As the days of Ramadan approach, it is critical that we lay a strong foundation for the month ahead. As we immerse ourselves in acts of worship, it is essential to avoid neglecting other forms of Ibadah (worship) as we attempt to balance work, education, and personal commitments. It has been common for certain acts of worship or methods of worship to be overlooked, and it is our duty to revive them – with Ramadan serving as the ideal opportunity.
This post today will discuss one act of worship and one method of worship that can be incorporated this Ramadan.
Tadabbur (Contemplation)
In the hustle and bustle of our lives, it is easy to overlook the profound act of contemplation, a worship that is mentioned in the Quran.
إِنَّ فِي خَلْقِ السَّمَاوَاتِ وَالْأَرْضِ وَاخْتِلَافِ اللَّيْلِ وَالنَّهَارِ لَآيَاتٍ لِأُولِي الْأَلْبَابِ
الَّذِينَ يَذْكُرُونَ اللَّهَ قِيَامًا وَقُعُودًا وَعَلَى جُنُوبِهِمْ وَيَتَفَكَّرُونَ فِي خَلْقِ السَّمَاوَاتِ وَالْأَرْضِ رَبَّنَا مَا خَلَقْتَ هَذَا بَاطِلًا سُبْحَانَكَ فَقِنَا عَذَابَ النَّارِ
Indeed, in the creation of the heavens and the earth and the alternation of the day and night there are signs for people of reason.
They are those who remember Allah while standing, sitting, and lying on their sides, and reflect on the creation of the heavens and the earth and pray, “Our Lord! You have not created all of this without purpose. Glory be to You! Protect us from the torment of the Fire. [1]
The Prophet (ﷺ) said: Indeed Allah loves the pious, self-contented and hidden servant. [2]
Contemplative worship has the power to open our hearts to the Quran and its message of hope, reliance, fear, and love of Allah. It humbles us before the might of Allah, a humility we are in dire need of. Engage in pondering over Jannah and its delights, seek protection from the hellfire, and reflect upon the blessings bestowed upon you, especially given the situation for Muslims over the world.
Abu Sulayman Al Dharani underscores the significance of pondering, stating, ‘I never left my house or set my eyes on anything without seeing the blessings of Allah in it or his power over it’ [3]
Umm Darda was asked about the worship of Abu Darda “Which worship did he do the most?” She said contemplation and deep thought. [4]
A man once asked Abū Al-Dardāʾ – Allāh be pleased with him – for advice. He said: Remember Allāh in good times and He will mention you in hard times. When you remember those who have passed away, consider yourself like one of them. And when you think of involving yourself in some worldly matter, consider first what it will lead to in the end. [5]
At a much-needed time where we begin to slow down and discipline ourselves with the fast, the time is ripe to ponder over Allah and you will find yourself humbled before his power and blessings.
The act of worshipping in secret
It is common for us to fall into a mechanical nature of worship such that our eeman falls low and the sweetness of our actions that they once tasted is no longer there. What is a potential solution? A powerful antidote lies in secret worship.
The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) encouraged the concealment of good deeds, stating, ‘Whoever among you can afford to have good deeds stored in secret, let him do it’ [6]. This emphasizes the significance of fostering a connection with Allah away from the sight and more so, the thought of others.
It is important to make a clear distinction between hidden and secret worship. A hidden worship is one done away from the sight of people but may know about. An example can be a person who is fasting on Monday and people may know this without stating as much. Secret worship, however, is one which no one knows but Allah and the person tries to keep it far from the thoughts of people. It goes beyond mere seclusion, an exclusive effort between the worshipper and the creator. Consider an action known only to Allah, unbeknownst to family, friends or even your spouse. This solitarily act of devotion fosters sincerity, shielding it from the contamination of ostentation.
Some examples to take from our predecessors, exemplified through various forms:
- Prayer – Ayyub Al-Sikhtiyaani used to pray the whole of the night. To hide this from the people, he would yawn in the morning to show the people that he had just woken from sleep. [7]
- Recitation of the Quran – Ibrahim Al-Nakahai would cover up the Quran if he was approached whilst he was reciting from it. [8]
- Charity – Allah says: “If you give charity openly, it is good, but if you keep it secret and give to the needy in private, that is better for you, and it will atone for some of your bad deeds: Allah is well aware of all that you do.” [9]
He also said: “Those who give, out of their own possessions, by night and by day, in private and in public, will have their reward with their Lord: no fear for them, nor will they grieve.” [10]
In this verse, Allah mentions the secret charity before the open one. The charity given at night before the day. Al Wahidi said this verse was revealed about Ali who had 4000 dirhams he gave in charity secretly, openly, by night and by day. [11]
To conclude: Sufyan Ath-Thawri said: ‘I advise you to remain unknown, since this is the age for remaining anonymous’. [12] Incorporating secret worship into our lives allows us to deepen our connection with Allah. It could ignite the fire of iman that is within us. Rejuvenate the sweetness of worship. An action of which there is no barrier between the slave and the master.
- Surah Imran 190:191
- Muslim 2965
- Hilyatul Awliyah 9/254
- Siyaar 2/338
- Siyaar 2/350
- Musnaf Ibn Abi Shaybah 34265
- Hilyatul Awliyah 3/14
- Sifatu Safwah 2/50
- Surah Baqarah 271
- Surah Baqarah 274
- Siyaar 4/453
- Sifatu Safwah 2/87
May Allah reward the material provided by my teachers to support producing this blog post
Ilhaam Institute 
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