DEAR PIOUS READER I

Dear Pious Reader,

As we roll into the blessed month of Ramadhan, let me lean in and whisper a gentle reminder to you, not a secret, but a truth for your heart. A reminder that whoever wishes to float among the clouds must first set their sights on the sky. Surely, we all desire Allah to grant us His vast mercy and admit us into Jannatul Firdaus. But the question remains: what are we doing to achieve this noble dream?

Allah says:”And whoever desires the Hereafter and strives for it with the necessary effort, while being a believer, those are the ones whose effort is appreciated.” (Qur’an 17:19)

They say that when you fail to plan, you are planning to fail. Islam itself teaches us intention and preparation. The Prophet ﷺ said:”Actions are judged by intentions, and every person will get the reward according to what he has intended.”

Imagine you have been summoned to meet a president or a person of high status. You would carefully choose your attire, prepare your speech, and think about how to act and respond. Now reflect on this: Allah, our Creator, the King of all kings, has invited us to a month where our duas are answered, our sins are forgiven, and our deeds are multiplied. Should we not prepare more for our Creator than for any of His creation?

I understand that we all have lives to live. However, Allah reminds us clearly:”Know that the life of this world is but play, amusement, adornment, boasting among you, and competition in wealth and children. But the Hereafter is better and everlasting.” (Qur’an 57:20)

A righteous person once asked: If you traveled to a foreign land for a two-week visit, would you bother buying a house and a car, knowing that you would never return? Yet here we are, living in this temporary world that Allah placed us in so that we may gather provisions for the Hereafter. Let us not forget our destination, for the Prophet ﷺ said, “Be in this world as though you were a stranger or a traveler.”

So plan for this Ramadhan. Plan to pray more, recite the Qur’an, give charity, guard your tongue, lower your gaze, fast sincerely, and abstain from all wrongdoing and immoral acts.

The Prophet ﷺ said:”Whoever fasts Ramadhan out of faith and seeking reward, his previous sins will be forgiven.”So let us all strive to attain forgiveness and taqwa from Allah. Let us fast with our hearts, tongues, eyes, and actions, not just our stomachs.

Remember, there are souls beneath the earth who wished for one more Ramadhan but were not granted it. Let us keep praying for another opportunity of this great harvesting month and make a plan to take advantage of all opportunities.

Allahumma ballighna Ramadhan.

Lastly, let us remember the timeless wisdom: “Man ijtahada wajada” (Whoever strives, finds). And Allah confirms this promise: “And those who strive for Us, We will surely guide them to Our ways.” (Qur’an 29:69)

So let us strive, prepare, and act, so that we may be among those who emerge from Ramadhan forgiven, renewed, and closer to Allah.

Yours Truly, The Soul Whisperer