Perpetual Islaah or Self-Reformation by Virtue of Ramadhaan and Eid

To summarize, in Ramadhaan there isn’t an interruption in nourishment. In one declaration, that is “Ramadhaan is Eid,” the apparent ‘difficulty’ in Ramadhaan which stems from lack of understanding the reality of Ramadhaan, is remedied.

The second possible mistake, which is in relation to Eid, that is the notion of Ramadhaan being over and now one can be audacious in sinning; casting evil gazes at na mahrams [members of the opposite sex with whom pardah or hijaab is incumbent], etc., is rectified in the second declaration which is: “Eid is Ramadhaan.”

The essence of the two declarations is Ta’leem [the teaching] of Rajaa and Khauf or hope [in Allah Ta’ala’s Mercy] and fear [for Allah Ta’ala’s punishment].

At the time of difficulty, which appears out of the external dimension of Ramadhaan, indulgence [in spiritual nourishment during the day and physical and spiritual nourishment during the night] is taught, and at the time of indulgence, which appears out of the external dimension of Eid, discipline [i.e. restraint of the nafs] is taught.

Therefore, difficulty has been remedied by indulgence, and indulgence by difficulty and discipline. The Hadeeth, in this way, is so rich in meaning. And by bearing in mind this haqeeqat or reality of the two, the listeners’ Islaah or self-reformation is continuously made.

(Awdul Eid)