Farewell to Ramadhan

Yahya bin Muaadh said:

The smart individual is not the one whose greatest goal is other than seeking the pardon of Allah. (The smart individual is not the one who) seeks forgiveness with his tongue, while his heart is firmly attached to sin, and he truly intends to return to sin after the completion of Ramadan. This individual’s fast is rejected, and acceptance is closed in his face.

Ka’b said:

Whoever fasts Ramadan while inwardly saying: Once the month is over, I will disobey Allah; this person’s fasting is rejected. And whoever fasts the month while inwardly saying: Upon completion of the month, I won’t disobey Allah, this person will enter Jannah without questioning or debate.

The author further states: Oh servants of Allah, indeed the month of Ramadan has prepared to leave, and nothing remains except a few more days. Whoever has done well during the month should continue to do well, and whoever was deficient, should try to end the month in good, for indeed actions are according to their completion. Therefore, take advantage of what remains of the month, and give the month the best farewell and peace.

The hearts of the believers yearn for this month and morn over its departure. If this is the case with those who have gained during this month, then what is the case with those who have been negligent during its days and nights? What will the crying of this negligent person benefit him, when his trial and calamity is so great and tremendous? How many times was this poor individual advised, but he did not accept this advice! How many times was he called to correction, but he did not answer this call! How many people did he view gaining in this month, while he distanced himself from gain! How many times have the obedient passed him by, while he sat! (And now) time is constrained and reality has befallen him, now he regrets, but there is no benefit in this regret.  Lataif al Maa”rif By Ibn Rajab Al-Hanbali | Translated By Mustafa George DeBerry.