral aspects of the holy month, deeper lessons are often overlooked.

Ramadan is not about abstaining from food but about understanding the value of what we consume. It is not only about long hours of prayer but also about how we manage our time, including our sleep. It is not just about completing multiple Khitmahs of the Quran but about truly engaging with its message.

One of Ramadan’s key spiritual benefits is the ability to empathize with those who struggle daily with hunger. While many of us plan elaborate Iftar meals, millions around the world are uncertain about their next meal. For some, breaking their fast might mean nothing more than a piece of bread or a sip of water.

The Quran reminds us:

“Eat and drink, but do not waste. Surely, He does not like the wasteful”  (Quran 7:31).

This verse teaches that Ramadan is not about indulgence but about mindfulness. It encourages gratitude, responsible consumption, and resisting excess. The essence of fasting is not just enduring hunger but developing self-restraint and appreciation.

Ramadan also brings a shift in daily routines, often leading to irregular sleep patterns. While rest is necessary, excessive sleep can cause us to miss valuable moments of worship. The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ emphasized the importance of balance in all aspects of life, including sleep.

A hadith recorded in Sahih Al-Bukhari states:

“Whenever you go to bed, perform ablution as you do for prayer, lie on your right side, and recite the supplication before sleep.”

This practice instills mindfulness even in rest, preparing both body and soul for the next day’s worship. Another narration highlights an ideal balance:

“The most beloved prayer to Allah is the prayer of Prophet David, PBUH. He would sleep half the night, pray for one-third, and sleep for one-sixth.” Sahih Al-Bukhari.

This teaches that while sleep is necessary, managing it wisely enhances our ability to make the most of Ramadan. Even in the context of Taraweeh, it is important to remember that while night prayers are encouraged, obligatory prayers, such as Fajr, hold greater significance.

Ramadan is known as the month of the Quran, yet many approach it with the goal of completing as many Khitmahs as possible rather than deeply engaging with its teachings. While reciting the Quran is highly rewarding, its true purpose lies in reflection and application.

Allah asks:

“Do they not reflect upon the Quran, or are their hearts locked?” (Quran 47:24).

Instead of simply counting Khitmahs, consider taking a different approach this Ramadan. After each prayer, read one page or even one verse along with its Tafseer and context. Understanding the reasons for revelation and applying its message in daily life can transform your relationship with the Quran.

Ramadan offers a rare opportunity to reset—not just in terms of rituals but in how we approach life. By moderating our eating, refining our sleep habits, and engaging deeply with the Quran, we move beyond routine worship and into a state of true spiritual growth. The goal is not merely to perform rituals but to internalize their meaning, allowing Ramadan to leave a lasting impact beyond its thirty days.

May this Ramadan be one of transformation, mindfulness, and deeper connection with Allah.

By Imam Jafar Hawa

By Imam Jafar Hawa

The Path to Ramadan: Reflections on Shaaban’s Blessings

As we enter the often-unnoticed month of Shaaban, let us remember its special significance. Our beloved Messenger ﷺ said, “Shaban is a month to which people do not pay much attention, between Rajab and Ramadan. It is a month in which the deeds are taken up to the Lord of the worlds, and I like that my deeds be taken up when I am fasting” (Sunan an-Nasa’i).

As Shaaban leads us to Ramadan, it’s critical to remember those in need who lack food and water to break their fast. The Prophet used to fast in Shaaban more than in any other month to prepare his heart and mind for Ramadan. As Aisha, the wife of the Prophet ﷺ, mentioned, “I never saw the Messenger of Allah fast for a complete month except for Ramadan, and I never saw him do more fasting in any one month than he did in Shaaban” (Bukhari).

Ramadan serves three fundamental purposes, as outlined in Surah Al-Baqarah. These purposes become the guiding principles of Ramadan:

1. Taqwa (God-consciousness): “Oh you who believe, fasting was prescribed upon you as it was prescribed on those before you so that you may be God-conscious.” Quran [2:183]
2. Shukr (Thankfulness): “Allah intends ease for you, not hardship, so that you may complete the prescribed period and proclaim the greatness of Allah for guiding you, and perhaps you will be grateful.” Quran [2:185]
3. Rushd (Right Guidance): “I answer the prayer of every suppliant when he calls Me; therefore, they should respond to Me and put their trust in Me, so that they may be rightly guided” Quran [2:186].

