2025 Exclusive Ramadhan Musings

I recently heard someone express a profound thought about charity that left me reflecting for a while. They said, “You might encounter a wealthy individual and share opportunities for good deeds with them, constantly reminding them of these chances. However, Allah may not intend to use that person to perform these good deeds. This could be due to their money not being pure or for any other reason that prevents them from having that opportunity. On the other hand, Allah might bring forth an unknown individual with very little to their name, yet He grants them the ability (tawfiq) to do good.”

For those involved in community service, this is a common observation. It’s not merely financial resources that inspire people to give; rather, their innate willingness, compassion, and sense of duty drive them to help others. One significant point we often overlook is that Allah, in His Encompassing Knowledge and Wisdom, determines who will do good and who will not.

An example of this is illustrated in Surah At-Tawbah, verses 41-47. In this passage, some Muslims made excuses to avoid participating in the Battle of Tabuk and sought permission from the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) to remain behind. The Prophet allowed them to stay, but Allah (Subhanahu Wa Ta’ala) later revealed specific verses addressing this situation.

“No one would ask for exemption except those who have no faith in Allah or the Last Day, and whose hearts are in doubt, so they are torn by their doubts. Had they ˹really˺ intended to march forth, they would have made preparations for it. But Allah disliked that they should go, so He let them lag behind, and it was said ˹to them˺, “Stay with those ˹helpless˺ who remain behind.”

This principle extends beyond charity to all kinds of good actions, such as waking up for tahajjud, performing Hajj or Umrah, memorizing the Qur’an, spreading the message of Islam (da’wah), educating others, bringing happiness, aiding those in need, and being a supportive presence for others. Allah has intentionally selected you for these purposes. Have you considered the honour of that? That, amidst countless people, Allah chose YOU? He found you deserving of that chance to do good and receive the corresponding reward. He loves you, so He facilitates it for you!

The wonderful truth is that we all possess unique gifts and strengths in our faith to do good. Each of us is different in our approach and contributions.

Imam Malik illustrated this concept when he received a letter from a righteous person urging him to focus more on spiritual practices instead of teaching. He replied: “Allah, exalted is He, has distributed people’s actions just as He has distributed their sustenance. Sometimes He grants one person the desire to engage in optional prayers but not in optional fasting, or opens the door for charity but not for fasting, and so on. As for the pursuit of sacred knowledge, it is one of the most virtuous deeds, and I am grateful for what Allah has allowed me to do. I believe both paths are valuable, and I hope we are both striving for goodness.” (Al-Dhahabi, Siyar A‘lam al-Nubala)

This highlights that when Allah provides an opportunity and inspires a person toward a specific good deed, they should embrace that focus wholeheartedly. It’s important to also engage in other good actions without losing sight of what lies at the centre of their devotion.

The key question is: will you embrace the path Allah has set for you, or will you be among those who reject it?

Ultimately, Allah does not require our efforts, nor does He miss out if we fail to take advantage of the opportunities He gives us. He can effortlessly replace us with others to fulfil those same deeds.

Let us keep this in our hearts as a reminder whenever we face moments of lethargy that discourage us from rising for tahajjud, feeling reluctant to give sadaqah or a loan, or feeling fatigued when approached by those in need of our support. While we may feel ordinary, we have been bestowed an extraordinary honour. Consider how many individuals earnestly wish to visit Allah’s house but find themselves unable to do so. Reflect on how many genuinely desire to make a significant impact yet lack the necessary resources. Think of those who long to perform good for their parents but are left with memories, as those loved ones have departed from this world.

The next time an opportunity arises to do something good, I hope your heart overflows with genuine joy and excitement. I hope that you take that chance as if it were the final one you might ever encounter. I hope you don’t hesitate to go above and beyond, putting in the extra effort and dedicating yourself fully to the task at hand. When you take that chance, I hope you carry it proudly, wearing it as a badge of honour that reflects your commitment to making a positive impact on the world.

Dear Reader, take a few moments to engage in thoughtful contemplation about the unique purpose that Allah has set for you. Fully embrace this profound calling with all your heart and dedication, recognizing the significance of your role in the fabric of goodness in this world.

Here is a dua to help you and me continue doing good deeds:

Yahya related to me from Malik that he had heard that the Messenger of Allah, may Allah bless him and grant him peace, used to make dua saying, “O Allah, I ask you for good actions and for leaving what is disapproved of and for love of the poor. And if You wish to try people, then bring me to You without being tried.”

Allahumma inniy asa’luka fala’l-khayrati, wa tarqa’l-munqarati, wa hubba’l-masakin, wa idha aradta fi’n-nasi fitnatan fa’qbithni ilayka ghayra maftun.
اللَّهُمَّ إِنِّي أَسْأَلُكَ فِعْلَ الْخَيْرَاتِ وَتَرْكَ الْمُنْكَرَاتِ وَحُبَّ الْمَسَاكِينِ وَإِذَا أَرَدْتَ فِي النَّاسِ فِتْنَةً فَاقْبِضْنِي إِلَيْكَ غَيْرَ مَفْتُونٍ

May Allah make us a source of goodness for every place we set foot in and every soul we meet, and may we be honoured to be among the agents of kheyr in our lifetime, Ameen.

