Life is Short – Learn to Forgive

He was truly remarkable—a person who could encapsulate the vastness of the ocean within a tiny vessel. The way he expressed himself was beautiful and captivating. And it wasn’t just one statement—each of his words was profound. If one could just act upon a few of them, what a blessing that would be! Indeed, my Lord was pleased with him; that is why he spoke such words. This is a privilege, a divine favour, a gift bestowed upon whomever He wills. Yes, this is the essence of connection. Yes, this is true happiness. Yes, this is the bond between the Creator and His creation—the artist and the masterpiece, the Maker and the made. Wherever I look, I see only Him.

One day, he said, “A narrow-minded person becomes distressed merely by witnessing the happiness of others. He simply cannot bear to see people content. He strives to destroy their joy. His only source of satisfaction lies in depriving others of happiness. He believes that paradise is reserved solely for him and warns others of hell.”

A miserly person can neither be happy himself nor bring happiness to others. A generous person, on the other hand, remains evergreen. Generosity is not limited to the wealthy; a poor man can be generous too—if he abandons the desire for others’ possessions. Those who firmly believe that Allah SWT’s mercy surpasses His wrath never dwell in sorrow. They know that the suffering endured in poverty can, by His grace, one day become a beacon of happiness, dispelling the darkness of hearts. They understand that even prophets faced hardships, but their grief was for the salvation of their people. Grief is not always a punishment; it is often a reward. Joseph was cast into a well, falsely accused, and endured imprisonment, yet his closeness to Allah SWT and his beauty remained undiminished. His story is described as ‘the best of all tales.’

In truth, the grief that brings one closer to Allah SWT is far superior to the fleeting joys that lead one astray. If one reaches their destination, the hardships of the journey become part of the success story. But if the journey ends in failure, then the celebrations along the way were nothing but folly. If life ultimately concludes with death, then what is joy, and what is sorrow? Some people mistake anger for grief and spend their entire lives in resentment—sometimes toward others, sometimes toward themselves. They lament the past, worry about the present, and fear the uncertainties of the future. Such people, despite being acquainted with sorrow, truly understand little. They do not realise that those who clutch onto past regrets can never embrace the joys of the future. Their grief, like an unrelenting parasite, drains the life from them. But this is not sorrow—it is anger, it is hatred.

True grief invites tears, and tear-filled eyes are often the ones that see most clearly. Grief is the burden of the weak but the vehicle of the strong. Those who chase happiness never truly find it. It is a divine gift—bestowed upon those who submit to His will and accept their destiny with contentment. Neither gain nor loss, neither grief nor joy, neither desire nor defeat—contentment is the greatest fortune. One must learn to be happy with their fate, content with their efforts, and at peace with their outcomes. One must never compare their destiny to that of others. ‘Every grain of dust, in its own place, is a radiant sun.’

Is this not capturing an ocean within a vessel? What is more left to be said? And yet, as humans, how can we remain silent? Indeed, we must speak. Look at how you endure hunger and thirst during the sacred month of Ramadan. Your nights are spent listening to and reciting the words of your Lord. Why? So that He may be pleased with us. We extend kindness and aid to Allah SWT’s creation according to our means. Everything we give is, after all, His, and we return it to Him. When all belongs to Him, what merit is there in our actions? Yet, how magnificent and exalted is our Lord, that when you serve His creation, He becomes your Guardian. And when He becomes your Guardian, you need no one else—absolutely no one.

From the teachings of the Holy Prophet (PBUH), we learn that a fasting person must exercise greater caution over their words and actions. Slander, gossip, lies, quarrels, and insults must be strictly avoided. The Prophet (PBUH) instructed: ‘If someone argues with you while you are fasting, simply say, ‘I am fasting.’’ In another instance, he warned, ‘Allah SWT has no need for your hunger and thirst if you cannot control your anger.’ The hadith makes it clear that no matter how others behave, a fasting person must practice restraint. In reality, fasting is meant to purify the soul, to rid one of internal ailments such as backbiting, foul speech, and ill temper.