These themes—Taqwa, Shukr, and Rushd—are essential for us to understand and develop familiarity with during Ramadan. Fasting allows us to pause and reassess our lives, aligning our souls with the reality that Allah is the only truth (Al-Haq). This awareness helps us to be conscious of Allah and His presence in our lives.

Ramadan is a time to awaken and become conscious of who we are. It is an opportunity to shift our focus from worldly matters to the ultimate truth. The Quran, revealed during this month, serves as a source of guidance and healing, giving us an identity rooted in the book of Allah. The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ exemplified this as the walking Quran.

During Ramadan, the heavens are open, and mercy and forgiveness are abundant. As our beloved Prophet ﷺ said, “The gates of paradise are opened, the gates of Jahannam are locked, and the devils are chained.” (Bukhari and Muslim). When we realize who Allah is and become aware of Him, we naturally become thankful. As Ibn Qayyum said, “If you know Him, you will love Him, and if you love Him, you will worship Him without a doubt”. We should devote ourselves to His worship and consider when we last had a sincere conversation with Allah about our situations. Allah responds to those who call upon Him, encouraging us to believe in Him and achieve God-consciousness.

The night of the 15th of Shaaban, a time of forgiveness, is near, when Allah looks upon His creation and grants forgiveness. The prophet ﷺ said, “When it is the 15th night of Sha’ban, Allah SWT turns to His creation. He forgives the believers and grants respite to the disbelievers, but He leaves the people of malice as they are until they abandon their malice” (Al-Tabarani). To receive Allah’s forgiveness, we must purify our hearts from hatred and anger towards our family and community.

Let us embrace the sacred month of Ramadan with humility, gratitude, and a deep sense of purpose, striving to embody Taqwa, Shukr, and Rushd. May Allah make us among the God-conscious, the grateful, and the rightly guided.

By Imam Basheer Abdeen

Jan 31, 2025

Ramadan: A Journey of Spiritual Liberation and Divine Mercy

The Messenger of Allah ﷺ said: “There has come to you Ramadan, a blessed month, which Allah, has enjoined you to fast. In it the gates of heavens are opened and the gates of Hell are closed, and every devil is chained up. In it Allah has a night which is better than a thousand months; whoever is deprived of its goodness is indeed deprived” (Sunan an-Nasa’i).

Ramadan is a manifestation of divine beauty and love upon Allah’s servants. As we approach this sacred month, we should feel a profound sense of awe and inspiration at Allah’s generosity and beauty. Ramadan is not merely a time for fasting, praying, and reading the Quran; it is an opportunity to deepen our spiritual connection with Allah, embracing the profound love and beauty that this month offers.

The Messenger of Allah ﷺ said: “(Allah says) fasting is for me and I shall reward for it. The fasting person rejoices twice: when he breaks his fast and the day when he meets his Lord. And the smell that come from the mouth of the fasting person is better before Allah than the fragrance of musk.” (Sunan an-Nasa’i). This Hadith highlights that Allah is speaking to us about our breath. Allah’s deep awareness and care for us, even in the smallest details such as our breath. Allah acknowledges that leaving our desires is not easy and that our bad breath may not be pleasing to those around us. Just as only a mother and father can love the scent of their child or baby, Allah knows that our bad breath is an indication of our sacrifice and commitment to Him.

Allah tells us that Ramadan is the month when He sent down the words and guidance, He chose for us, indicating what He wants us to follow in life. There are countless choices and things we can do in our lives, but Allah assures us that His guidance is in our best interest. The Quran offers beautiful guidance, showing us how to practice self-discipline and rise above self-indulgence. We can thrive through hardship and difficulty, just like the Prophet, who remained loving and caring no matter how challenging the situation.

Allah tells us that through Ramadan, we can overcome our lower nafs every day. This is the most liberating experience, as our worst enemy is the lower nafs that command us towards evil. Allah’s mercy and love for us are evident in His provision of acts of worship, allowing us to overcome ourselves and learn more about our potential. Many of us doubt our potential and ability to be positive, spiritually elevated people. We lack confidence due to a negative outlook, often thinking that past Ramadans didn’t meet our expectations. But Allah assures us that He wants ease for us, not hardship.

