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Two Ayats To Be Mindful of During Ramadan

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We are told that Ramadan is the month of the Quran. It is a month when many aim to read the Quran from cover to cover. While this is a commendable task and has many benefits, the Quran is a book to reflect on, ponder and take action. It is an instruction manual for our lives, which we must not only read but also implement. This article will reflect on two ayats, which are particularly relevant for this month.

In Surah At-TakwirAllah says,

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“So where are you going?”  [81:26] 

In such a short ayat, Allah asks us a powerful question. Where are you heading? What are you doing with this life that Allah has given you? What are you doing with the blessings He has provided? How are you using it? For what purpose? Before we set out on a journey, we decide where we are going, pack any provisions that are required, we plug in the details in our satellite navigation systems and we follow the directions. This is only for small journeys. What about the journey of our life?

Ramadan is a time to reflect and reevaluate how we are progressing and in what direction we are heading. Time constantly ticks away, so we are either actively moving forward or moving backward. Islam is a constant struggle to do good deeds against our own nafs. Allah says that :

“…We are constantly testing our servants.” [23:30]

Therefore, we have to be in a constant state of striving. At times we lose patience in this struggle and slip behind. This is the month to bring ourselves back into motion and actively get back on track.

It is not just about having an overarching broad long-term goal such as reaching Jannat ul Firdous (highest level in Paradise). But also specific short term goals that encompass our daily life, for example your career, personal relationships, regular Quran and dhikr. Everyone has different strengths, weaknesses and lifestyles where different acts of ibadah suit them better. These short-term goals make up the over-arching bigger picture. However, it is important not to overburden ourselves with goal lists and measuring our deeds by their quantity as the second ayat will illustrate.

Allah says in Surah Muminoon :

“And those whose scales are heavy (with good deeds) it is they who are successful.” [23:102]

It is interesting to note that whenever Allah describes this incident of measuring our good deeds it is in terms of weight. Allah talks about our deeds being “heavy” or “light” rather than the number of good deeds. This is because Allah does not look for quantity but quality. A small act performed sincerely for His sake, is weightier and greater on the scales of Allah than a large act without full consciousness of Allah.

With this in mind, when we evaluate ourselves and what we are doing with our lives and how to progress, we must not always look at the outward actions. In other words, we should not just numerically count our deeds but also examine our state of heart and mind. For example, rather than adding the goal to read more prayers daily, add the goal to do the same amount of prayers but with better concentration. Instead of vowing to read more Quran in Arabic, use that time to study short bursts of tafseer in order to reflect and implement the verses you read. In this way, the same amount of time will yield a greater connection with Allah.

In recent years, dua lists and goal planners for Ramadhan have become popular. While they are immensely useful (and I myself use them) we must not fall into the trap of each year adding to the list of things we must do in order to attain a false feeling of progress. Progress is not just found in our physical actions but also the state of our heart. We can quantitatively do the same number of good deeds but gain more benefits just by our level of focus and presence of mind.

Therefore, this Ramadan we must take the time to reflect upon these two ayats. Where am I going? What am I doing with my life? And how can I improve internally to make my deeds weightier on the Day of Judgment?

Keep supporting MuslimMatters for the sake of Allah

Alhamdulillah, we're at over 850 supporters. Help us get to 900 supporters this month. All it takes is a small gift from a reader like you to keep us going, for just $2 / month.

The Prophet (SAW) has taught us the best of deeds are those that done consistently, even if they are small. Click here to support MuslimMatters with a monthly donation of $2 per month. Set it and collect blessings from Allah (swt) for the khayr you're supporting without thinking about it.

Hira Amin is a British muslimah of Pakistani descent. Despite originally being a mathematics graduate, after a few years inside the corporate world, she decided to change paths drastically to studying history. She completed her Masters in the History of International Relations and is currently undertaking her PhD at the University of Cambridge. Her focus areas are South Asian Muslims and their migration to the UK, Islam’s interaction with Western imperialism and modernity, feminism and 20th century international history.

4 Comments

4 Comments

  1. Shobandir

    July 22, 2014 at 1:21 AM

    Amazing article. I sincerely love that ayah (At-Takwir 26) because every time i read it, I’m able to step back and realize my true priorities. Good job!

  2. Syed J

    July 22, 2014 at 8:17 AM

    Crisp and to the point. JazakAllah Khair.

  3. arijjj

    July 22, 2014 at 12:12 PM

    Great read! The Ayah from Surah Takwir always hits home. JazakAllah khair for posting.

  4. Hafsa

    May 18, 2016 at 6:26 PM

    JazakAllah u khair for this short reminder
    I would like to add I believe we should try to complain less and be more gratful this ramadhan and teach our kids to do the same . One can have a gratitude journal to boost up their imaan. Know all about it here
    http://ayeina.com/muslims-mini-gratitude-journal/

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