If a person were to resolve each Ramadan to rid themselves of one bad trait and acquire one good quality, where might they be in five or ten years? Thirty days is not a short period for such focus and effort. To witness that one can exercise self-restraint — that one can act not under the pressure of emotions but in accordance with the principles of faith — is a tremendous gain on the path of spiritual refinement. You tell yourself, “I can do this!”
This month is divine gift from Allah on the path toward attaining beautiful character (ḥusn al-khuluq), which will ultimately determine our true worth in the sight of Allah. It is my call to everyone: Choose a sound goal for yourself and, when you leave Ramadan, be at least someone who has reached that goal. Focusing on a single matter is far more realistic than attempting to reform everything at once and accomplishing none of it properly.
May Allah grant us all, through the blessings (barakah) of Ramadan, His help in striving to distance ourselves from the evils rooted within the nafs.
