Revisiting Accountability
Jummah Mubarak, sis! Let’s hold ourselves accountable. After Ramadan, it's essential to reflect on its true purpose—not as a ritualistic month but as a transformative spiritual bootcamp for the soul. Now begins the real challenge: were those positive changes just seasonal, or do they signify lasting growth? Ramadan gave us a unique environment—free from Shaytan's whispers and full of faith-fueled momentum—but now, with his return, our spiritual tools are put to the test. Sustaining good habits requires deliberate effort, not grand gestures but small, consistent acts—like a couple of rakats before bed—chipping away at ego and distractions one step at a time. Think of personal growth as carving into an ice block: slow, intentional, sometimes tedious, but deeply rewarding. To stay on course, track your progress weekly and reflect on what stuck and what slipped. Don’t let Shaytan’s return become an excuse; he whispers, but you choose. Consider forming a post-Ramadan accountability group to lovingly support one another. Instead of replicating everything from Ramadan, focus on anchoring one habit—like daily Qur’an or Dhikr—and master it before adding more. Remember, consistency in small deeds is most beloved to Allah. Finally, renew your “why” often. Whether it was inner peace, divine connection, or purpose—keep that intention alive daily as your guiding compass.
Surah Maryam | 19:76
وَيَزِيدُ ٱللَّهُ ٱلَّذِينَ ٱهْتَدَوْا۟ هُدًۭى ۗ وَٱلْبَـٰقِيَـٰتُ ٱلصَّـٰلِحَـٰتُ خَيْرٌ عِندَ رَبِّكَ ثَوَابًۭا وَخَيْرٌۭ مَّرَدًّا
And Allah increases in guidance those who are ˹rightly˺ guided. And the everlasting good deeds are far better with your Lord in reward and in outcome.
This ayah reinforces the value of consistency in good deeds, even small ones. It comes as a divine promise and spiritual reassurance. It begins by affirming that those who are already guided—meaning those on the right path, striving for righteousness—are granted even more guidance. This means Allah swt rewards sincere efforts not just with results, but with enhanced clarity, strength, and deeper spiritual insight. Post-Ramadan, we learn that if you made sincere strides during the month—no matter how small—Allah swt will continue to build on that momentum, as long as you persist.
The second part—"the enduring good deeds are better in reward and better in outcome"—is especially profound. “Enduring good deeds” refers to acts of worship and righteousness that outlast this world, such as Dhikr (remembrance of Allah), regular prayer, helping others, and sincere intentions. These deeds are described as “better” than material success or fleeting achievements because:
They’re eternal: Their reward remains in the Hereafter.
They’re beloved to Allah: Even small, consistent deeds are weighty.
They shape your spiritual legacy.
In essence, this ayah is a divine blueprint for post-Ramadan living. Keep going. Focus on small but lasting actions. Don't chase quantity or spectacle—chase sincerity and persistence. Allah swt sees every effort and will increase your guidance if your heart remains open to Him.
