Even though Ramadan is ending, we all have to make sure it stays with us. How, might you ask? A column by Maulana Mohammed Tayyab Sidat Everybody knows that Ramadan lasts only for a month, 29 or 30 wonderful days.

This special month is a time to get closer to Allah (SWT), physically and mentally and we have to take care not to lose this closeness with Allah (SWT).

We know that Ramadan is a very special time in our lives. In addition to the obvious, fasting from sunrise to sunset, we must also abstain from so many other things. One added bonus that comes with fasting is that we actually learn to be more kind to those around us.

Since we strive to strengthen our bodies with both the physical and mental power that we need to complete our fasts, let’s take that a step further and make it last throughout the year.

It takes real devotion to Allah to fast for His sake only. There is a hadith narrated by Sufyaan ibn ‘Abdallah (RA) who said, “O Messenger of Allah (SAW), tell me something about Islam, which I cannot ask anyone else besides you”. He (SAW) replied, “Say, ‘I believe in Allah’ and then be steadfast (upon that)”. Reported by Muslim This hadith is proof that we are obligated, after having faith in Allah, to be steadfast in obeying Allah by performing the obligatory acts and avoiding the prohibited ones.

This is achieved by following the Straight Path, which is Islam.

If a Muslim lives through Ramadan and spent his days in fasting and his nights in prayer and he accustomed himself to doing acts of good, then he must continue to remain upon this obedience to Allah at all times. In fact, steadfastness after Ramadan is the greatest sign that one has gained benefit from the month of Ramadan. The deeds of a believer do not come to an end with the end of Ramadan.

When the fasting of Ramadan comes to an end, then indeed the voluntary fast is prescribed throughout the entire year. When standing in prayer at night in Ramadan comes to an end, then indeed the entire year is a time for performing the night prayer.

And if zakat ul fitr comes to an end then there is still the zakat that is still obligatory as well as the voluntary charity that lasts the whole year.

This goes the same for reciting the Quran and pondering over its meaning, as well as every other good deed that was sought, for these can be performed at all times.

Therefore, the zeal that was felt throughout Ramadan must continue through the whole year. It is unfortunate to find that some people perform worship by doing righteous deeds only during Ramadan.

They guard strictly upon their five daily prayers, they recite Quran, and they give charity. But when Ramadan comes to an end, they grow lazy in their worship. Sometimes, they even abandon their obligation entirely.

As Ramadan is coming to its end, may we all try to keep up with our good deeds, praying at the correct times, charity to the less fortunate, and genuinely being more patient and kind with one another. May Allah (SWT) shower us with blessings, forgive our sins and grant us all Paradise. Ameen!

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