  Shaykh Saleh al-Fawzan
Ahaadeeth us-Siyaam: Ahkaam wa Adab
© Huda Ramadhaan 1419AH
Sufyaan ibn `Abdillaah radhiallahu `anhu said: "O Messenger of Allah, tell me
something about  Islaam, which I cannot ask anyone else besides you." He said:
"Say: 'I believe in Allah' and then be steadfast (upon that)." [Saheeh Muslim
(38)]
The hadeeth is proof that the servant is obligated, after having Eemaan in
Allah, 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 Allah 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. Allah 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 Ramadhaan 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 Allah 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 Allah. 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 Allah 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 Allah. How evil are these people who do not know Allah, except in
Ramadhaan!
Truly, the success that Allah 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 Allah 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 Allah (by saying Allahu 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 Allah 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 Allah say: 'Verily Allah, 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 Allah 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 Allah to provide you with
duration in doing righteous deeds and continuity in performing good acts. And
ask Allah that He grant you a good end, so that He may accept our Ramadhaan from
us.
|
