Ramadan day 24 - being a “stranger” (Ghuraba).

A lot of times we feel like strangers in Ramadan because we might be the only ones fasting in our jobs, in our schools, or even in our families. Not only that, but we leave off other deeds that we know we shouldn’t be doing, mainly haram entertainment.

“Yo, I can’t wait to watch that movie, but I’ll watch it after Ramadan’s over.”

“I’ll meet you at the hookah joint, but after Ramadan brother.”

Following the truth has always led to some form of isolation, but remember that being amongst the strangers (ghuraba), is part of what the Prophet ﷺ prophesied:

“Indeed, Islam began as something strange, and it will return to being strange just as it began, so glad tidings of paradise be for the strangers.”

It was said to the Prophet (salallāhu ‘alaihi wasallam): “Who are they?” He (salallāhu ‘alaihi wasallam) responded, “They are those who rectify when the people become corrupted.”

This Hadith has been collected by Muslim, at-Tirmidhi, Ahmad, and other than them from the scholars of hadeeth, and it has been declared authentic by Al-Albani.

In a narration, he (salallāhu ‘alaihi wasallam) said: “Those who rectify themselves [and others] when the people have become corrupt.” Reported by Ahmad and At-Tabarāni.

The question we have to ask ourselves is, will we continue to be strangers after Ramadan?