If we fast Ramadan with belief and surrender, trusting Allah and embracing His love, He promises that all our sins will be forgiven. As our beloved prophet ﷺ mentioned, “He who fasts during Ramadan with faith and seeking his reward from Allah will have his past sins forgiven; he who prays during the night in Ramadan with faith and seeking his reward from God will have his past sins forgiven; and he who passes Lailat al-qadr [Night of Decree] in prayer with faith and seeking his reward from Allah will have his past sins forgiven” (Bukhari and Muslim).

Every night in Ramadan, Allah saves people from hellfire, offering endless rewards for every ritual. As our beloved Messenger ﷺ said, “At every breaking of the fast Allah has people whom He frees (from the Fire), and that happens every night” (Sunan Ibn Majah). As we approach Ramadan, let us do so with humility and the best opinion of Allah in our hearts. Let’s leave our past failures behind and not let them sour our experiences. Don’t doubt Allah’s mercy and His desire to ease your burdens.

By Imam Basheer Abdeen

Jan 30, 2025

O Allah, Make Us Among the Mossaddaqeen

There are many windows of opportunity in this life, especially placed by Allah ﷻ, to purify our souls and gain forgiveness for our sins. These opportunities are open to every believing individual, young and old, poor and wealthy, ill and healthy, educated and illiterate. It matters not. Some take advantage of these windows, seeking them with every turn and twist in worldly life, both in happiness and calamity.

For these people called al-Mossaddiqeen, Allah has created a special level in the heavens for those who give Sadaqah consistently. It is the quality for which they are most recognized and is what will witness for them on the Day when nothing can attest for them but their deeds.

This group of people is the best at finding the best bargains and offers, constantly searching and consumed with the Best Deal—The deal granted by He Who created us and assigned provisions for us. Allah ﷻ says, “Who will loan Allah a lofty loan which Allah will double unto their credit and multiply many times?” (Quran 2:245). The Mossaddiqeen grasped this deal because they recognized it is like no other that can be granted in this worldly life. My brothers and sisters, Allah has blessed us with provisions, and He asks that we give from what He has presented us so that He may provide us with more; how generous is Our Creator?

So even when it is challenging to give Sadaqah, the Mossaddiqeen remember that it does not decrease wealth. The Prophet ﷺ stated, “Charity does not decrease wealth, and the servant who forgives, Allah makes him more respected; and the one who shows humility, Allah elevates him in the eyes of the people” (Muslim).

For this reason, the Mosque Foundation community’s perception of Sadaqah has gained great regard and esteem from other communities. Your sincere commitment to give from your wealth and possessions protects your families and will continue to bi’thinillah. To spend in Allah’s cause by propagating His religion is a charity with high merit and great reward. The one who spends in the cause of Allah will continue to be rewarded even after death. You provide a place to pray, a site to learn about religion, seek counsel, and to support the needy.

We must consider several requirements to ensure that our Sadaqah is accepted. First of all, Sadaqah must be given from money that is earned lawfully. Allah says, “Oh you who believe, spend from what you (lawfully) earned” (Quran 2: 267).

Second, when giving Sadaqah, the believer must purify their intention and make their purpose to gain Allah’s pleasure and reward. The Prophet ﷺ said, “All deeds are based on intention, and everyone will be rewarded according to what he intended” (Bukhari).

Third, the believer should make haste in giving Sadaqah and should only delay it with a valid reason. It is also much better for Muslims to give Sadaqah when there is a need than to wait until death comes and it is too late. Prophet Muhammad ﷺ was once asked about the best of all charities, to which he replied, “The best charity is what you give during your life while you are in need of it.”

Fourth, it is more befitting for a Muslim to give Sadaqah from their best possessions, which you love most. Allah says, “By no means shall you attain righteousness unless you give (freely as a charity) from that which you love; and whatever you spend Allah knows it well” (Quran 3: 92).

However, this does not mean that one should lessen the value of their Sadaqah if they only have little to give. Prophet Muhammad ﷺ once said to his companions, “One Dirham could be better in reward than one hundred thousand Dirhams.” A man asked, “And how is that, oh Messenger of Allah?” He ﷺ replied, “A wealthy person takes one hundred thousand Dirhams, which is one part of their wealth, and gives it as a charity, while a poor person who only has two Dirhams pays one of them as a charity.”

