Can it be? Is it true? Has the month of Ramadan already reached its halfway point? The literal fast pace of Ramadan can sometimes make it difficult to slow down and reflect. The days pass quickly, filled with prayer, community gatherings, and acts of worship along with every other customary routine like work and chores. While other forms of devotion are visible, such as performing salah, giving zakat, or reading the Quran during the month, fasting remains very personal. Only Allah knows when a person is truly fasting, and whether they are fulfilling every aspect of the fast. There is still space for deep reflection in this state of intimate and quiet restraint. The distractions of daily life fade when food and drink are no longer in the picture. Hunger and thirst remind us of our mortality and reliance on Allah, allowing the heart to detach from the fleeting nature of this world. All we have to do is stop for a second, breathe, and reflect.
Ramadan provides a chance to step away from routine and become more mindful. It is an opportunity to cultivate patience, sincerity, and a stronger connection with Allah. Abu Huraira reported that the Messenger of Allah, Prophet Muhammad, peace and blessings be upon him, said, “Allah said, ‘Every deed of the son of Adam is for him, except for fasting. It is for Me and I will reward it.’ Fasting is a shield, so when one of you fasts, he may not be obscene or boisterous. If someone insults him or fights him, let him say: Indeed, I am fasting. The One in whose hand is the soul of Muhammad has sworn that the breath of a fasting person is more pleasing to Allah than the scent of musk. The fasting person experiences two moments of joy: one when breaking his fast and another when meeting his Lord.” (Sahih Bukhari 1904, Sahih Muslim 1151).
With this beautiful hadith in mind, we can remember our purpose for fasting – to obtain taqwa or God-consciousness. One of the ways we can continuously recenter during the month of Ramadan is by engaging in introspection. Like fasting, muhasaba, or introspection, is an internal practice that goes beyond just reflecting on your day-to-day. Muhasaba refers to self-accountability. It is the practice of regularly evaluating one's thoughts, actions, and intentions to ensure they align with Islamic teachings. This concept encourages believers to reflect on their deeds, seek forgiveness for shortcomings, and strive for spiritual growth. In the Quran, Allah says:
"O believers! Be mindful of Allah and let every soul look to what ˹deeds˺ it has sent forth for tomorrow. And fear Allah, ˹for˺ certainly Allah is All-Aware of what you do." (Quran, Surah Al-Hashr, 59:18)
This verse calls believers to self-reflect and prepare for the Hereafter through introspection and accountability. Ibn Kathir explained that when Allah says to be mindful of Him, it pertains to obeying what He ordered and staying away from what He forbade. When He mentions that every soul should look towards what he has sent forth of good deeds, it means that one must hold themselves accountable for their actions, “and contemplate what you have kept for yourselves of good deeds for the Day of your return and being paraded before your Lord.” Ibn Kathir further elaborated that Allah affirms His complete knowledge of all human deeds and actions. Nothing about them is hidden from Him; no matter how great or small, none escape His awareness or fall beyond His understanding (Tafsir Ibn Kathir, 59:18). Thus, introspection is an exercise of faith that benefits us by making us more aware of our behavior and its consequences. Because achieving taqwa is the goal of our Ramadan fasting, incorporating these periods of mindfulness is vital to our success.
Looking Inward
Umar Ibn Al-Khattab, may Allah be pleased with him, used to advise Muslims to engage in periods of introspection. He is reported to have said:
“Hold yourselves accountable before you are held accountable and evaluate yourselves before you are evaluated, for the Reckoning will be easier upon you tomorrow if you hold yourselves accountable today.” (Muhasabat al-Nafs li-Ibn Abi Dunya, 2). This statement emphasizes the importance of self-evaluation before the ultimate accountability on the Day of Judgment. Hasan al-Basri, may Allah have mercy on him, echoed that statement when he said, “Verily, the believer is a guardian over himself and he holds himself accountable to Allah Almighty. The reckoning will only be lightened on the Day of Resurrection for people who held themselves accountable in this world. Verily, the reckoning will only be grueling on the Day of Resurrection for people who did not hold themselves accountable.” (Al-Zuhd wal-Raqa’iq, 307)
A person may wonder how they can hold themselves accountable as they look back on their deeds during and outside of Ramadan. Self-examination is not always easy, and the lines between right and wrong can sometimes feel blurred. Even the companions of the Prophet Muhammad, peace and blessings be upon him, pondered over the same question, seeking guidance on measuring their actions and intentions. One day, a companion named Wabisah ibn Ma’bad approached the Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, with this inquiry. Before Wabisah could even voice his question, the Prophet, anticipating his concern, asked, “Have you come to ask about righteousness and sin?” Surprised, Wabisah affirmed that this was indeed his purpose.
