Juz 30- Juz Gems

Conclude in the Best Way

Assalaamu Alaykum! May Allah accept all of your fasting, prayers, and extra acts of charity! Ramadan serves us in so many capacities- it pushes us out of our comfort zones and increases our opportunities for growth. Whether or not you believe that you gave it your all this Ramadan, remember that as long as we are breathing, there is always an opportunity to strengthen our relationship with Allah. Our final juz gem is Surat an-Nasr, or Divine Help:

إِذَا جَاءَ نَصْرُ اللَّـهِ وَالْفَتْحُ ﴿١﴾ وَرَأَيْتَ النَّاسَ يَدْخُلُونَ فِي دِينِ اللَّـهِ أَفْوَاجًا ﴿٢﴾ فَسَبِّحْ بِحَمْدِ رَبِّكَ وَاسْتَغْفِرْهُ ۚ إِنَّهُ كَانَ تَوَّابًا ﴿٣﴾

“When the help of Allah has come and the victory, and you see the people entering into the religion of Allah in multitudes, then exalt [Him] with praise of your Lord and ask forgiveness of Him. Indeed, He is ever Accepting of repentance,” (Surat an-Nasr).

This short surah is revealed after the peaceful conquest of Mecca. After twenty-three years of striving for the cause of La illaha illa Allah, the Prophet Muhammad (sas) enters Mecca, having fulfilled his obligation to his Lord (sas), triumphant and unharmed. Within two years of the conquest, the entire Arabian Peninsula becomes Muslim; something quite difficult to imagine in the very early years of the mission.

One of the most beautiful aspects of this surah is found in the last aya, “Then exalt with praise of your Lord and ask forgiveness of Him. Indeed, He is ever accepting of repentance.” This aya illustrates that Islam is not a checklist of things to accomplish in our life, but a state of mind. The striving does not end with the conquest of Mecca, but with showing gratitude and seeking forgiveness after the help of Allah has come.

As we get ready to celebrate Eid and conclude the end of Ramadan, let’s take the advice found in this surah to thank Allah for gifting us the opportunity to experience another Ramadan and asking for His forgiveness for all of our shortcomings. Only Allah knows if we will get to experience another Ramadan, so let's use these last moments to show our appreciation and seek His acceptance. May Allah make the last of our days the best of them. Ameen and Eid Mubarak!