By Sh. Jamal Said

Fasting and the Path of Taqwa

Rediscovering Ingredients Required for Developing Taqwa through Fasting

Is there a relationship between fasting and developing piety? According to the Quran, fasting during the month of Ramadan is closely tied with taqwa, a term usually translated as ‘piety or righteousness’ and derived, linguistically, from the concept of protection. It is not difficult to connect taqwa with the linguistic sense of protection since taqwa serves as a shield against falling into sin and suffering punishment in the Hereafter. 

However, the question is, ‘how does fasting lead to taqwa?’ Attempting to answer this seemingly simple question can help us recognize the prime purpose of fasting and create ways for us to evaluate our moral progress during the blessed month of Ramadan. Reflecting on the relationship between fasting and taqwa, we find that fasting provides us with the necessary ingredients for developing taqwa. The following is a brief outline of taqwa’s main components and how fasting helps us develop each. Some action points that can be used as a thermometer for measuring taqwa follow these components.

1-   Soul Care

           In his Ihya’, Imam al-Ghazali argues that our bodily desires are fueled by food and energy. Therefore, fasting weakens lust and desires temporarily to allow the soul to lead the body and communicate with Allah. When you break your fast at sunset, you prepare for Taraweeh and more prayers at the Masjid. Therefore, the Ramadan fast is both a defensive spiritual fortress and spiritual nourishment for the soul. 

In Ramadan, you are skipping a meal for a spiritual reason. Unfortunately, some people overeat during the ‘iftar period to make up for the meal they missed and may gain weight by the end of the month! Preparing healthy food and liquids for ‘iftar and eating with moderation is key to effective fasting. 

Action Point: I am committed to avoiding overeating during ‘iftar time since it is both unhealthy and negates the goal of less food consumption during Ramadan in skipping one meal a day. 

2- Willpower

You may believe that you cannot achieve great goals or break cycles of sinning, thinking that you are not strong enough to resist the temptations and difficulties facing you. However, during your fast, you are being trained to control and master your bodily desires. When your body asks you for food or water, you can say: NO! Fasting proves that you can get unstuck from destructive habits you have developed—because if you can stay away from essential halal matters, like food and drinks, you can easily stay away from haram terrible habits. 

Action Point: I am determined to fast from bad habits permanently. (Specify one or more sins you plan to abandon. Focus on the strength and willpower you developed in Ramadan and ask Allah to redirect your life to be closer to Him.)

3- Forgiveness of Sins 

Sometimes, people have driven away from taqwa due to their sin’s burden, which, they think, is too heavy to allow them to reach Allah. However, Prophet Muhammad ﷺ informed us that ‘whomsoever fasts the month of Ramadan with iman(faith) and ihtisab (expectation to be rewarded) will have his sins forgiven.’ Therefore, the fasting season is an excellent opportunity for repenting and renewing our relationship with Allah ﷻ. Allah ﷻ invites all sinners to repent, no matter what they have committed, stating, “Say [to people], [Oh Prophet], Oh My servants who have committed sins in great excess against themselves, never despair of Allah’s mercy; indeed, Allah forgives all sins. Indeed, it is He alone Who is the All-forgiving, the All-merciful” (Quran 39:53). A man asked Rabi’ah al-‘Adawiyyah: “Do you think Allah will forgive me after I had committed so many sins?” She immediately answered, “He invites those who are away from Him to repent. Do you think He will reject those who seek Him?” 

Action Point: I choose to turn to Allah and commit myself to Him. (The results of sinning include regret, shame, depression, damaged relations, etc. should serve as a deterrent and a means to motivate you to turn back to Allah.) 

4- Humility 

In fasting, we can recognize our human weakness and dependence on Allah. This recognition guards us against being deceived by luxury (no matter how little) we are surrounded with, as the Quran puts it, “Nay, man, does transgress all bounds when looking upon himself as self-sufficient!” (Quran 96:7-8)

Action Point: I am determined to humble myself before Allah and before people. (Have you ever seen a baby? Once you were one, having no power and no knowledge! Never use Allah’s blessings as a justification for arrogance; Allah’s blessings should make you more humble.) 