The Prophet (PBUH) further said, ‘There are many who gain nothing from their fasts except hunger and thirst.’ This means that they fail to grasp the true essence of fasting—patience, endurance, tolerance, serenity, and closeness to Allah SWT.

Now, tell me honestly—does any aspect of our behaviour reflect the true essence of Ramadan? How many of us refrain from misconduct, foul language, anger, shouting, and slander out of respect for this sacred month? Just pause for a moment and reflect—what does fasting teach us? Is it not a divine favour that, through Ramadan, we are encouraged towards self-discipline, patience, endurance, forgiveness, kindness, and charity? This holy month is not merely about abstaining from food and drink—it is about refining and elevating our character. If, during fasting, we do not learn restraint and patience, if we do not abandon lies, backbiting, injustice, or depriving others of their rights, then what significance does our hunger and thirst hold before Allah SWT? He has no need for such meaningless deprivation.

Now, take a moment and reflect—if you evaluate just yesterday’s fast, is your conscience truly at peace? Did you fulfil its right? Were you kind to your parents, spouse, children, colleagues, relatives, and neighbours? Did you lose your temper over a minor mistake by a subordinate? Did you scold your wife over the seasoning of your food? Did you berate your husband over a trivial issue? Did you threaten your house help over a small lapse? When giving charity, did you merely dispose of old, worn-out clothes and shoes? Did the heat, hunger, and thirst manifest as road rage and abusive language? Did you repeatedly say, ‘If I weren’t fasting, I would have…’? If the answer to these questions is ‘yes,’ then know that you were not fasting—you were merely starving.

Remember, fasting is not just about hunger and thirst—it is a spiritual discipline that protects the heart, tongue, and limbs from sin. The Prophet (PBUH) said:
مَنْ لَمْ يَدَعْ قَوْلَ الزُّورِ وَالْعَمَلَ بِهِ فَلَيْسَ لِلَّهِ حَاجَةٌ فِي أَنْ يَدَعَ طَعَامَهُ وَشَرَابَهُ (صحیح بخاری:1903)
‘Whoever does not give up false speech and evil deeds, Allah SWT has no need for him to abstain from food and drink.’ (Sahih Bukhari: 1903)

Fasting and the Essence of Taqwa
This hadith clearly states that the purpose of fasting is not merely abstaining from food and drink but attaining moral purity and Taqwa (piety). The Holy Qur’an defines Taqwa in Surah Al-Hujrat (49:13):إِنَّ أَكْرَمَكُمْ عِندَ اللَّهِ أَتْقَاكُمْ
“Indeed, the most honourable of you in the sight of Allah is the most righteous among you.”

Taqwa is essentially the constant awareness of Allah’s displeasure, prioritising His pleasure in all matters, and refraining from all forms of sin, whether minor or major. Fasting teaches a person to exercise self-control over basic human desires such as hunger, thirst, and sexual urges. This self-restraint is the first step towards Taqwa, and fasting strengthens this discipline in multiple aspects of life.

During fasting, one refrains from eating, drinking, and fulfilling worldly desires solely for the sake of Allah. It is not merely a ritual but a comprehensive training system that instills Taqwa within an individual. According to the Qur’an and Hadith, a person who observes fasting with sincerity and devotion truly becomes pious, which is the ultimate purpose of fasting. It trains individuals to control their desires, which is the foundation of Taqwa. Moreover, fasting cultivates patience and gratitude—both essential components of Taqwa. It is not just about enduring hunger and thirst; rather, it serves as a shield against all forms of sin, paving the way for spiritual purification.

Allah does not require worship, praise, or reverence from human beings alone; He has countless angels for that purpose. Yet, it is His immense mercy upon us sinners that He grants us the opportunity to cleanse our hearts—hearts tainted with grudges, hatred, and sin. In reality, we hold no power to aid anyone; it is Allah’s divine favour that He purifies our wealth through acts of charity, Sadaqah, and Zakat. Fasting softens our hearts, making us more compassionate toward those who suffer from poverty and deprivation. It reminds us of the hardships faced by those who, not only on ordinary days but even during festive occasions, struggle to afford two simple meals a day.

