Signs of an Accepted Ramadan: Continuing the Journey of Faith
As the blessed month of Ramadan concludes, many Muslims find themselves reflecting on their spiritual journey during this sacred time. While we dedicated ourselves to fasting, prayer, recitation of the Quran, and giving in charity, a question remains in our hearts: Has Allah Subhanahu wa Ta’ala accepted our worship? This comprehensive guide explores the signs of an accepted Ramadan and how we can maintain our spiritual momentum in the months ahead.
Understanding Divine Acceptance
The ultimate knowledge of whether our deeds are accepted rests solely with Allah. However, the scholars of Islam have identified several indicators that suggest our worship may have been accepted. The essence of these signs revolves around positive transformation and continued obedience after Ramadan ends.
The Chain of Good Deeds
Among the clearest signs of acceptance is that Allah causes one good deed to be followed by another. As noted by scholars, “Among the signs of acceptance (of good deeds) is that Allah causes one hasanah (good deed) to be followed by another, for the hasanah says, ‘My sister, my sister!'”[3]
This beautiful concept illustrates how accepted deeds create a momentum of righteousness in our lives. When our Ramadan worship is accepted, we find ourselves naturally inclined toward further acts of obedience, establishing a virtuous cycle that strengthens our relationship with our Creator.
Steadfastness After Ramadan
Perhaps the most telling sign of an accepted Ramadan is steadfastness (istiqamah) in worship after the blessed month concludes. Shaikh Saleh al-Fawzaan emphasized: “Indeed, steadfastness after Ramadan and the rectification of one’s statements and actions are the greatest signs that one has gained benefit from the month of Ramadan and striven in obedience. They are tokens of reception and signs of success.”
The ability to maintain good habits formed during Ramadan—such as regular Quran recitation, voluntary fasting, night prayers, or increased charity—strongly indicates that our Ramadan worship was meaningful and accepted by Allah.
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The Fruit of Accepted Worship: Taqwa
The Purpose of Fasting
Allah clearly states the ultimate objective of fasting in the Quran: “O you who believe, fasting is prescribed for you, as it was prescribed for those before you, so that you may become al-Muttaqoon (the pious God-conscious)” (al-Baqarah, 2:183).
The development of taqwa (God-consciousness) is the primary purpose of our Ramadan journey. Just as we can determine if medicine is effective when a patient’s health improves, we can recognize an accepted Ramadan through the enhancement of our taqwa[1]. This heightened awareness of Allah manifests in several practical ways.
Positive Transformation in Character
A profound sign of acceptance is witnessing positive changes in our character and conduct. These transformations might include:
- Greater punctuality in the five daily prayers
- Improved patience in challenging situations
- Better control of one’s tongue and anger
- Enhanced treatment of family members and others
- Continued reading and reflection on the Quran
- Abandonment of sinful behaviors
In essence, if Ramadan has left you with a more refined character and stronger commitment to Islamic principles, this suggests your worship has been accepted and has achieved its intended purpose.
The Humility of the Righteous
Concern for Acceptance Over Quantity
A fascinating aspect of the righteous predecessors’ approach to worship was their greater concern for acceptance than for the quantity of deeds performed. Ali (may Allah be pleased with him) advised: “Be more concerned with Allah’s acceptance of a good deed than with the doing of the good deed itself. Have you not heard Allah saying: ‘Allah only accepts from the people of taqwa?’ (Al-Ma’idah: 27)”[3]
This perspective encourages us to focus not merely on completing religious obligations but on performing them with sincerity, excellence, and the right intention.
Humility in Good Deeds
Another sign of an accepted Ramadan is maintaining humility about our worship. Arrogance about our achievements in fasting, prayer, or Quran recitation contradicts the spirit of true servitude to Allah. Instead, combining hope in Allah’s mercy with humble acknowledgment of our shortcomings reflects the balanced approach of the Prophet’s companions[1].
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Practical Steps to Maintain Ramadan’s Blessings
Fasting Six Days of Shawwal
The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) encouraged fasting six days in the month of Shawwal (the month after Ramadan), saying that doing so after completing Ramadan is like fasting the entire year in reward[3]. This practice helps maintain the spiritual momentum gained during Ramadan and serves as a bridge to continue the habit of fasting throughout the year.
Continuing Night Prayers
While the special Taraweeh prayers are specific to Ramadan, maintaining a portion of night prayer (Qiyam) throughout the year is highly recommended. Even if it’s just two units (rak’at) per night, this practice keeps alive the spiritual connection established during the blessed month[3].
Regular Quran Recitation
Many Muslims complete the entire Quran during Ramadan. Continuing daily recitation, even if in smaller portions, maintains our connection with Allah’s words and the guidance they provide for our daily lives.
The Promise for Those Who Remain Steadfast
Allah promises special rewards for those who maintain steadfastness in faith. The Quran beautifully describes this:
“Verily, those who say: ‘Our Lord is Allah (Alone),’ and then they stand firm, on them the angels will descend (at the time of their death) (saying): ‘Fear not, nor grieve! But receive the glad tidings of Paradise which you have been promised! We have been your friends in the life of this world and are (so) in the Hereafter. Therein you shall have (all) that your inner selves desire, and therein you shall have (all) for which you ask'” (Fussilat 41:30-31)
This divine promise reassures us that steadfastness after Ramadan connects us with this honored group who receive special mercy and assistance from Allah.
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Conclusion
The end of Ramadan marks not the conclusion of our spiritual journey but rather a transition to a new phase. The true value of Ramadan lies not in temporarily increasing worship for a month but in using this blessed time as a catalyst for lasting transformation in our relationship with Allah.
As Ibn al-Qayyim beautifully stated: “If the heart illuminates, then the delegations of goodness will flock in his direction from every direction. Similarly, when a heart darkens, then the storms of evil will gust towards him from every direction…”[1]
The signs of an accepted Ramadan—continued good deeds, increased taqwa, positive character transformation, and steadfastness in worship—serve as beacons guiding us toward Allah’s pleasure long after the blessed month concludes.
Remember that “the most beloved of deeds to Allah are those which are continuous, even if they are little” (al-Bukhari 5861, Muslim 782). May Allah accept our efforts during Ramadan, forgive our shortcomings, and grant us the tawfiq (success) to maintain our spiritual momentum throughout the year ahead.
For spiritual healing and Islamic counseling services, reach out to our qualified practitioners at https://iqs.org.in/ruqya.
Citations:
[1] Signs Of An Accepted Ramadan • Ahsan Hanif – Muslim Central https://muslimcentral.com/ahsan-hanif-signs-accepted-ramadan/
[2] The 33-Year Ramadan Cycle: A Journey Through Seasons https://iqs.org.in/blog/2025/03/05/the-33-year-ramadan-cycle-a-journey-through-seasons/
[3] “HOW DO I KNOW IF MY RAMADHAN WAS ACCEPTED”? https://imadawah.wordpress.com/2018/07/16/how-do-i-know-if-my-ramadhan-was-accepted/
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