5- Patience and Gratitude 

Besides developing patience through a long day of Ramadan fasting, one also develops an attitude of gratitude. For example, for many, the most precious thing at sunset is simply a water bottle and a couple of dates. Fasting teaches us not to take anything for granted. Think of all the blessings Allah has bestowed upon you and your family as unique gifts for you. Do not allow people’s possessions of elemental benefits (like sight, health, shelter, etc.) to make you feel that you are not unique in sharing those blessings. Ramadan reminds us to recognize introductory provisions as unique. Thank Allah for the ability to drink clean water! This sense of gratitude will lead any sane person to the worship and obedience of Allah, Who is the source of our existence and survival. 

Action Point: I am determined to develop an attitude of gratitude. (Remember that observing Salah, thanking people, helping others, and acknowledging Allah’s blessings are all examples of demonstrating the value of appreciation.) 

6- Giving

In the Quran, the rights of Allah and the rights of people are connected. Notice, for instance, how Salah or ritual prayer (the right of Allah) is frequently associated with Zakah or charity (the right of people). In Ramadan, we feel the hunger and thirst of millions of people globally, thereby developing a strong sense of empathy for them. This empathy turns into action in Ramadan, a month of fasting, prayer, and giving. Giving purifies our hearts from greed and living a self-centered life.

Action Point: I am determined to pay my Zakah and give charity to the poor and the needy. 

7- Sincerity 

In Islam, for an action to be moral and accepted by Allah, it is not enough that the action is good. The motive behind the action has to be good, and the action has to be intentional for seeking the pleasure of Allah. This is called ‘Ikhlas, the opposite of Riya’; that is, doing something seeking people’s approval and praise, not Allah’s pleasure and glory. We stay away from food and drinks and other invalidators of fasting during our fasting even if no one is watching us. In doing so, we train to live in the presence of Allah and do good deeds to glorify Him alone.

Action Point: Fasting makes one more God-oriented. I am determined to fast Ramadan as a religious obligation to achieve taqwa and seek Allah’s pleasure, not as a cultural practice to impress others or gain their approval. 

8- Faith-filled Environment:

Being disconnected from your local mosque, lacking good friends, and abandoning benevolent acts may lower your level of faith. Ramadan is like an intensive course in good deeds: Taraweeh in the Masjid, sadaqah for the needy, annual Zakah, reading and studying the Quran, inviting people for ‘iftar, developing stronger family connections …etc. The creation of this faith-filled environment increases our opportunities to be more connected with Allah. 

Action Point: I am determined to disconnect from the harmful environment that leads me into sinning and replace it with developing more connections with the Masjid and good people. 

9- Dua’a

It is interesting to note that a Quranic encouragement to offer dua’a comes between two verses, which outline the fasting rules, emphasizing the relationship between fasting and dua’a. Recognizing our human weakness makes our dua’a more effective and sincere. The Quran states, “When My servants ask you about Me, then I am near. I answer the prayer of a supplicant when he calls upon Me. Let them obey Me and believe in Me so that they will be guided” (Quran 2: 186). Usually, the Quran uses the form,‘ If they ask you about …, say to them …” Yet, here Allah did not say to the Prophet ﷺ, ‘When my servants ask you about Me, say to them …’; Allah provided the answer directly to remove any intermediaries between Him and His servants. We can communicate with Allah ﷻ directly.

Action Point: I am determined to prepare some dua’a to be said each day, and I trust the way and the time Allah answers them.

10- Closeness with the Quran 

If I asked you to define Ramadan, how would you answer? The month of fasting? That is correct. Yet, Allah described the month of Ramadan as “the one when the Quran was revealed” (Quran 2:185). The revelation of the Quran is the reason why we celebrate the month of Ramadan, and the way we celebrate it is by fasting to develop a closer relationship with our Creator. Thus, if we do not improve our relationship with the Quran, we will fail to understand what the month of fasting is all about. 

