CHANGE FOR THE BETTER!

 FAJR REMINDER: CHANGE FOR THE BETTER! 

By: Umm Affān

Ramaḍān 16, 1447 (5-March-2026)

Sadly, some individuals among us display a remarkable fear of Allāh during the day in Ramaḍān, yet immediately after breaking their fast, they revert to sinful behaviors that they neglected during the daylight hours.

It is important to recognize that what is Ḥarām (forbidden) during the day in Ramaḍān remains Ḥarām during the night. Fornication, adultery, masturbation, the consumption of intoxicants, backbiting, slandering, and any other sins are prohibited in Ramaḍān, both during the day and the night, just as they are in all other months. Our consciousness of Allāh should guide us throughout our lives, without allowing ourselves a moment to transgress His Boundaries.

What can be said about someone who shares illicit intimacy with another, such as fornication or adultery, preparing meals for him during Ramaḍān? By Allāh! A boyfriend and girlfriend relationship is unlawful and contradicts the principles of modesty and chastity, especially when they are together in seclusion or engage in physical intimacy. In Islām, intimacy is only permitted through marriage.

The excuses like “He’s my future husband”, “They know him in my house”, or “Our parents have already met” are not valid justifications. The only thing that renders the relationship permissible is Nikāḥ (legal marriage). Allāh warns, “And come not near to unlawful sexual intercourse. Verily, it is a Faḥishah [i.e., anything that transgresses its limits (a great sin)], and an evil way (that leads one to Hell unless Allah forgives him).” [Sūrah Al-Isrā (17): 32]

A woman living with a man outside of marriage or coming to cook for him represents one of the gravest sins. If your feelings for her are genuine, it is imperative to approach her parents for marriage without delay.

O slaves of Allāh! As you strive for forgiveness during this blessed month, be cautious not to impede that aspiration through major sins. While discussing a Ḥadīth on the forgiveness of sins in Ramaḍān, Shaykh ʿAbd al-Muḥsin al-ʿAbbād (Ḥafiẓahullāh) noted, “This is as it relates to the minor sins. They are expiated by the performance of good deeds, and from them is the performance of supererogatory prayers during the nights of Ramaḍān. As for the major sins, then their expiation requires Tawbah, having remorse, and having the determination to never return to them.” [Ṣharḥ Sunan Abī Dawūd, vol. 7, pg. 448]

Dear brethren, I encourage you to repent and turn to Allāh. Make a commitment to change for the better, starting now. Remember, Ramaḍān is a time to avoid evils, break negative habits, and cultivate good ones, bringing us closer to Allāh. Seize the opportunity this Ramaḍān to enhance your relationship with Him.

I beseech Allāh to grant us understanding, strengthen our faith, and protect us from sin. Aameen.