Let me explain.
I already have a chapter written titled “Judge Yourself Before You Are Judged.” I wrote it with the intention that it would be my last chapter. When I release it, it will mean I am done writing—done posting.
I’ve been writing for the past three years, and for almost five months, I’ve posted a blog every single week. So when I release that chapter, it will mark the end of this phase of writing.
But that time hasn’t come yet — so don’t go anywhere.
Ramadan is approaching — and it’s approaching fast.
As of writing this, it’s only one week away. May Allah allow us to reach it.
As Ramadan approaches, something happens to all of us.
Suddenly, we’re full of plans. Full of goals and promises.
“This Ramadan will be different.”
“I’m going to pray more.”
“I’m going to quit this habit.”
“I’m going to become better.”
Every year, I make a long list of goals — things I hope to accomplish by the end of the month. And if I’m being honest, most years I fall short.
Sometimes it’s because I set unrealistic goals.
Sometimes it’s laziness.
Sometimes life becomes overwhelming, and my days feel scattered.
But the pattern is almost always the same.
So this Ramadan, I want things to be different — for all of us.
Let’s hold ourselves accountable each day and not let a single day pass without making the most of it. We only have one month — 29 or 30 days, depending on when Eid falls — and that time will move faster than we expect. Ask yourself every day what you can do to improve. Hunger will make us want to sleep during the day, and at night, our friends, phones, TVs, and desires will distract us. Before we realize it, Eid will arrive, Ramadan will be over, and we’ll be left feeling like we wasted it on unnecessary things.
The reality is that we don’t even know if we will make it to this Ramadan. It’s only days away, and many people who are alive right now, just like you and me, may not reach it. May Allah forgive us all. That’s why preparation matters now. Set your intentions now. Decide to do good now — because Allah knows what is in all of our hearts.
Find Your Circle of Khayr
And let’s hold each other accountable as well. Make plans with your close friends to remind one another of Allah and commit not to waste this month on gossip or harmful distractions. Plan Qur’an sessions, learning circles, Taraweeh nights, and any gatherings of khayr that bring you closer to Allah.
A close friend of mine recently reached out and suggested that we spend this Ramadan studying the lives of the Prophets (peace be upon them all) and some of our favorite companions of our beloved Prophet ﷺ. I’m planning to do this with him, in shaa Allah. May Allah reward him for the idea and allow us to follow through with it. If you’re reading this, I love you for the sake of Allah.
And I invite anyone who wants to truly commit this Ramadan — if you want to study, grow, and hold yourselves accountable with us — you’re more than welcome to join.
Every action starts with niyyah (intention).
‘Umar ibn al-Khattab (رضي الله عنه) said he heard the Messenger of Allah ﷺ say:
“Actions are judged according to their intentions, and everyone will be rewarded for what they intended.”
(Al-Bukhari and Muslim)
This hadith stands as one of the most comprehensive statements of our Prophet ﷺ. It is the scale by which we recognize the authenticity and sincerity of our deeds.
One of the great imams of Islam, Imam al-Shafi‘i رحمه الله, believed that this hadith represents one-third of knowledge, because every action begins with intention, the most important phase before it is expressed through words and translated into action.
So even before Ramadan arrives:
If you intend to fast for Allah’s sake,
If you intend to give sadaqah,
If you intend to read Qur’an and make dhikr,
Then it is for Allah. And He will reward you for it.
Even if you pass away before completing what you intended.
Even if you fall short despite trying.
Allah sees your effort.
But if your Ramadan is for worldly reasons —
If you fast only because others are fasting,
If you fast to lose weight,
If you fast from food but not from sin,
If you pray only because you’d be embarrassed not to,
If you read Qur’an or give sadaqah only when people are watching —
Then your Ramadan will only be for that.
Remember: Allah accepts actions done for His sake alone.
My brothers and sisters, intention and sincerity are everything. Whoever performs an act of worship seeking people’s pleasure or recognition, their deed will be void. Allah, the Most Great, the Most High, accepts only what is done sincerely for Him.
At the same time, don’t let Shaytan confuse you.
If you do a good deed sincerely for Allah and people appreciate it, that does not cancel your reward. This is considered a divine good omen.
You may fast sincerely and also improve your health.
You may give charity and also feel fulfillment.
You may serve your community and also grow as a person.
These blessings do not spoil your intention as long as your heart was for Allah from the beginning. Do not let Shaytan take that away from you.
Intention is the foundation of sincerity and the authenticity of good deeds. Upright intention paired with righteous action according to the Sunnah of the Prophet ﷺ is what leads to acceptance and reward.
The value of our actions depends entirely on what is behind them. Allah, the Most High, accepts and rewards only what is meant to please Him.
So please, take advantage of this time. Prepare yourself now. Do what you can now.
If this reminder resonated with you, I recommend revisiting Chapter 15: Why Allah Loves Small, Hidden Acts of Worship.
https://modernmuslimstruggles.com/chapter-15-why-allah-loves-small-hidden-acts-of-worship/
In shaa Allah, I will be releasing more blogs in the coming weeks. But don’t wait. Get ready for Ramadan while the door is still open.
Book Source:
Ibn Raǧab, ʿAbd al-Raḥmān b. Aḥmad, et al. “Hadith One.” The Translation of the Meaning of the Fifty Hadiths of Jame Al-Uloom Wal-Hikam, “A Compilation of Knowledge and Wisdom,” Dar Al-Manarah, El-Mansoura, 1425 AH.
بدوي، عبد العظيم.], et al. The Concise Presentation of the Fiqh of the Sunnah and the Noble Book. الدار العلمية للكتاب الإسلامي, 2007.
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