In this brief reminder, Shaykh Faraz reminds us of the sunna of establishing some worship of Allah on the night before Eid; the true rejoicing on the Day of Eid, and key sunnas of Eid; and a reminder to fast six days during the month of Shawwal. [Duration 5min]

Allah Most High commands us, "Repent to Allah, O believers, in order to be successful." [Qur'an] One repents not only from sin, but also from falling short in one's striving for Allah's pleasure. One's repentance is a returning to Allah, and a means of true rejoicing through one's Lord, as Shaykh Faraz expalins in this reminder.

The basis of spiritual excellence is to be vigilant regarding one's actions and conduct, and to be aware that Allah beholds one. This is the key to piety (taqwa) and the condition for spiritual beholding (mushahada) of Allah.In this reminder, Shaykh Faraz touches upon key aspects to becoming a person of vigilance (muraqaba) and taking oneself to account (muhasaba).

The Prophet (Allah bless him and give him peace) told us that, "Prayer is the best of matters," and that it is the best of spiritual works after belief itself. In this reminder,Shaykh Faraz explains how to become constant in one's prayer, and how to truly "establish" prayer, rather than merely going through the motions of praying.

To succeed in our journey to Allah, we need to establish good habits and to have routines of regular religious works that we pursue with consistency and a commitment to excellence, as this reminder explains.

The key, sign, and test of one's commitment to seek the pleasure of Allah is to take the Prophet (Allah bless him and give him peace) as one's exemplar. This reminder touches on keys to bringing the Prophetic example to life.

In the last 7 days, we look at Seven Elements of Success, which are seven key lessons we should leave Ramadan with: Elements of Success: [1] Make a commitment in life: seeking Allah and His good pleasure We have to have a clear sense of purpose in life. This is purpose is to seek Allah and one's eternal standing with Him, as stated clearly in the Qur'an, "Verily you have in the Messenger of Allah the most beautiful of examples for whoever seeks Allah and the Last Day, and makes much remembrance of Allah." [Qur'an, 33.21]. In this reminder, Shaykh Faraz explains what seeking Allah in one's life entails.

Allah Most High has promised, "If you are thankful, We shall surely grant you increase." This reminder explains the basis, reality, and expression of thankfulness, and how to increase in thankfulness--as a bridge to the love of Allah and true contentment.

Remaining within the limits of Allah with respect to the lawful (halal) and prohibited (haram) is of the most important of matters; a religious duty; and a key to drawing closer to Allah. This brief reminder discusses central aspects of that in one's life, and why this is something to pay attention to in the closing days of Ramadan.

Supplication (du`a') is the very essence of worship, according to the Prophet (Allah bless him and give him peace), and Allah Most High has promised to answer our supplications. This reminder touches on the reality of du`a', its key inward and outward manners, and how one can turn to Allah through supplication, in these days of Ramadan and in the remaining days and nights of our lives.

In this reminder, Shaykh Faraz discusses the Prophetic call to take oneself to account, and gives some of the keys to getting back on track in one's relationship with Allah. The reality of sincere and successful repentance is also discussed.

An important sunna of the Prophet (Allah bless him and give him peace) in the last third of Ramadan is the spiritual retreat (i`tikaf). This is optimally for all of the last ten days, but it can also be for much shorter periods of time.In this reminder,Shaykh Faraz discusses how anyone can perform i`tikaf, and some of its key proper manners.

In this reminder,Shaykh Faraz gives an overview of eight key inward manners of zakat, as explained by Imam Ghazali in his Revival of the Religious Sciences (Ihya' `Ulum al-Din).

Zakat isn't a burden: it is an act of worship that is both a means of seeking Allah's pleasure and a sign of the sincerity of one's avidness for Allah. This reminder discusses how to give zakat with excellence.

Ramadan is a month of charity and giving--and among the best times to give one's zakat. This reminder discusses nine keys to making our giving meaningful and transformative--both for ourselves and those we give to.

In this reminder, Shaykh Faraz explains that our work and jobs aren't just worldly engagement but should, rather, be deeply spiritual. Our work is a key means of seeking Allah's pleasure in life, and of drawing closer to Him. This reminder discusses some keys to making our work spiritual.

The Prophet (Allah bless him and give him peace) was asked what religion or religious practice was best. He explained that it is, "The upright, easy way (al-hanifiyya as-samha)." The reality of the Abrahamic uprightness and this way of ease is explained in this brief reminder.

A beautiful incident from the life of the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him), when a man came to him from in front, right, left, and back, repeating the same question: "What action is best?" The Prophet (Allah bless him and give him peace) responded each time that the best action was, "Good character." In the fourth instance, when the man came from behind, the Beloved Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings be upon him) explained a key to being a person of good character...

The Prophet (Allah bless him and give him peace) described mending harmed relations as being an action that is greater in rank with Allah than prayer and fasting. This reminder explains why, and how to realize that in our lives.