Ramadan is a great race, and its rewards are unlike any other. It is a month of being freed from the Hellfire, elevation in the ranks of Paradise, and the key to success lies in the awakening of the heart. The one whose heart is perceptive will win, while the one whose heart is heedless will lose. It is not fitting to prepare for Ramadan merely with worldly matters such as food, drink, and clothing; rather, the heart must be prepared in the best possible way. For this reason, it is essential to remind ourselves of the importance of self-purification before Ramadan and the best means to achieve it.
The Importance of Self-Purification
The role of self-purification in Islam is of immense significance, as follows:
- It is the mission of the Prophets (peace be upon them):
Allah entrusted the Prophets with the great task of purifying and reforming the souls of the believers. Allah says, “It is He who has sent among the unlettered a Messenger from themselves reciting to them His verses and purifying them and teaching them the Book and wisdom - although they were before in clear error.” (Al-Jumu'ah: 2)
Allah made the purification of the soul the Prophet’s second mission after delivering revelation, followed by teaching Allah’s commands and prohibitions. This emphasizes the impact of self-purification on the ability to follow the truth.
- It is the basis of success or failure:
It is known that whenever Allah swears by something, it indicates its greatness and significance. Allah swore by the soul and clarified that success depends on purifying and reforming it, while loss is the fate of those who neglect it: “And [by] the soul and He who proportioned it. And inspired it [with discernment of] its wickedness and its righteousness. He has succeeded who purifies it. And he has failed who instills it [with corruption].” (Ash-Shams: 7-10)
- It is a mercy and favor from Allah:
Allah says, “And if not for the favor of Allah upon you and His mercy, not one of you would have been pure, ever.” (An-Nur: 21)
A person should not be deceived by their own righteousness, for if not for Allah’s favor and mercy, no soul would ever be purified or reformed.
- It is the key to uprightness:
A person’s outward actions are a reflection of the state of their heart. An-Nu'man b. Bashir reported God's Messenger as saying, “In the body there is a piece of flesh, and the whole body is sound if it is sound, but the whole body is corrupt if it is corrupt.” (Narrated by Muslim) When the heart is pure, intentions are sincere, and limbs eagerly perform acts of obedience. However, when the heart is corrupt, desires take over, and the limbs stray from the truth.
- It is the means of salvation in the Hereafter:
The Qur’an portrays Prophet Ibrahim’s (peace be upon him) understanding of salvation on the Day of Judgment. Allah says, “And do not disgrace me on the Day they are [all] resurrected. The Day when there will not benefit [anyone] wealth or children, but only one who comes to Allah with a sound heart.” (Ash-Shu’ara: 87-89)
On that Day, nothing will benefit except a heart that is pure from disbelief, hypocrisy, and all detestable diseases. This can only be achieved through self-purification and maintaining consciousness of Allah.
Means of Self-Purification
Among the most important means of self-purification for the season of worship in Ramadan are:
- Sincere Repentance:
This is the first step in cleansing the heart. Allah says, “And turn to Allah in repentance, all of you, O believers, that you might succeed.” (An-Nur: 31) For repentance to be sincere, it must be accompanied by abandoning the sin, feeling regret for it, and resolving never to return to it. Whoever wishes to make the most of Ramadan should begin by repenting from their sins.
- Increasing in the Remembrance of Allah:
The remembrance of Allah revives the heart. Abu Musa reported God’s messenger as saying, “He who remembers his Lord and he who does not are like the living and the dead.” (Narrated by Al-Bukhari)
Remembrance of Allah brings peace and tranquility to the soul, fills the scales with good deeds, and serves as a means of relief from distress and calamities. Therefore, one should frequently say SubhanAllah (Glory be to Allah), Alhamdulillah (All praise is due to Allah), La ilaha illa Allah (There is no deity worthy of worship except Allah), Allahu Akbar (Allah is the Greatest), Astaghfirullah (I seek forgiveness from Allah), La hawla wa la quwwata illa billah (There is no power nor might except with Allah), and send blessings upon the Prophet (peace be upon him), with full presence of heart.
- Reciting and Reflecting on the Qur’an:
The Qur’an is the source from which hearts quench their spiritual thirst. It provides guidance for all aspects of life and leads to every form of goodness. Allah says, “Indeed, this Qur’an guides to that which is most suitable.” (Al-Isra: 9) One should prepare for Ramadan by frequently reciting the Qur’an and planning to complete its recitation. Contemplating its meanings and applying its teachings in daily life is also essential.
- Sincerity in Worship:
Sincerity and adherence to divine guidance are the two conditions for accepted deeds. Allah says, “So whoever would hope for the meeting with his Lord—let him do righteous work and not associate in the worship of his Lord anyone.” (Al-Kahf: 110) 'Umar bin Al-Khattab narrated Allah's Messenger (ﷺ) said, “The reward of deeds depends upon the intention and every person will get the reward according to what he has intended.” (Narrated by Al-Bukhari) Renewing one’s intentions in all acts of worship is one of the best ways to spend Ramadan with sincerity, free from ostentation and pretension.
- Adopting Good Character:
Ramadan is a school for the morals of the Qur’an. It is the best time to practice mindfulness of Allah, cultivate patience, show forbearance, exercise generosity, and embody virtues such as kindness, humility, and forgiveness.
- Self-Accountability:
Allah commands believers to constantly evaluate their actions: “O you who have believed, fear Allah. And let every soul look to what it has put forth for tomorrow—and fear Allah. Indeed, Allah is Acquainted with what you do.” (Al-Hashr: 18) Self-accountability strengthens one’s willpower and helps in correcting mistakes. It is particularly beneficial before Ramadan, as it allows a person to assess their relationship with Allah and identify areas of deficiency that need improvement.
- Fasting and Performing Extra Acts of Worship:
The Prophet (peace be upon him) would fast frequently in Sha’ban to prepare the body and soul for Ramadan. Similarly, performing voluntary prayers, such as the night prayer (Qiyam al-Layl), helps in spiritual readiness for the blessed month.
In conclusion, Ramadan is not merely about worldly things but, more importantly, about spiritual and emotional readiness. Whoever strives to purify their soul in Ramadan will witness its fruits during and after the month and, by Allah’s will, be among the successful ones.
-------------------------------------------------------------