The most awaited time of the year, Ramadhan, is upon us, Alhamdulillah. For many people this means that the girl who wasn’t wearing her hijab will now be wearing it. The men who had stayed away from the masjid for months will now be standing in the front row of the mosque. Those who couldn’t go a day without smoking or using miraa will now put those habits on hold until later at night, or perhaps until the end of Ramadan. People who used to blast music in the neighbourhood will now have Sheikh Sudais on repeat.

Every year, we are reminded not to judge those who only engage in worship during Ramadan. Thereafter, we often observe them returning to their old habits. At times, we may find ourselves experiencing similar backsliding too. It’s easy to feel judgment toward them or ourselves based on how we revert to past sins. Regardless of how serious their actions may appear to us or those around us, we must remember that Allah’s door is always open to everyone—especially to those who seek a relationship with Him, even in the smallest ways.

There is a story about a thief that I once read, narrated by Sayyiduna Abu Bakr Shibli. “Once I was travelling to Syria along with a group of other travellers when on the way we were plundered by a gang of thieves. They took all our possessions and put them in front of their gang leader. Amongst the goods were a bag of sugar and almonds, the thieves began to eat them but their leader did not join them. I asked him why the rest of his gang was eating but he was not, he replied, “I am fasting”. I asked surprisingly, “How is it that you steal from people and fast at the same time?” He replied, “A man should do something to keep the doors of reconciliation open as well”. Sometime later I saw the same gang leader in a state of “ihram” performing tawaaf [circulating around] of the blessed ka’ba. His face was resplendent with the light of worship and he had weakened himself through devotional practices. I asked surprisingly, “Are you the same man?” he answered, “Yes, I am, and let me tell you, that very same fast is what caused my reconciliation with Allah”. (Raud-ur Riyaheen, P163, Maktaba-tul-Maymaniyyah Egypt)

This story serves as a powerful reminder that one’s past actions do not define the possibilities for redemption and transformation. It illustrates the potential for change and reminds us that no matter how ‘bad’ we might think we are, there is always the chance for growth and spiritual awakening. No one knows when a person will be granted tawfiq—the divine assistance to overcome their sins. Someone may have only worshipped during Ramadan for the past ten years, but perhaps this will be the year they finally conquer their nafs (inner self). Therefore, it is essential for us to extend grace, make dua (supplication), and guide others along the straight path without judgment. We never know what may happen. This perspective also applies to the struggles we face against our own nafs. Do not despair at Allah’s mercy; keep striving and be intentional about nurturing a good relationship with Him. No matter how distant you may feel from Allah, always keep the door open. There is always a chance for each of us.

Additionally, we must remember what Allah says about sinners;
The Prophet (ﷺ) said, “Allah, the Exalted, and Glorious said: ‘A slave committed a sin and he said: O Allah, forgive my sin,’ and Allah said: ‘My slave committed a sin and then he realized that he has a Rubb Who forgives the sins and punishes for the sin.’ He then again committed a sin and said: ‘My Rubb, forgive my sin,’ and Allah (SWT) said: ‘My slave committed a sin and then realized that he has a Rubb Who forgives his sin and punishes for the sin.’ He again committed a sin and said: ‘My Rubb, forgive my sin,’ and
Allah (SWT) said: ‘My slave has committed a sin and then realized that he has a Rubb Who forgives the sin or takes (him) to account for sin. I have granted forgiveness to my slave. Let him do whatever he likes”. The last sentence “let him do..”. means, as long he keeps asking for forgiveness after the commission of sins, and repents, Allah will forgive him because repentance eliminates previous sins”. (Editor’s Note) (Riyad as-Salihin 421)

As we enter this blessed month, let us approach it with intention and purpose. This is a time for deep reflection and repentance, where we turn to Allah with sincere hearts, asking for His divine guidance and support in our lives. It is essential that we confront and conquer our nafs, the inner voice that often leads us astray. And most importantly, when you see the ‘Ramadhan Worshippers’, before you start judging, before you feel the urge to mock, remember; the door of Allah is always open.

May this month serve as a powerful opportunity for redemption and transformation, helping us grow closer to our Creator and to our true selves. Ameen.

Please note: The Ramadhan Exclusive content will start on the 4th of March in shaa Allah. For 1000/= only, you can register for it through the following link: https://lubnah.me.ke/register/ramadhan/ Check out the poster below for more information.

I’m so excited for Ramadan; can you feel it? Ramadan Mubarak, good people! May this month be a breath of fresh air, a warm balm on our wounds, a comfy embrace, a chance for genuine change and the miracle we so desperately need. Ameen.

2025 Exclusive Ramadhan Musings

THE CHOSEN ONES

THE DOOR OF ALLAH IS ALWAYS OPEN