Sufyaan ibn 'Abdillaah radhiAllaahu 'anhu said: "O Messenger
of Allaah, tell me something about Islaam, which I cannot ask anyone else besides you." He said: "Say: 'I believe in Allaah'
and then be steadfast (upon that)." [Saheeh Muslim (38)]
The hadeeth is proof that the servant is obligated, after having
eemaan in Allaah, to persevere and be steadfast upon obeying Him by performing the obligatory acts and avoiding the prohibited
ones. This is achieved by following the Straight Path, which is the firm Religion without drifting away from it, to the right
or to the left.
If the Muslim lives through Ramadhaan 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 Allaah at all times. This is the true state of the slave, for indeed, the Lord of the months is One and He is
ever watchful and witnessing over his servants at all times.
Indeed, steadfastness after Ramadhaan and the rectification
of one's statements and actions are the greatest signs that one has gained benefit from the month of Ramadhaan and striven
in obedience. They are tokens of reception and signs of success.
Furthermore, the deeds of a servant do not come to an end with
the end of a month and the beginning of another, rather they continue and extend until he reaches death. Allaah says:
"And worship your Lord until the certainty (death) comes to
you." [al-Hijr: 99]
If the fasting of Ramadhaan comes to an end, then indeed the
voluntary fasting is still prescribed throughout the entire year. If standing in prayer at night during Ramadhan comes to
an end, then indeed, the entire year is a time for performing the night prayer. And if the Zakaat-ul-Fitr comes to an end,
then there is still the Zakaah that is obligatory as well as the voluntary charity that lasts the whole year. This goes the
same for reciting the Qur'aan and pondering over its meaning as well as every other righteous deed that is sought, for they
can be done at all times. From the many bounties that Allaah has bestowed upon his servants is that He has placed for them
many different types of righteous acts and provided many means for doing good deeds. Therefore, the ardor and zeal of the
Muslim must be constant and he must continue to remain in the service of his Lord.
It is unfortunate to find that some people perform worship
by doing different types of righteous deeds during Ramadhaan. They guard strictly upon their five daily prayers in the masjid,
they recite the Qur'aan a lot and they give in charity from their wealth. But when Ramadhaan comes to an end, they grow lazy
in their worship Rather, sometimes they even abandon the obligations, both generally, such as praying in congregation, and
specifically, such as praying the fajr prayer.
And they commit forbidden acts such as sleeping over the time
of prayers, indulging in places of foolishness and entertainment, and mingling in parks, especially on the day of 'Eed. Obtaining
help from these evils is only through the grace of Allaah. Thus, they demolish what they have constructed and destroy what
they have established. This is an indication of deprivation and a sign of perdition. We ask Allaah for His safeguarding and
protection.
Indeed, this type of people take the example of turning in
repentance and ceasing from committing evil deeds as something specific and restricted to the month of Ramadhaan. And they
stop doing these (good) acts when the month stops. Thus, it is as if they have abandoned sinning for the sake of Ramadhaan,
and not out of fear of Allaah. How terrible is the state of these people, who do not know Allaah, except in Ramadhaan!
Truly, the success that Allaah grants His servant lies in the
fasting of Ramadhaan. His assisting him to do that is a great favor, thus the calls for the servant to be grateful to his
Lord. This understanding can be found in the statement of Allaah after completing the favor of the month of fasting:
"(He wants that you) must complete the same number of days,
and that you must magnify Allaah (by saying Allaahu Akbar) for having guided you, so that you may be grateful to Him." [2:185]
The one who is grateful for having fasted, will remain upon
that condition and continue to perform righteous deeds. Verily, the true way of the Muslim is that of one who praises and
thanks his Lord for giving him the ability to fast and make qiyaam. His condition after Ramadhaan is better than it was before
Ramadhaan. He is more receptive to obey, desiring to do good deeds and quick to enforce the obligatory acts. This is because
he has gained benefit form this prominent institute of learning. It is that of one who fears for having his fast not accepted,
for indeed Allaah only accepts from those who fear Him. The righteous predecessors would struggle to complete and perfect
their deeds, hoping afterwards, that it would be accepted and fearing that it would be rejected. From the reports of 'Alee,
"Be more concerned with having your deeds accepted than the deed itself. Did you not hear Allaah say: 'Verily Allaah, only
accepts those from those who fear Him. (i.e. possess taqwaa).' [5:27] "[Lataa'if ul Ma'aarif, p. 246]
'Aa'ishah said: "I asked the Messenger of Allaah concerning
the ayah: 'And the one who are given what they are given and their hearts tremble with fear.' Are they the ones who drink
alcohol and steal?" He said: "No, o daughter of as-Siddeeq. Rather, they are the ones who fast and pray and give in charity
yet fear that it won't be accepted from them. They are the ones who rush to do good deeds and they are the first to do them."
[Saheeh Sunan at-Tirmidhee 3/79-80]
So be warned and again be warned of turning backward after
having attained guidance of going astray after persevering. And ask Allaah to provide you with duration in doing righteous
deeds and continuity in performing good acts. And ask Allaah that He grant you a good end, so that He may accept our Ramadhaan
from us.