Keep Allah central in your life [2:185]

As we approach the end of Ramadan, it’s natural to reflect on the spiritual journey we’ve experienced during this blessed month. We began this month with reflections on building a deeper connection with Allah and how this can improve all aspects of our wellbeing.

Now as the blessed month draws to a close, let us revisit the verse from Sura Baqara related to Ramadan where Allah tells us about the sanctity of Ramadan, the revelation of the Quran and the injunction to fast and how He desires ease for us.

Today, let us focus on the last section of the verse which says: 

وَلِتُكْمِلُواْ الْعِدَّةَ وَلِتُكَبِّرُواْ اللّهَ عَلَى مَا هَدَاكُمْ وَلَعَلَّكُمْ تَشْكُرُونَ

[Shakir 2:185] and (He desires) that you should complete the number and that you should exalt the greatness of Allah for His having guided you and that you may give thanks.

After completing the days of fasting, on Eid day we are meant to

1. exalt the greatness of Allah for the guidance and
2. give thanks

The phrase Allahu Akbar—Allah is Greater than—serves as a reminder that Allah should always be at the center of our lives. This isn’t just a ritualistic utterance; it’s a profound acknowledgment that when Allah is central, everything else falls into place 

Allah Hu Akbar: A Declaration of Priorities

As the month comes to a close, we are reminded of the significance of saying Allahu Akbar—Allah is Greater than—in our prayers, in our supplications, and in every aspect of our lives. But what does it mean to truly declare Allah’s greatness?

It means to consistently place Him above all else. We started this month by trying to deepen our relationship with Him, and now we are reminded that as we conclude Ramadan, we must continue to live with Him at the center of our lives.

Allah’s greatness, as exemplified through the practices of Ramadan, is the acknowledgment that everything we have, everything we enjoy, comes from Him. The food on our tables, the strength in our bodies, the intellect in our minds, and the love in our hearts—all of these blessings are gifts from Allah. When we say Allahu Akbar, we are reaffirming that He is the greatest priority in our lives, greater than our desires, greater than our attachments, greater than anything else in this world.

A Day of Celebration: Breaking the Fast and Breaking Bad Habits

On Eid, when we come together to celebrate the end of Ramadan in the Eid Salaat we say: "wa ja-altaha lil muslimeen eida". Allah [swt] says: "I have made this day a day of celebration for the Muslims." This celebration is not just of the physical act of breaking the fast, but also of breaking free from the bad habits, the distractions, and the patterns that keep us away from Allah. Ramadan is a time to reflect on the negative habits that may have accumulated in our lives, and Eid represents a spiritual victory—breaking those chains and moving forward with a renewed commitment to keeping Allah central in our lives.

This day of celebration reminds us that the essence of Ramadan is not just fasting from food and drink, but fasting from everything that distracts us from our relationship with Allah. It’s about breaking the grip of unhealthy attachments, desires, and habits that prevent us from fully experiencing His presence in our lives. When we say Allahu Akbar on Eid, it is the culmination of this month-long process of breaking free from these distractions, and it’s a declaration that we are now ready to live a life that is centered around Allah’s greatness.

How to Keep Allah Central Moving Forward

To keep Allah central in our lives, we need to integrate the good habits and spiritual practices we adopted in Ramadan into our routines. The key is consistency, not perfection. It’s about maintaining the closeness we’ve developed with Allah and nurturing it through small, consistent actions. These baby steps ensure that the spiritual gains we’ve achieved during Ramadan continue to resonate throughout the year. Here’s how we can maintain our momentum:

3. Sustaining Regular Salaat
   During Ramadan, we were more conscious of our prayer timings, especially as the fast started with Fajr and ended with Maghrib. To continue this practice, let’s commit to praying at least one prayer exactly on time every day, gradually adding more as we progress. This simple step ensures that our connection with Allah remains steady, no matter how busy life becomes.
4. Daily Quran Reflection
   The Quran is the ultimate source of guidance, and Ramadan gave us an opportunity to recite and reflect on its meanings. To keep this connection alive, let’s make it a habit to read and reflect on at least one verse a day. Reflecting on this verse and considering how we can apply its wisdom to our lives will deepen our understanding and strengthen our relationship with Allah. 
5. Continuing Acts of Charity
   Ramadan is often a time when we focus on giving generously. To carry this spirit forward, let’s remain aware of those in need and continue our acts of charity, whether large or small. Regular contributions, even if modest, will keep the flow of goodness alive and remind us of our shared responsibility toward others.
6. Dua and Connection with Allah
   Ramadan was a time when we turned to Allah in dua, asking for His mercy and guidance. Continuing this practice is essential for maintaining our connection to Him. Whether it’s through personal supplications or the beautiful duas in the Sahifa Sajjadiya or those of Imam Ali (as), let’s make time for reflection and communication with Allah every day.
7. Nurturing Family Relationships
   Ramadan encourages us to reconcile with family and nurture our relationships. After Ramadan, let’s continue to reach out to family members, maintain connections, and forgive past grievances. By keeping our relationships in order, we honor Allah’s command and ensure peace in our hearts.

Ramadan’s End: A New Beginning

As we wrap up this blessed month, let’s not view Ramadan’s end as a conclusion, but as a new beginning. The growth we experienced during this month doesn’t have to be temporary. Instead, it can be the foundation upon which we build a year of continuous spiritual growth. Just as a fitness regimen requires consistency after the initial push, maintaining our spiritual gains requires small, intentional efforts throughout the year 

Eid, as a celebration of spiritual victories, serves as a reminder of the changes we’ve made and the progress we’ve achieved. It’s a celebration of breaking bad habits and embracing new, healthy ones. Let’s carry the spirit of Ramadan into the months ahead, integrating the lessons learned and continuing to grow spiritually, even in the absence of Ramadan’s intense focus.

By keeping Allah central in our hearts, we create a life of balance, peace, and purpose ensuring our mental emotional and spiritual wellbeing regardless of the challenges that life presents to us.

Wishing you and your loved ones a blessed Eid day. May Allah accept all our efforts during Ramadan, grant us the strength to continue with the good habits we’ve developed, and keep us close to Him. Ameen

Eid Mubarak
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Wishing you a day full of spiritual fulfillment, positivity, purpose and peace.