Fruitful Living
Life after Ramadan : What is expected of us
All praise is due to Allah, the Lord of the worlds. We praise Him, we seek His help, and we seek His forgiveness. We seek refuge in Allah from the evil within ourselves and from the consequences of our deeds. Whomever Allah guides, none can misguide, and whomever He leaves astray, none can guide.
May the peace and blessings of Allah be upon Prophet Muhammad, his family, his companions, and all those who follow his guidance until the Day of Judgment.
Introduction
Ramadan is a sacred season of intense spiritual purification—a month in which believers strive to reconnect with Allah through fasting, prayer, charity, and self-restraint. However, the true measure of Ramadan is not confined to its thirty days; rather, it is reflected in the transformation that follows it.
The question every sincere believer must ask is: What happens after Ramadan? Does one return to old habits, or does one sustain the spiritual momentum gained? Islam teaches that worship is not seasonal but continuous.
Allah commands: “And worship your Lord until there comes to you certainty (death).” (Qur’an 15:99). Thus, life after Ramadan is a test of consistency, sincerity, and true devotion.
Life after Ramadan: What is expected of us
a. Consistency in worship
The foremost expectation after Ramadan is steadfastness in acts of worship. The spiritual discipline cultivated during Ramadan must continue beyond it. The Messenger of Allah —
Prophet Muhammad — said: “The most beloved deeds to Allah are those that are consistent, even if small.” (Ṣaḥīḥ al-Bukhārī; Ṣaḥīḥ Muslim)
Practical applications include:
• Observing the five daily prayers punctually
• Maintaining regular recitation of the Qur’an
• Performing voluntary night prayers (Qiyām al-Layl), even if minimal
• Engaging consistently in dhikr (remembrance of Allah)
Consistency is the hallmark of sincere faith.
b. Guarding Against Returning to Sins
One of the gravest dangers after Ramadan is reverting to sinful habits that were abandoned during the holy month.
Allah warns: “And do not be like the one who untwisted her thread after it was strong…” (Qur’an 16:92).
Returning to sins may indicate that one’s transformation was temporary rather than genuine.
Preventive measures:
• Avoid environments that encourage sin
• Replace harmful habits with beneficial ones
• Maintain righteous companionship
True devotion is shown by perseverance after spiritual highs.
c. Maintaining the Spirit of Taqwa
The ultimate objective of Ramadan is the attainment of taqwa (God-consciousness).
Allah says: “O you who believe, fasting has been prescribed for you… so that you may attain taqwa.” (Qur’an 2:183)
After Ramadan, believers should evaluate themselves:
• Has my consciousness of Allah increased?
• Am I more mindful of my actions and speech?
• Do I avoid sins with greater awareness?
If these qualities endure, then Ramadan has achieved its purpose.
d. Continuing Voluntary Acts of Worship
Ramadan should serve as a foundation, not a peak.
Among the recommended acts after Ramadan is fasting six days in Shawwal. The Prophet
Mohammed (pbuh) said:
“Whoever fasts Ramadan and follows it with six days of Shawwal, it is as if he fasted the entire year.” (Ṣaḥīḥ Muslim).
Other recommended practices include:
• Regular charity (ṣadaqah)
• Voluntary fasting on Mondays and Thursdays
• Frequent seeking of forgiveness (istighfār)
These acts sustain the spiritual elevation attained during Ramadan.
e. Signs of an Accepted Ramadan
Scholars highlight several indicators that Ramadan has been accepted:
• Continuation of good deeds after Ramadan
• Increased humility and sincerity
• Regret over shortcomings during the month
• A stronger inclination towards obedience
As the righteous predecessors said:
“The reward of a good deed is another good deed after it.”
f. Becoming Better in Character and Society
Ramadan is not solely about ritual worship; it is about moral refinement.
The Prophet Mohammed (pbuh) said:
“The best among you are those with the best character.” (Ṣaḥīḥ al-Bukhārī)
After Ramadan, a believer should demonstrate:
• Greater patience
• Increased generosity
• Forgiveness and compassion
• Honesty and integrity
A transformed character is the true fruit of fasting.
g. Sustaining a Lifelong Ramadan Mindset
A believer lives between hope and fear:
Hope that Allah has accepted his deeds
Fear that his efforts may fall short.
This balance nurtures continuous spiritual growth and humility.
Conclusion
Life after Ramadan is the true test of faith. Ramadan is a training ground, but what follows determines whether its lessons have been internalized. A successful believer is one who continues in obedience, maintains taqwa, and strives for excellence in character long after Ramadan has passed. Let Ramadan not be a temporary phase, but a lifelong transformation.