Action Point: I am committed to the following duties towards the Quran:

1. A) Reading: Imam Malik used to leave his Hadith books in Ramadan to focus more on the Quran.
2. B) Understanding: Failing to understand the Quranic message will leave the reader with nothing to inspire or motivate them. Once, the Prophet ﷺ spent all of his night prayers reciting one verse (Quran 5:118) due to his deep contemplation. 
3. C) Memorizing: Quran is the ONLY sacred Book in the world that is memorized from cover to cover. Take part in this blessed practice and start, at least, with some selected verses or surahs to memorize in this holy month. 
4. D) Applying: Make the Quran part of your life by putting its great values into practice.
5. E) Spreading: Make sure that you teach others what you learned. Teaching your child a surah or more would fulfill this requirement.

Finally, I pray that you all experience a blessed Ramadan full of mercy and forgiveness. May Allah ﷻ keep us all guided on His Straight Path and united in obeying Him ﷻ. 

Ameen. 

By Sh. Ahmed Arafat

Fasting and Spiritual Maturity

Fasting is not starvation; it is a spiritual discipline that awakens our Fitrah, or natural disposition toward God, and keeps in check different negative traits of our human ego. Thereby, through mindful fasting, our souls can transform from a soul that has become accustomed to evil tendencies to a serene soul firmly aligned to the Straight Path. Failing to manage the negative traits of our ego may corrupt our Fitrah and impede our journey to God. This brief article outlines negative characteristics (red flags in our spiritual journey) and describes how fasting can strengthen our immunity to the intense appeal of developing such traits.

Red Flag 1: “Nay, man does transgress all bounds, when looking upon himself as self-sufficient!” (Quran 96:7-8). 

It is easy to be deceived by the luxury we have, the technological advancement we enjoy, the military power we develop, or the medical services we are offered. Some may unconsciously feel that they do not need Allah, and others may act as gods! However, none of these material advancements will change our big human reality; that is, we have a built-in need for our Creator, who makes our very existence possible. Instead of expressing more gratitude with authentic humility and love, we sometimes get overwhelmed with the gifts we forget or even deny the Giver!

Fasting offers a spiritual exercise to fight back any potential arrogance or egotism from focusing on the gifts. It does this by compelling a break from these gifts and reflecting on how our life looks with Divine Providence. To al-Ghazali, we receive an opportunity to develop more humility through mindful fasting and temporary hunger and keep our ego in check. We recognize how fragile and weak we become in the absence of some morsels and water. Furthermore, Ibn al-Qayyim beautifully depicts the different stages humans experience, starting from the moment of birth to the zenith of youth. Having talked about our helplessness and fragility as babies, Ibn al-Qayyim is puzzled over how our behavior changes as our different faculties and powers are developed. He writes: “As God perfects our hearing, sight, and reason and as He makes the universe subservient to us, we poor humans start to think that we have a share in this kingdom and look at ourselves with different lenses. We even forget our early state of helplessness, poverty, and need as if we never experienced these features and as if we are different creatures!” Look at a baby and observe its need and helplessness. Now, recognize you were one before!

Al-Ghazali asserts that if we fail to recognize our humility and limitations, we will undoubtedly fail to acknowledge the Divine power and sovereignty. The Quran awakens the arrogant by depicting a big irony: “He created man from a sperm-drop; yet behold he become an open opponent!” (Quran 16:4) The word yet in this translation is (إذا idhaal-fujaiyyah) in Arabic, which is better translated as “suddenly” or “unexpectedly” as an unexpected behavior usually follows it. Once we deny our human weakness and limitations and think of ourselves as gods, we will always see the doors of guidance closed! The Quran reads: “I shall turn away from My Signs those who magnify themselves wrongfully in the earth, and if they see each token believe it not, and if they see the way of righteousness choose it nor for (their) way, and if they see the way of error choose if for (their) way. That is because they deny Our revelations and are used to disregard them” (Quran 7:146).

When I said earlier that fasting is an exercise, this was literal. No one can say that it is meaningless for armies to carry out a series of tactical activities to stimulate war conditions. Similarly, fasting is like a spiritual maneuver that prepares us to face difficult times and challenging situations with patience, love, and support. Instead of lamenting others for the trials we experience, we are trained to be more mature: to resort to Allah with a humble heart and stand by the oppressed.

In Islam, we believe that this worldly life is not supposed to feel perfect. It is difficult. It is a test. It is short. However, that does not mean that life is horrible. It all depends on our attitude. Difficulties and trials in life do not signify that Allah abandoned us. It is a chance to approach God with a heart that has surrendered optimistically, not in rebellion, despair, or depression. In communicating with Allah about their trials and heartbrokenness, some early Muslim awliya experienced so much spiritual joy that they forgot about their problems and wished their state of heartbrokenness would remain!

