As the crescent moon marks the arrival of Ramadan, a sacred shift begins—one that goes beyond hunger and thirst. It is a journey of renewal, a chance to cleanse not just the body but, more importantly, the soul.
This journey is called Tazkiyah—the purification of the heart, mind, and spirit.
What is Tazkiyah?
Tazkiyah (تزكية) is an Arabic term that means purification, growth, and self-improvement. It is the process of refining the soul by removing negative traits like arrogance, jealousy, and heedlessness while nurturing qualities like sincerity, humility, and gratitude. Allah says in the Quran:
"He has succeeded who purifies it, and he has failed who instills it with corruption."
(Surah Ash-Shams 91:9-10)
This verse reminds us that true success is not found in wealth, status, or worldly achievements—it is found in the purification of the soul. And what better time to embark on this journey than Ramadan?
Ramadan: The Month of Purification
Ramadan is more than abstaining from food and drink; it is a divine opportunity to detox the soul. Just as we cleanse our bodies from toxins, this month invites us to cleanse our hearts from spiritual impurities. It is a time to:
Refine Our Intentions: Are we fasting merely out of routine, or do we sincerely seek closeness to Allah? Ramadan challenges us to realign our hearts with sincerity.
Break Bad Habits: Backbiting, wasting time, impatience—these habits weigh down the soul. Ramadan gives us the discipline to break free.
Strengthen Our Connection with the Quran: The Quran was revealed in this month, serving as a guide to purify our thoughts, actions, and beliefs.
Seek Forgiveness: Our sins burden us, but Ramadan is a mercy. Every sincere repentance is a step toward spiritual renewal.
The Struggles of Tazkiyah: A Battle Within
Purification is not easy. The ego resists change. The whispers of self-doubt creep in. We may struggle with controlling our anger, fighting our desires, or staying consistent in prayer. But the beauty of Tazkiyah lies in the struggle itself—it is in falling and rising again.
Even the most righteous were not born pure; they purified themselves through effort and perseverance. The Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) reminded us:
"When a servant commits a sin, a black dot appears on his heart. If he repents, seeks forgiveness, and turns back to Allah, his heart is polished clean."
(Sunan Ibn Majah 4244)
Ramadan is our chance to polish our hearts, to remove the stains of heedlessness, and to let the light of faith shine through.
Practical Steps to Attain Tazkiyah in Ramadan
Here are some ways to actively engage in spiritual purification this month:
Practice Self-Reflection: Take a moment each night to assess your heart. What sins are weighing you down? What habits need changing?
Increase Dhikr (Remembrance of Allah): A heart that remembers Allah is a heart at peace. Simple phrases like SubhanAllah, Alhamdulillah, Allahu Akbar soften the heart.
Give Sincerely for the Sake of Allah: Charity is not just about giving wealth; it’s about purifying our attachment to material things.
Guard Your Tongue: Fasting is not just about food; it’s about restraining speech that harms others.
Make Dua for a Purified Heart: Ask Allah, "Ya Muqallib al-Quloob, thabbit qalbi ‘ala deenik" (O Turner of hearts, keep my heart firm on Your religion).
The Ultimate Reward of Tazkiyah
The soul that undergoes Tazkiyah finds peace. A purified heart carries less resentment, fears less, and loves more. It becomes content with Allah’s decree and finds joy in worship. The reward for this struggle is nothing less than eternal success:
"And the Hereafter is better for those who fear Allah. Will you not then reason?"
(Surah Al-A’raf 7:169)
As Ramadan unfolds, let us not only empty our stomachs but also empty our hearts of everything that distances us from Allah. Let us embrace Tazkiyah as our path to peace, purification, and ultimate closeness to our Creator.
Because in the end, the purest heart is the one that truly succeeds. Happy Friday and Ramadan Mubarak! Until next time, Peace 🕋
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