Precious Advice Before Ramadan Ends

By Sheikh Ṣāliḥ al-Fawzān (حفيظ الله)

“The month has ended, or is about to end. So, let’s hold ourselves accountable for what we have presented. What have we sent forth for ourselves? What have we sent forth for ourselves during this great month?

Whoever has done well should thank Allah and complete it with goodness. And whoever has been negligent should make amends with repentance, for Allah accepts repentance from His servants and forgives the sins.

Allah says,

وَلَا تَايۡــَٔسُوۡا مِنۡ رَّوۡحِ اللّٰهِ​ؕ اِنَّهٗ لَا يَايۡــَٔسُ مِنۡ رَّوۡحِ اللّٰهِ اِلَّا الۡقَوۡمُ الۡكٰفِرُوۡنَ‏

“And do not lose hope in the mercy of Allah, for no one loses hope in Allah’s mercy except the disbelieving people.” [Surah Yusuf, v. 87]

Whether someone has done well or fallen short, they should aim to end well, for deeds are judged by their ending. Then be in awe and fear that your deeds may not be accepted.

Allah says,

اِنَّمَا يَتَقَبَّلُ اللّٰهُ مِنَ الۡمُتَّقِيۡنَ‏

“Allah only accepts from those who are Muttaqeen [fear Him].” [Surah al–Mai’dah, v. 27]

Reflect upon yourselves, your intentions, and your purposes. Let no one be amazed by their deeds, thinking that they have done what is required of them and that they have fulfilled Allah’s right upon them. Rather, see yourself as falling short and neglectful, and be humbled before your Lord, the Almighty.

Some of the Salaf used to say, “If I knew that Allah has accepted from me the weight of a mustard seed, I would wish for death,” because of their intense fear of Allah.

Allah described the best of His servants, saying,

وَالَّذِيۡنَ يُؤۡتُوۡنَ مَاۤ اٰتَوْا وَّ قُلُوۡبُهُمۡ وَجِلَةٌ اَنَّهُمۡ اِلٰى رَبِّهِمۡ رٰجِعُوۡنَ ۙ • اُولٰٓٮِٕكَ يُسَارِعُوۡنَ فِىۡ الۡخَيۡـرٰتِ وَهُمۡ لَهَا سٰبِقُوۡنَ‏ •‏

“And they who give what they give while their hearts are fearful because they will be returning to their Lord—it is they who race to do good deeds, always taking the lead.” [Surah al–Mu’minun, v. 60, 61]

It is reported in an authentic narration collected by At-Tirmiⱬi that ’Ȃishah (رضي الله عنها), the Prophet’s wife, asked him (ﷺ) if this verse refers to those who steal or drink ˹alcohol˺. The Prophet (ﷺ) answered, “No, it refers to those who pray, fast, and donate, but are afraid that their deeds are rejected because they are not good enough.” Then he (ﷺ) recited the last part of the verse: “It is they who race to do good deeds, always taking the lead.”

So, we should be fearful that our deeds may be rejected and not be amazed by them or consider them significant, for they are insignificant in the sight of Allah.

The right of Allah upon us is great, but He, subḥānahu, is He who forgives, bestows, and honors out of His grace. But this is for those who have a good opinion of their Lord. So, have a good opinion of your Lord, hope for the best, and do righteous deeds.”

End quote.

May Allah ﷻ accept from us and forgive us.

Aameen!

Lit. “The Night of Decree.”

Bismillah.

Ḥadīth

Narrated `Aisha (رضي الله عنها):

Allah’s Messenger (ﷺ) said, “Search for the Night of Qadr in the odd nights of the last ten days of Ramadan.” [Sahih al-Bukhari 2017]

Supplication during the Night of Decree – Tafsir Ibn Kathir

It is recommended to supplicate often at all times, especially during the month of Ramadan, in the last ten nights, and during its odd nights, even more so. It is recommended that one recite the following supplication frequently:

اللَّهُمَّ إِنَّكَ عَفُوٌ تُحِبُّ الْعَفْوَ فَاعْفُ عَنِّي

Allaahumma Innaka ‘Afuwwun Tuhibbul-‘Afwa Fa’affoo ‘annee.

“O Allah! Verily, You are the Oft–Pardoning, You love to pardon, so pardon me.”

This is due to what Imam Ahmad recorded from Aisha رضي الله عنها, who said: “O Messenger of Allah! If I find the Night of Al-Qadr, what should I say?”

He (ﷺ) replied, Say: “O Allah! Verily, You are the Oft-Pardoning, You love to pardon, so pardon me.” [Ahmad 6:182]

Al–Hafidh Ibn Rajab [d. 795H] (رحمه اللّٰه) said:

“Al-‘Afuww is from the Names of Allah, He is the one who pardons the sins of His servants, wiping out their traces. He loves al-‘Afuww; He loves pardoning His servants often, and He loves that His servants pardon one another. For if His servants pardon one another, He will treat them with His ‘Afuww; His pardoning often is more beloved to Him than His Punishment.” [Latā’if al-Ma’ārif, p 466.]

References

• Sahih al-Bukhari 2017
• At-Tirmidhi, An-Nasai and Ibn Majah have all recorded this Hadith. At-Tirmdhi said “This Hadith is Hasan Sahih”. [Tahfat Al-Ahwadhi 9:495, An-Nasai in Al-Kubra 6:218, and Ibn Majah 2:1265]
• Al-Hakim recorded it in his Mustadrak (with a different chain of narration) and he said that it is authentic according to the criterial of the two Shaykhs (Al-Bukhari and Muslim). [Al-Hakim 1:530]
• [Latā’if al-Ma’ārif, page 466.]

May Allah ﷻ forgive us.

Aameen!