Self-Reflection in Ramadan: Mufti Taqi Usmani’s Guidance on Attaining Taqwa (Malfoozat of Shaykh al-Islam Hazrat Maulana Mufti Muhammad Taqi Usmani)
It was advised that we should consider this month a blessing from Allah and take advantage of every moment. The greatest benefit is to seek forgiveness from Allah for our sins and assess whether or not we have developed Taqwa (God-consciousness) and a sense of accountability to Allah during this month. If we already had this feeling before, we should evaluate if it has increased. Allah has granted us this sacred month to cultivate Taqwa within ourselves.
If, after self-assessment, you feel that Taqwa and the sense of accountability to Allah have grown, and the fear of Allah has settled in your heart, then this month has been truly blessed for you. But, God forbid, if Ramadan has come into your life and yet you have not abandoned sinful behavior, nor developed a sense of accountability before Allah, it means that no change has occurred in your life. Just as you were immersed in the filth of sin before Ramadan, you remain the same now. May Allah protect us from this!
In summary, during this blessed month, through prayer and night worship, turn toward Allah, engage in repentance and seeking forgiveness, and evaluate yourself to make efforts for self-improvement.
(Khutbat-e-Ramadan, Page 102)
This Malfooz is selected by Dr. Faisal Sahib.