In response, the Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, clenched his fist, struck his chest, emphasizing the importance of inner awareness, and said:
“Consult your soul, consult your heart, O Wabisah. Righteousness is what reassures your soul and your heart, and sin is what wavers in your soul and puts tension in your chest, even if people approve it in their judgments again and again.” (Sunan al-Darimi, 2533)
This hadith serves as a powerful reminder that the human heart, when nurtured with sincerity and faith, becomes a compass for distinguishing right from wrong. It demonstrates that true wisdom lies in self-reflection, internal honesty, and preparation for the Hereafter. The believer is encouraged to practice introspection and listen to the voice of their conscience, which is often an indicator of righteousness.
Enhancing our Worship During the Last 10 Nights
As we enter the last ten nights of Ramadan, this is a critical time for deep reflection, self-accountability, and renewed commitment. These final nights hold immense spiritual significance, offering an opportunity to elevate our worship and strengthen our connection with Allah. It is essential to be intentional in our actions and strive for excellence. If we do so, we can end the month in the best manner possible and set the tone for the rest of the year until the next Ramadan arrives, insha’Allah, God willing.
Here are some ways to take our worship to the next level through mindfulness and introspection:
1. Seek Laylatul Qadr
Laylatul Qadr, the Night of Decree, is the most blessed night of the year, and its weight is greater than a thousand months. It is a time to maximize our acts of worship and seek Allah’s boundless mercy. Two ways we can do so is through charity and prayer. The rewards of giving are multiplied exponentially on this night. Whether through monetary donations, providing food for the needy, or any act of kindness, giving in charity holds immense value. Even a small act of generosity can weigh heavily in your favor. During regular and voluntary prayers, we can pour our heart out to Allah, and ask for the best in this world and the next.
2. Deepen Your Connection with the Quran
Reading the Quran during Ramadan can sometimes feel like a race, and it can be discouraging when we are far from the finish line. It is okay to slow down and take time to reflect on the meanings of the verses. Ponder over how they apply to your life and how you can embody their teachings. At the end of each day, pause and assess your actions. Ask yourself: Have I lived by the Qur’an’s guidance today? What can I improve upon tomorrow?
3. Seek Forgiveness and Make Sincere Tawbah
Repentance is a key aspect of Ramadan, especially during the last ten nights. Allah’s mercy is vast, and this is the best time to seek His forgiveness. Aisha, may Allah be pleased with her, once asked the Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, “O Messenger of Allah, if I know which night is the Night of Decree, what should I say during it?” The Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, responded:
“Say: O Allah, You are Pardoning. You love to forgive, so forgive me.” (Sunan al-Tirmidhi, 3513)
Repeating this powerful du’a with sincerity can cleanse the heart and bring immense peace.
4. Set Goals for Self-Improvement
Ramadan is a time of transformation, and setting goals can help sustain that growth beyond the month. Here are some ideas to consider:
Write a Self-Evaluation Journal: Documenting your spiritual journey can be a powerful tool for self-improvement. Ramadan planners are popular, but post-Ramadan planning may be even more beneficial. Jot down your strengths, areas of growth, and the duas you want to continue to make. Plan how you will maintain consistency in your worship and character after Ramadan.
Track your goals: Commit to Positive Change; whether you want to be more consistent in your prayers, improve relationships, or control negative habits, set clear and actionable goals for continued spiritual progress.
5. Engage in Dhikr as Much as Possible
Dhikr, or the remembrance of Allah, is one of the easiest yet most rewarding acts of worship. Engage in constant remembrance these last ten nights by reciting phrases such as:
SubhanAllah wa bihamdihi, SubhanAllah al-Azim (Glory be to Allah and all praise is due to Him, Glory be to Allah the Almighty)
Astaghfirullah (I seek Allah’s forgiveness)
La ilaha illa Allah (There is no god but Allah)
Dhikr brings tranquility to the heart, strengthens faith, and it is heavy on our scale of good deeds, making it a must in these sacred nights.
As the final nights of Ramadan approach, we are reminded that this sacred month is fleeting, yet its impact can be lasting. The practices of introspection, worship, and sincere repentance that we cultivate now serve as a foundation for the months ahead. Just as fasting refines our physical and spiritual discipline, self-accountability sharpens our awareness of who we are and who we strive to become. Whether through heartfelt dua, meaningful Quranic reflection, or acts of kindness, each effort we make is a step toward strengthening our relationship with Allah. If we approach these final nights with sincerity and purpose, we will not only complete Ramadan in the best manner but also set ourselves on a path of lasting spiritual success. May our efforts be accepted, our hearts purified, and our deeds multiplied in reward. Ameen.
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