Though Ramadan is perceived as a guest, it arrives as a month of mercy, reminding us of the countless blessings that Allah showers upon us throughout the year—blessings we often take for granted. The temporary deprivation during fasting makes us realise their true value because human nature is such that we only appreciate something when it is taken away from us. However, it is often observed that some individuals, particularly the youth, engage in regular prayers and worship throughout Ramadan, only to abandon these practices as soon as the crescent moon of Eid appears, as if Satan had been waiting for their return.

Remember! Ramadan is undoubtedly a month of mercy, blessings, and forgiveness, an opportunity to seek Allah’s pleasure. But more importantly, it is a “month of training.” If the good habits and righteous deeds we adopt in this month do not continue throughout the remaining eleven months of the year, then this is truly regrettable. If Ramadan does not bring a lasting change in our daily lives, it is a moment of reflection. We must assess ourselves: If even this sacred month fails to transform us permanently, then where does the problem lie? Ramadan arrives with its divine blessings as always—the issue lies within us, our understanding, and our character.

A human being possesses both a material and a spiritual dimension. To attain perfection in both aspects, a specific approach is required. The nourishment and strength of the spiritual aspect can be achieved through Taqwa and abstinence. If one wishes to progress spiritually and attain purity and excellence, one must control one’s desires, remove obstacles on the path to spiritual growth, and refrain from indulgence in worldly pleasures and temptations.

Taqwa is essential for every individual who seeks to live wisely and achieve a blessed existence. Religious and divine Taqwa entails adhering to the principles established by Islam and avoiding sin. A person must develop such strength and consciousness within themselves that when faced with sin, they can resist it and maintain their purity. With the power of Taqwa, one can overcome one’s desires and safeguard oneself from disobedience to Allah. The Holy Qur’an emphasises that the acceptance of any act of worship depends on Taqwa:
إِنَّمَايَتَقَبَّلُ اللَّـهُ مِنَ الْمُتَّقِينَ
“Indeed, Allah accepts only from the righteous.” (Surah Al-Ma’idah 5:27)
Fasting and Taqwa are deeply interconnected, as explained extensively in the Qur’an and Hadith. Allah has clearly stated that the primary purpose of fasting is to attain Taqwa. Among the most effective means of achieving Taqwa is fasting, which trains an individual to maintain self-discipline and prevent one’s desires from leading them astray. This, in essence, is Taqwa.
The Qur’an states:
يَاأَيُّهَاالَّذِينَ آمَنُواكُتِبَ عَلَيْكُمُ الصِّيَامُ كَمَاكُتِبَ عَلَى الَّذِينَ مِن قَبْلِكُمْ لَعَلَّكُمْ تَتَّقُونَ
“O you who believe! Fasting is prescribed for you as it was prescribed for those before you, so that you may attain Taqwa.” (Surah Al-Baqarah 2:183)

The phrase “so that you may attain Taqwa” in this verse explicitly highlights that the fundamental objective of fasting is to develop piety. Taqwa entails having the consciousness of Allah, avoiding sin, inclining towards righteousness, and adhering to divine commandments. Through fasting, a person gains control over their desires, greed, and negative habits while engaging in a structured system of spiritual self-discipline. The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) also described fasting as a means to attain Taqwa, stating:
الصِّيَامُ جُنَّةٌ
“Fasting is a shield (against sins).” (Sahih Bukhari: 1894, Sahih Muslim: 1151)
This Hadith indicates that fasting protects individuals from sinful acts, carnal temptations, and Satanic whispers—all of which are signs of Taqwa.

Since the ultimate aim of fasting is to attain Taqwa, an individual gradually learns to resist certain temptations and pleasures, thereby preparing themselves to abstain from prohibitions and adhere to divine commands. When faced with sin, one must exercise Taqwa, and this requires strong determination. Since fasting is aimed at cultivating Taqwa, it naturally becomes a powerful means of safeguarding oneself from sinful actions. The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) said:
الصَّوْمُ جُنَّةٌ مِنَ النَّار
“Fasting is a shield from the fire (of Hell).”

Thus, fasting is not just an act of worship but a transformative experience that nurtures the soul, refines character, and brings an individual closer to Allah. It is a divine blessing that enables believers to cultivate self-discipline, patience, and gratitude—qualities that define true piety.

