By: Dr. Farhana Quratulain
As the blessed month of Ramadan comes to an end and the joy of Eid celebrations fades, let us remind ourselves, dear brothers and sisters in faith, that the journey of a Muslim is never truly complete. For some, this period of spiritual renewal will fuel their ongoing efforts with even greater fervor and determination. For others, let this be the beginning of their striving in the path of Islam. Ramadan is meant to inspire transformational change within individuals, leading to a ripple effect that uplifts society and benefits all of humanity.
Throughout this sacred month, as we immersed ourselves in the Quran, we were repeatedly reminded of the profound connection between faith (Iman) and righteous action. Allah (SWT) assures us of the great reward that awaits those who embody both:
Surah Al-Baqarah (2:82)
And those who believe and do righteous good deeds, they are the dwellers of Paradise; they will dwell therein forever.
Surah Al-Jathiya (45:30)
Then, as for those who believed and did righteous good deeds, their Lord will admit them to His Mercy. That will be the evident success.
Surah An-Nisa’ (4:122)
But those who believe and do deeds of righteousness, We shall admit them to Gardens under which rivers flow, to dwell therein forever.
Allah’s promise is the truth; and whose words can be truer than those of Allah?
The Messenger of Allah (pbuh) also emphasized this essential bond between faith and action, saying:
Faith and good action are partners. One is incomplete without the other. Through the Seerah of Prophet Muhammad (pbuh), we witness the perfect balance—his nights were spent in deep connection with Allah (SWT) in Tahajjud, while his days were dedicated to establishing and strengthening Islam in every aspect of life.
Yet, even with the conviction to serve the community, one may wonder:
Where do I begin?
Practical Steps for Ongoing Striving in the Path of Islam
- Observe and Identify:
Look around you—what challenges does your community face? What are the root causes of these issues?
- Collaborate and Brainstorm:
Engage in discussions at your local masjid or through online platforms to develop meaningful solutions.
- Recognize Your Strengths:
Never underestimate your talents—every skill has value in the service of Islam.
- Work Together:
Join forces with others, complementing each other’s abilities to maximize impact.
- Invest in the Youth:
Help the next generation reach their full potential by mentoring, teaching essential skills, or guiding them in their spiritual and personal growth.
- Embrace Your Role: Remember, you are an integral part of the Muslim ummah, and your contributions—no matter how small—can create lasting change.
The path of Islam is a lifelong journey, not confined to a single month. Let Ramadan serve as a springboard for continuous self- improvement and service to others. May Allah (SWT) grant us steadfastness, sincerity, and the strength to uphold our faith through both belief and action. Ameen.