In Ramadan, many Muslims hold a very dangerous attitude. They believe that because the devils are locked away during this month, as told to us by the Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him), then this indicates that we will commit no sins in the entire holy month. However, what happens when we do sin in Ramadan? Do we begin to disbelieve in this prophetic saying?

Brothers and sisters, it is important for us to understand that sinning in Ramadan is not like sinning in the other months. In other months for example, the devils are loose, they roam around and try to target believers, they come from behind them, in front of them, above them and below them to try and make them deter from worship and from the truth path. However, in Ramadan, God Almighty makes it easier for the believers to strive to excel in their worship and their remembrance of Him. He assists us by locking away the devils so that they do not become a distraction for us when we worship.

So why then do some people still sin in Ramadan?

The answer to this is that as Muslims we are fighting two constant battles. A battle with the devil where we are constantly trying our best to stay away from his tricks, his whispers and his handiwork, and a battle where we are fighting against our own selves. Islam teaches us that the soul is immortal and eternal and sometimes can be inspired to do evil as well.

Thus, we have to acknowledge that sometimes our soul is for us and other times it is against us. We have to constantly be aware of our soul and its inclinations, and persist in ensuring that we are nourishing it with the correct worship and constant remembrance of God Almighty. This battle we face with our souls is a lifelong battle and one in which we fight against our desire to sin, our temptation for the forbidden and the evil thoughts and whispers that enter our mind causing us to behave wrongly. Once we train our souls, then this battle becomes easier and easier.

As a result, if we sin in Ramadan, then it is not the devils to blame, for they are chained away. But rather it is our own selves. We fall into sin because we have made a habit of pleasing our own desires and temptations, and because we are not aware of the battle we are fighting against our own souls, and largely because we are so repetitive in our evil deeds that this soon becomes part of our character.

Nevertheless, we must not despair. For Ramadan was granted to us as a gift, to purify and train our souls! And what a great gift it is. So brothers and sisters, strive to stay away from sin during this month and in doing so, you will be slowly but surely training your soul to stay upon good.

We ask God Almighty to allow us to win this battle against our souls and make us amongst those who constantly purify themselves through His remembrance.

Practical tips:

1. Ponder for a few moments and take note of some of the sins you have committed and those you are inclined towards. This Ramadan try your best to eliminate these from your life completely.
2. Develop a close relationship with the Qur’an. The more your heart is tied to the Qur’an, the less it will be tied to evil deeds and sin.
3. Increase in making Istighfaar – supplications for forgiveness –and sincere Tawbah – repentance – for your past sins. Promise yourself this Ramadan to not allow yourself to fall into committing these sins again.
4. Let Ramadan be a turning point in your life. Such that it affects the rest of your year, your everyday life, and your consistent habits. This Ramadan, change your life for the better.
5. Once Ramadan ends, do not let the devils get the better of you by falling back into sin! Battle them and battle your desires. Surround yourself with good company and various reminders, and hold fast to the Qur’an – let it be your guide all year round.