Fasting: A Practical Training for Piety
Fasting is one of the best means of developing piety (taqwa). It brings a person closer to Allah, purifies the soul, and spreads compassion in society. The connection between fasting and taqwa has been repeatedly emphasised in the Qur’an and Hadith so that believers do not treat fasting as a mere ritual but as a way to instil piety in their lives.
إِنَّ أَكْرَمَكُمْ عِندَ اللَّهِ أَتْقَاكُمْ
The Qur’an defines taqwa in Surah Al-Hujrat (49:13):
“Indeed, the most honourable of you in the sight of Allah is the one who is most pious.”
Taqwa means to fear Allah’s displeasure in all circumstances, to prioritise His pleasure above all else, and to abstain from all sins, whether minor or major. Fasting teaches a person to control their most basic desires, such as hunger, thirst, and sexual urges. This self-restraint is the first step towards taqwa, and fasting strengthens this discipline in every aspect of life.

Fasting is also a ladder to spiritual purification. Allah commands in the Qur’an:
يَا أَيُّهَا الَّذِينَ آمَنُوا اتَّقُوا اللَّهَ حَقَّ تُقَاتِهِ وَلَا تَمُوتُنَّ إِلَّا وَأَنتُم مُّسْلِمُونَ
“O you who have believed, fear Allah as He should be feared and do not die except as Muslims. ” (Surah Aal-e-Imran, 3:102)
Fasting enables a person to feel the suffering of the poor, fostering empathy and a spirit of charity. The Prophet ﷺ said:
مَنْ فَطَّرَ صَائِمًا كَانَ لَهُ مِثْلُ أَجْرِهِ
“Whoever provides iftar to a fasting person will receive a reward equal to that of the fasting person.” (Sunan Tirmidhi: 807)
This highlights the immense virtue of feeding a fasting person, reinforcing the idea that fasting is not just about self-discipline but also about caring for others.

The Deep Connection Between Fasting and Taqwa
The relationship between fasting and taqwa is so profound that even their meanings are interlinked. Taqwa means to shield oneself from harm, while fasting involves abstinence and self-restraint. The difference is that taqwa is about protecting the soul from anything that weakens faith, whereas fasting involves refraining from specific physical acts that invalidate the fast. Since avoiding what breaks the fast leads to piety, fasting serves as a path towards taqwa.
Alongside refraining from eating, drinking, and other prohibited acts, fasting encourages engaging in virtuous deeds such as offering prayers, reciting the Qur’an, sending blessings upon the Prophet ﷺ, seeking forgiveness, making supplications, helping the needy, maintaining family ties, and improving one’s character. These practices strengthen faith and reinforce self-discipline, which are essential elements of taqwa.

The Power of Forgiveness
We are human; we make mistakes. No matter how much we try to avoid hurting others, at times, we falter. But a true human being is one who acknowledges their faults and seeks forgiveness. The person who repents sincerely is the one who attains success.

Ramadan is the perfect occasion to let go of grudges. It is a time to mend broken relationships and embrace those who have drifted away. Life is too short to waste in resentment. I have a rather eccentric but wonderful friend who, despite being uneducated, has profound wisdom. May Allah bless him! He always says, “Life is but two days, and then comes the dark night.”

One day, I asked him, “How should we seek forgiveness from Allah?” He replied, “It’s very simple—just forgive His creation first. Then say to Him, ‘O Allah, I am Your servant, and I have forgiven others for Your sake. You are our Lord—so forgive us all!’”
And indeed, those who do not forgive others cannot expect to be forgiven themselves.
May you all remain happy. May Allah fill your life with peace and ease. May you always smile, never experience sorrow, and may every night be as blessed as Laylatul Bara’ah.
میں شیشہ گر نہیں،آئینہ سازی تو نہیں آتی
جو دل ٹوٹے تو ہمدردی سے اس کو جوڑ دیتا ہوں
“I am not a glassmaker, nor do I know the art of crafting mirrors;
But when I see a broken heart, I try to mend it with kindness.”