Author
Imam Alhaji Saeed Abdulai
Kpone Katamanso Metropolitan Chief Imam
Governance Expert, Certified Counselor, and Public Speaker
A renowned Islamic scholar and community leader, Imam Saeed Abdulai is actively engaged in
religious guidance, social advocacy, and public education through sermons, media engagements, and scholarly writings.
References
The Qur’an, Surah Al-Ḥijr (15:99)
Sahih al-Bukhari; Sahih Muslim
The Qur’an, Surah An-Naḥl (16:92)
The Qur’an, Surah Al-Baqarah (2:183)
Sahih Muslim
Reported from the sayings of the Salaf (righteous predecessors)
Sahih al-Bukhari
“…at just the right time, when we were still powerless, Christ died for the ungodly” – Romans 5:6 (NIV)
Introduction
JESUS Christ shed His blood on the Cross as the perfect, all-sufficient sacrifice for our sins. His atoning death and victorious resurrection constitute the only ground for our salvation.
The Holy Spirit glorifies the Lord Jesus Christ and convicts the world of its guilt. He regenerates sinners, and we are baptised in Him into union with Christ and adopted as heirs in the family of God.
The Holy Spirit also indwells, illuminates, guides, equips and empowers believers for Christ-like living and service.
What does Easter mean to Christianity?
Easter is the celebration of the Death and Resurrection of Jesus, our Lord and Saviour. God sent His Son to earth to die as a sacrifice for all our sins. Jesus died on the cross to forgive everybody for all the sins we have committed.
Jesus’ blood covered everybody from the beginning of time to the end of the world.
He died for all of our sins. On the third day, Jesus conquered death and rose from the dead. Jesus is the only God who has ever risen from the dead. He is the Saviour of the world. Without Jesus, we could not have ever been Christians. He died so that everybody who believes in Him could live forever and everybody on the face of the earth can become a Christian.
All you have to do is accept Him as Lord and Saviour, confess your sins, obey Him, and live your life for Him.
“For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God” – Romans 3:23. However, because of Jesus, we have been saved! For the Christian, Easter is the celebration of the Resurrection of Jesus, our Lord and Saviour.
Before Jesus’ death
They slapped Him and pulled His beard;
They spat on Him;
They pushed Him around;
They stripped Him and flogged Him and tore out His skin;
They pushed a crown of thorns on His head – it drew blood;
They put a heavy cross on Him to carry to the place of His execution;
To Calvary He went.
There they pierced Him with nails and hung Him on the cross – naked!
Even at this stage, at the stage of absolute agony and humiliation, they sneered at Him and mocked Him.
He had done no wrong. On the contrary, for my sake, for your sake and for the sake of a sinful world, He accepted the will of His Father and endured this very shameful, painful death.
He said very little during His trial, BUT on the cross He said seven things which we should meditate on.
Seven words on the cross
1. The word of forgiveness
“Father forgive them for they do not know what they are doing” – Luke 23:34. What an extraordinary love and mercy! I am saved – you are saved because Jesus asked for forgiveness for us.
2. The word of salvation
“I tell you the truth; today you will be with me in paradise.” – Luke 23:43. Even in such excruciating agony Jesus reached out to a sinner.
The songwriter Frances Jane Van Alstyne, popularly called Fanny Crosby, the blind prolific hymn writer, says it so well in the hymn we all love to sing – TO GOD BE THE GLORY!
Stanza 2:
O perfect redemption, the purchase of blood!
To every believer the promise of God;
The vilest offender who truly believes,
That moment from Jesus a pardon receives.
3. The word of love
“Dear woman, here is your son,” and to the disciple, “Here is your mother.” – John 19:26–27. Even in the agony of dying, Jesus was concerned about the welfare of His mother and appointed the disciple whom He loved to take care of her.
Then, and even now, children have a responsibility to take care of their dependent parents as stated in 1 Timothy 5:8 – “If anyone does not provide for his immediate family, he has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever.”
When we refuse to take care of members of our families, especially the immediate ones, we are worse than unbelievers.
Jesus is a perfect example of obedience to God’s word. He has given us power to do this as He did.
