The End of Ramadhan

مجلس في وداع رمضان لإبن رجب الحنبلي من كتاب لطائف المعارف
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The End of Ramadhan

Source : Lata’if al-Ma’arif
Ibn Rajab's book: Lataif al Maa'rif. A portion of this book pertaining to Ramadan was summarized by Sheikh Abdur Rahman bin Muhammed bin Qassim the compiler of Majmu al Fatawa by Ibn Taymiyyah, with several additions by Sheikh Abdur Rahman himself.
Translated by Mustafa George



The Salaf worked diligently in perfecting their actions and making them faultless, then after that, they showed great concern for acceptance of their actions. They did this because they feared that their actions would be rejected. They are those who gave what was incumbent upon them while their hearts were in a state of fear. It is reported that Ali bin Abi Taleb said: Be more concerned that your actions are accepted than your concern of performing the action itself. Did you not hear the statement of Allah:

{Verily Allah only accepts the actions of the Mutaqeen (pious)}

Fudalah said: For me to know that Allah has accepted from me an action the size of a mustard seed, is more beloved to me than this world and everything within it. This is because of the statement of Allah:

{Verily Allah only accepts the actions of the Mutaqeen (pious)}

Malik bin Dinar said: Fear that an action is not accepted is more difficult than performing the action itself.

"Ataa as Sulamee stated: The pious fear that their righteous actions were not done sincerely for Allah.

Abdul Azeez ibn Abee Ruwaad said: I have met people very diligent in performing actions, and upon completion of those actions they are faced with sadness in fear of the action being accepted or not.

Some Salaf used to say: The people of the past would supplicate 6 months to Allah to allow them to reach the month of Ramadan, and then upon completion of the month, they would again supplicate 6 months (begging) for acceptance of their fast. Some of the Salaf would display sadness on the day of Eid. It was said to them: This is a day of happiness and joy! They would respond: You have spoken the truth, but I am a servant, my Lord has ordered me to perform an action but I am not sure if He will accept it from me or not


Hasan (al Basri) stated: Indeed Allah has made Ramadan a means of gain for His creation. (Within this month) they race to gain His pleasure through obedience to Him. Some individuals will gain (win), while others will remain back and lose. It is amazing to see a person playing and laughing on a day that the good doers will be rewarded, and the wrong doers will be defeated.

It is reported that Ali bin Abee Talib would call out on the last day of Ramadan: Where is the winner so that we may congratulate him, and where is the loser so that we may give him condolences. Oh winner, we congratulate you! Oh loser, may Allah give you ease in your time of calamity!

Qatadah said: It used to be said: Whoever does not have his sins forgiven in Ramadan, he will not have his sins forgiven in other than Ramadan (meaning: if one did not take advantage of such great opportunity in Ramadan, more than likely he will not take advantage of any other opportunity). There is also a hadith similar to this, its wording is: "Whoever does not receive forgiveness in Ramadan, then when will he receive forgiveness?"

The author continues to state: When will a person be forgiven if he is not forgiven in this month?! When will a person"s actions be accepted if they are not accepted on Laylatul Qadr?! When will a person correct their affairs if they can"t correct them in Ramadan?! When will a person correct himself from the disease of negligence and ignorance?!

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.

[Lataa-if al-Ma'aarif]