How Do You Make Your Sawm Change Your Life?

Ramadan is not merely stopping eating and drinking; it is a genuine opportunity to be honest with ourselves. In our fast-paced lives, we often fall into the mistake of focusing on the outward form of worship rather than its true essence.

Have you ever noticed this strange contradiction: we are extremely disciplined about a crumb of bread, not letting it near us while fasting, yet at the same time we may be lax in our character toward others? This article is not just the usual words; it is a look inward, so that we may rediscover our Sawm anew, away from the flattery that has corrupted our hearts.

• Road dust and major sins: a strange contradiction in our behaviour

• The Iftar table proves you have strong willpower

• Ghibah: the fire that consumes our good deeds

• The question awaiting young people on the Day of Judgment

• The struggle at Fajr: between sleep and Salah

Road Dust and Major Sins: Do You Suffer from a Contradiction in Your Behaviour?

One of the strangest scenes during Ramadan is seeing a young person boldly commit major sins, while at the same time asking with great anxiety: "Some dust from the road got into my mouth — does this invalidate my fast?" or "Blood came out of my nose — does this affect my Sawm?"

This is a strange contradiction: we concern ourselves with extremely minor matters, while committing major sins without a second thought. Imam Al-Ghazali once said something to this effect: if we saw someone wearing silk clothing, we would strongly disapprove, yet we might sit with someone who spends hours speaking about people's honour without disapproving at all, even though Ghibah (backbiting) is worse than adultery.

We are cautious about small matters, yet lax about serious matters that could destroy us. How can we fear a speck of road dust, yet commit major sins without fear?

The Lie of "I Can't Help It": The Iftar Table Proves You Are Strong

Many young people say, "I can't resist my desires," to justify falling into sin. But Sawm proves the exact opposite. Standing before the Iftar table, able to control yourself, is clear proof that you possess a strong will:

• You are able to put down your food the moment you hear the Adhan, even if the bite is nearly in your mouth.

• You endure all day despite thirst and fatigue, without ever thinking of breaking your fast before its time.

• You wait for the Adhan even as you see water right in front of you, and you do not drink it until the appointed time.

All of this proves that the phrase "I can't," which we say so often, is not true — it is merely an excuse we invent for ourselves. You are strong in your Sawm, so why not be equally strong in lowering your gaze or abandoning Ghibah?

Ghibah: The Fire That Consumes Our Good Deeds

Is it reasonable for a person to build something beautiful throughout his day through his Sawm, only to tear it down with a single bad word said about someone else? Ghibah consumes a person's good deeds very quickly, taking away great reward in a single moment.

Recall this incident: Aisha, may Allah be pleased with her, said something about another woman describing her short stature, and the Prophet ﷺ said to her: "You have said a word that, if mixed into the sea, would change its taste and smell" — showing how serious this word was, despite how simple it seemed on the surface.

Today, we often fall into "hidden Ghibah" — speaking about someone in words that sound compassionate but actually carry an implicit put-down, such as saying: "So-and-so is kind, but..." (meaning he is naive), or "May Allah forgive us and him" (meaning he is sinful).

Guarding your tongue is the true fruit of Sawm. What is the benefit of abstaining from lawful food all day, while speaking about people's honour?

A Special Question Awaiting Young People on the Day of Judgment

On the Day of Judgment, a special question awaits every young man and young woman: about his youth, how did he spend it? Think about your current strength and energy — it is like a beautiful flower, but one that will wither one day.

Look at the elderly around you, whose backs have become bent, who now need a cane to help them walk. These people were once young, just like you, possessing the same strength and energy you have now.

The bowing and prostration that you may find burdensome today, while you are strong, will one day be something you long to perform just once, but your body will no longer be able to. Are you prepared for this question? Fasting in your youth carries a tremendous reward, and it is a reason to be among those whom Allah will shade on the Day when there is no shade but His.

The Struggle at Fajr: Between Sleep and Salah

At the call of Fajr, a struggle occurs within every young person: part of him wants to rise for Salah, while another part wants to keep sleeping because the bed is warm and comfortable. Here, Shaytan tries to convince you to delay waking up "just one more minute."

But giving in to this extra minute has poor consequences:

• You wake up late and rushed, throwing on your clothes carelessly.

• You feel troubled and low throughout your day, because you feel you have lost a battle with yourself.

• Your day becomes disorganized in your work, and lacking in blessing in your provision.

The solution begins the night before: do not go to sleep in a state of disobedience, and recite the night Adhkar such as Ayat al-Kursi and Al-Mu'awwidhatayn, as they protect you and prevent Shaytan from keeping you away from Fajr prayer.

Change does not need perfect circumstances to begin; it only needs a decision made in this very moment. Stop waiting for some major event to change you, or a sad piece of news to wake you up. Begin the change now — this is the real opportunity.