Take, for example, this Hadith, which illustrates that trials do not mean that God is not in control. Instead, we have the responsibility to demonstrate actions that align with great values like hope, generosity, courage, and sympathy. These great values typically do not manifest except in trials and difficulties. Imam Muslim reported that: “Allah will say on the Day of Resurrection: O son of Adam, I fell ill and you did not visit Me. He will say: O Lord, and how could I visit You and You are the Lord of the worlds? He will say: Did you not know that My servant So-and-so had fallen ill and you did not visit him? Did you not know that had you visited him, you would have found Me with him? O son of Adam, I asked you for food, and you did not feed Me. He will say: O Lord, and how could I feed You and You are the Lord of the worlds? He will say: Did you not know that My servant So-and-so asked you for food and you did not feed him? Did you not know that had you fed him, you would surely have found that (the reward for doing so) with Me? O son of Adam, I asked you to give Me to drink, and you gave Me nothing to drink. He will say: O Lord, how could I give You to drink when You are the Lord of the worlds? He will say: My servant So-and-so asked you to give him to drink, and you gave him nothing to drink. Had you given him to drink, you would have surely found that with Me.” Similarly, the reward for accepting unchangeable trials with humility is gaining Divine support and tranquility.

Red Flag 2: “And few among my servants are the truly thankful” (Quran 34:13).

The power to see, hear and understand and the availability of water and basic food are among the Divine blessings that we would never trade. Why do many forget to thank Allah for these indispensable favors? Simply because they unconsciously feel that countless people enjoy the same blessings, they do not feel special! Here comes fasting to teach you not to take anything for granted and deal with each blessing as a special favor. To many, the most precious thing at sunset is simply a water bottle and a couple of dates.

Red Flag 3: “And you love wealth, you love wealth ardently” (Quran 89:20).

In Ramadan, we can feel the hunger and thirst experienced by millions of people worldwide, thereby developing a strong sense of empathy for them. This empathy turns into action in Ramadan in the form of giving. Giving purifies our hearts from greed and living a self-centered life. In the Quran, the rights of Allah and the rights of people are connected. Notice, for instance, how Salah or ritual prayer (the right of Allah) is frequently associated with Zakah or charity (the right of people).

Red Flag 4: “The love of desires is made alluring to people …” (Quran 3:14).  

In his ‘Ihya,’ Imam al-Ghazali argues that our bodily desires are fueled by food and energy. Therefore, fasting weakens lust and desire temporarily to allow the soul to lead the body and communicate with Allah. This is a lesson in self-discipline and self-control. One is trained to be the master of the body, not the other way around. So remember that you are skipping a meal for a spiritual reason. Unfortunately, some people overeat during the ‘iftar period to make up for the meal they missed and may end up gaining weight by the end of the month!

Red Flag 5: “If only I had not taken so and so as a friend. He led me away from the Revelation after it reached me. Satan has always betrayed humankind” (Quran 25:28-29).

Tell me who your friends are, and I will tell you who you are! This indicates the importance of whom we choose to associate. Lacking good friends, being disconnected from your local mosque, and abandoning benevolent acts may place your faith at significant risk. Ramadan is like an intensive course in good deeds: Taraweeh in the masjid, sadaqah for the needy, annual Zakah, reading and studying the Quran, inviting people for ‘iftar, developing stronger family connections …etc. This faith-filled environment increases our opportunities to be more connected with Allah.

Red Flag 6: “When they [hypocrites] stand up to pray, they do so sluggishly, showing off in front of people, and remember God only a little” (Quran 4:142).

In Islam, for an action to be moral and accepted by Allah, it is not enough for it to be good. The motive behind the action has to be good, and the action has to be done for a good intention: for God. This is called ‘ikhlas, the opposite of which is riya‘ (doing something seeking people’s approval and praise, not Allah’s pleasure and glory). While fasting, we stay away from food and drinks and other invalidators even if no one is watching us. In doing so, we train to live in the presence of Allah and do good deeds to glorify Him alone. 

By Sh. Ahmed Arafat