Fatimoh Akinpelu

Ramadan is almost here again.

A month that visits us only once a year, carrying mercy, forgiveness, and countless opportunities to draw closer to Allah. Yet, was a the first fast is observed and before the nights are filled with prayers, an important question stands before each of us:

What do I truly intend from this Ramadan?

Ramadan is not only about changing when we eat or sleep. It is about changing the state of our hearts. It is a divine invitation to pause, reflect, repent, and realign our lives with our purpose as servants of Allah. Many people look forward to Ramadan for different reasons. Some for health benefits. Some for discipline. Some for social activities. Some even for weight loss.

Recently, I overheard someone say, “Ramadan is coming. Alhamdulillah, I will burn more fat and lose weight.”
While such benefits may come, we must ask ourselves: Is this the true success of Ramadan?

The Prophet (pbuh) taught us that actions are judged by intentions, and every person will receive only what they intend. This means that two people may fast the same number of days, pray the same prayers, and recite the same Qur’an yet their rewards with Allah may be worlds apart.

If our intention is Allah, we gain Allah.
If our intention is the world, then the world is all we gain.

So as this blessed month approaches, let us set intentions that rise above the temporary:
To fast seeking Allah’s pleasure.
To pray to draw nearer to Him.
To recite the Qur’an for guidance, not recognition.
To give charity quietly, hoping for His acceptance.
To leave sins, not only for Ramadan, but for life.

Let us not allow this Ramadan to pass as just another memory of hunger and tiredness. Let it be remembered as the month our hearts changed, our relationship with Allah deepened, and our direction in life became clearer.

May Allah grant us sincere intentions, accepted deeds, forgiven sins, answered Du’a, and admission into Jannah.