No one was watching, yet you feared taking even a drop of water while fasting. But how easily do you take away someone else’s rightful share? You speak lofty words of morality while taking wages without working, demanding bribes, or indulging in nepotism and corruption. Does this not scare you? Do you not feel the weight of your actions? How will you justify them?
You wasted office hours gossiping, neglected your responsibilities, and denied others their due rights—do you not feel any remorse? Does your conscience not call for atonement? Do you not fear the Day of Judgment? Life is not eternal.
You could have secretly drunk water, eaten in seclusion, or indulged in anything you desired. No one could have stopped you. Yet, you endured thirst and hunger until sunset. Why? Was it for recognition? Out of shame? Or was it out of true fear of Allah? If it was truly for Allah, then remember—He has strictly forbidden deception, theft of others’ rights, and engaging in illicit practices. You know this, don’t you?
Yet, despite His prohibitions, you persist. If you violate Allah’s rights, He may forgive you. But if you take away the rights of His creations, He will not forgive unless the wronged person does. Just as fasting is obligatory, so is honesty and abstaining from unlawful earnings.
What is the value of fasting all day if you still engage in bribery and corruption? What is the benefit of praying Taraweeh while neglecting your duties? Fasting is mandatory for those who are able, but so is living a righteous life. A fast without righteous actions is like a dog staying hungry—it has no real reward.
If your iftar is bought with bribery, your clothes purchased with interest, or your wealth accumulated through corruption, repent immediately. Leave behind immoral deeds. A few sincere acts of worship are enough if your faith is pure. What is the point of worshiping God while indulging in worldly sins? Only He knows how much it truly counts.
Our fasting, sacrifices, and prayers will only be meaningful if our livelihood is untainted by unlawful earnings. The same fear that keeps us from drinking water should reflect in our everyday lives. True faith lies not just in abstinence but in ethical living. Speaking the truth, respecting others’ rights, and not harming anyone—these too are acts of worship. Good character and integrity are the greatest adornments of a person.
If unlawful wealth enters the body, it corrupts the heart. Let us live our lives in accordance with faith. There is no substitute for honesty. No greed or temptation should lead us astray. Let us not trample on others’ rights or harm anyone unjustly. The true blessings of Ramadan will only be realized when a fasting person is not the cause of someone’s sorrow or suffering.
One cannot receive divine mercy by slandering others, gossiping, or harboring arrogance. Instead, those who endure hardship, who remain patient despite injustices, will be the ones who ultimately benefit and receive divine blessings.
Let our lives reflect our faith. If we truly fear God, then Ramadan should not only be about fasting but about following His commands in all aspects of life. Honesty, justice, and respect for humanity are the true paths to spiritual success.
In a country like Canada—built on values of fairness, integrity, and respect for all—let Ramadan be more than just an act of worship. Let it be a time for reflection, ethical living, and kindness, embodying the spirit of inclusion and justice that this land upholds. True devotion is found not just in personal piety, but in the way we treat others, ensuring that justice and honesty guide our every action.