By Rev. Dr Joyce Aryee
Fruitful Living
HAJJ: The 5th pillar of Islam, a sacred journey to the House of Allah An elevated call to faith, sacrifice, spiritual renewal (Part 1)
ALL praise is due to Allah, the Lord of all creation, the Most Merciful, the Most Compassionate. We glorify Him, seek His guidance, and ask for His forgiveness. We send peace and abundant blessings upon the noble Prophet Muhammad (pbuh), his family, his companions, and all those who follow his guidance until the Day of Judgment.
Introduction: A journey beyond space and time
Hajj is not merely a ritual—it is a divine invitation to spiritual rebirth. It is a journey that transcends physical movement and penetrates the depths of the soul. From every corner of the world, millions respond to the timeless call of Allah, gathering in Makkah in a powerful demonstration of unity, humility, and submission.
Clothed in simple garments, stripped of worldly distinctions, pilgrims stand equal before their Creator—an awe-inspiring reminder of the Day of Resurrection when all humanity will stand before Allah.
Hajj within the framework of the five pillars of Islam
The Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) said:
“Islam is built upon five: the testimony that there is no deity worthy of worship except Allah and that Muhammad is the Messenger of Allah, establishment of prayer, payment of Zakat, fasting in Ramadan, and pilgrimage to the House for whoever is able to find a way.” (Ṣaḥīḥ al-Bukhārī, 8; Ṣaḥīḥ Muslim, 16)
Hajj is therefore not optional—it is a defining pillar of the Islamic faith for those who possess the means.
Qur’anic foundations of Hajj
Allah says:
“And [mention] when We showed Ibrahim the site of the House…” (Qur’an 22:26)
“And proclaim to the people the Hajj…” (Qur’an 22:27)
“And [due] to Allah from the people is a pilgrimage to the House…” (Qur’an 3:97)
These verses establish the divine origin, universal call, and obligatory nature of Hajj.
Who is qualified to perform Hajj?
Hajj is obligatory upon a Muslim who is:
• Of sound faith, maturity, and sanity
• Physically capable
• Financially able
• Able to travel safely
• For women, accompanied by a Mahram (according to the majority opinion)
Financing Hajj: A matter of purity
The Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) said:
“Indeed, Allah is pure and accepts only what is pure.” (Ṣaḥīḥ Muslim, 1015)
Hajj must be financed with halal earnings. Sponsoring others is highly rewarded, while performing Hajj on behalf of the deceased or incapacitated is permissible.
The sacred timing of Hajj
Hajj is observed in the month of Dhul-Hijjah, from the 8th to the 13th, with the Day of Arafah (9th) being the climax of the pilgrimage.
Preparation includes repentance, sincerity, settling debts, seeking forgiveness, acquiring knowledge of rituals, and ensuring physical and financial readiness. Hajj begins with the purification of the heart.
Pillars of Hajj (Arkān al-Hajj)
• Ihram
• Standing at Arafah
• Tawaf al-Ifadah
• Sa’i
These are indispensable acts that validate the Hajj.
The rituals of Hajj (Manāsik): A living legacy
The Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) said:
“Take your (Hajj) rituals from me.” (Ṣaḥīḥ Muslim, 1297)
Hajj rituals—from Ihram, Tawaf, Sa’i, Arafah, Muzdalifah, Mina, stoning of Jamarat, sacrifice, and farewell Tawaf—are deeply symbolic acts rooted in the legacy of Prophet Ibrahim (A.S). They embody submission, sacrifice, patience, and unwavering obedience to Allah.
Prohibitions during Hajj: Preserving sanctity
Allah says:
“There is no sexual relations, no disobedience, and no disputing during Hajj.” (Qur’an 2:197)
Prohibitions include marital relations, use of perfume, cutting hair, arguments, and sinful behavior. These restrictions discipline the soul and elevate spiritual consciousness.
Author’s profile
Imam Alhaji Saeed Abdulai
Kpone Katamanso Metropolitan Chief Imam
Governance Expert and Islamic Scholar
Imam Saeed Abdulai is a distinguished Islamic scholar and community leader known for his impactful teachings on faith, governance, and societal development. He actively contributes to religious education and public discourse in Ghana and beyond.
References
• The Noble Qur’an (2:197, 3:97, 22:26–27)
• Ṣaḥīḥ al-Bukhārī
• Ṣaḥīḥ Muslim
• Sunan al-Tirmidhi
• Ibn Kathir, Tafsir al-Qur’an al-‘Azim
• Imam al-Nawawi, Sharh Sahih Muslim
By Imam Alhaji Saeed Abdulai, Kpone Katamanso Municipal Chief Imam, Certified Counsellor and Governance Expert
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