Over the past days, we spoke about discipline, responsibility, leadership, an…

We for You | Daily Reflection | by Abu Hamdan

Over the past days, we spoke about discipline, responsibility, leadership, and preparing for Ramadan.

Tonight, let’s go deeper.

It is narrated that people asked Ibn ‘Abbās رضي الله عنهما how the companions would welcome Ramadan.

He did not begin with extra prayers or fasting plans.

He spoke about purifying the heart.

Removing envy.
Removing resentment.
Removing hidden hatred towards a brother.
Cleaning the chest before the month begins.

It is mentioned from Fudayl ibn ‘Iyāḍ رحمه الله that the early *Salaf and the companions did not reach their high status merely because of abundant prayer, fasting or charity* as those are obligations upon everyone, but because of the state of their hearts and the strength of their yaqeen. Their certainty in Allah, their acceptance of Qadr, and the purity within their hearts is what gave weight to their deeds.

Complete certainty.
Full acceptance of Allah’s decree.
No internal rebellion against Qadr.
No bitterness towards what Allah chose for them.

Their hearts were alive.

And that is why their small actions carried weight.

We spoke earlier about the “butterfly effect” — small things that change direction.

Islam taught that long ago.

An atom’s weight of good.
A single forgiven resentment.
One jealousy uprooted.
One sincere intention corrected.

Ramadan is not just about controlling hunger.
It is about strengthening the heart.

Before increasing deeds, reduce the poison.

Ask yourself tonight:

Is there someone I still carry in my chest?
Is there something in Allah’s decree I have not fully accepted?
Is my heart resisting what my tongue says it believes?

A strong man is not just disciplined in habits.
He is clean in heart.

May Allah grant us hearts filled with yaqeen, free from envy, and ready for Ramadan. Ameen