"…Allah wants you to complete the prescribed period (of Fasting) and to glorify Him…" [Qur'an, 2: 185]

 During the month of Ramadan, Muslims are generally inclined to engage in Islamically uplifting activities, in addition to obligatory fasting, such as the Qur'anic recitation, Salat-ul Taraweeh, and generous charitable deeds.  The purpose of these and similar efforts is to reinvigorate and attain moral excellence. Rather than an end, the conclusion of this spiritually charged month, however, marks the beginning of a more challenging phase of a Muslim's life.  Allah (swt) commands that following the period of fasting, we must continue to engage in glorifying Him.  This sets the stage for a comprehensive program of a Muslim’s life in the post-Ramadan period.  This program needs to be expounded and vigorously pursued.     

Allah (swt) has three distinct creations.  The angels were the first to be created and do not have any physical dimension, nor do they have any discretion.  "…(Angels) never disobey Allah's command and do as they are commanded…" [Qur'an, 66: 6]  The animals, on the other hand, do not have any spiritual aspect to their lives.  They simply follow basic instincts purely for physical existence.  Contrary to these two forms of creation, Allah (swt) has combined both components, physical and spiritual, in the extraordinary conscience-based creation of man.   Additionally, what makes man the highest creation of Allah (swt) is his freedom of choice and action.  Whether he is the best creation,  that remains to be seen.  Certainly he has the potential to be superior to the angels and become Allah's Deputy on earth; but at the same time, based on his deviant behavior, he is also capable of degrading himself below the level of the animals.  "The worst of beasts in the sight of Allah are those deaf, dumb people who do not use common sense." [Qur'an, 8: 22] 

 Because of his nature and composition, man needs a blend of material and moral support systems for his meaningful survival on earth.  Thus, long before his existence, Allah (swt) created this universe for the continued sustenance of man:  "…(Allah) created the heavens and the earth in six days, then He established Himself on the Throne (of authority), regulating and governing all things…"  [Qur'an, 10: 3]  Every single thing that we see around us in this universe is to facilitate our bodily existence and comfort.  Allah (swt) reminds us that He has exclusively designed and arranged this universe to suit our needs and progression: "It is He Who has created for you all things that are on earth …" [Qur'an, 2: 29]

 Whereas Allah (swt) has provided for all our physical needs, it is not conceivable, by any stretch of the imagination, that He would have ignored our more important spiritual well being in this life.  Accordingly, prior to the creation of this universe, He had contemplated a scheme in His Wisdom, encompassing the creation of man, his position in the universe and his mission, and the coming of Allah's Messengers and His Books for moral guidance.  This chain of Messengers was to be concluded with the advent of the Prophet Muhammad (saw) and the Qur'an, as the complete and ultimate revealed message for the direction of mankind.  Unless provided by the Creator Himself, man is not capable of accomplishing his mission without a clear guidance, nor can he acquire that knowledge in any other way.

 Subsequently, when Allah (swt) directed our parents, Adam and Eve, to spend time on earth, He assured them that He would provide for their guidance: "…go down all of you from here. Henceforth there shall come to you guidance from Me now and again: whoever will follow it shall have neither fear nor sorrow…" [Qur'an, 2: 38]  He further reassured their children as well that they would not be left alone without guidance: "O children of Adam!  If messengers from among yourselves should come to you and recite to you My revelations, whoever will refrain from disobedience and mend his ways, he will have no cause of fear nor of sorrow" [Qur’an, 7: 35]

 As promised, Allah (swt) sent His Messengers periodically along with clear instructions to help people stay course for their own good and success.  He informed the Prophet Muhammad (saw) in the Qur'an of this favor to people who came previous to him: "We have sent messengers before you among many of the ancient peoples."  [Qur’an, 15: 10]  Those Messengers were appointed exclusively for providing the admonition within which to conduct life purposefully: "We sent the former messengers with clear Signs and Books (of Admonition)…" [Qur’an, 16: 44]  The series of the Messengers concluded with the Prophet (saw), who was appointed to warn people of the day of gathering for accounting by Allah (swt).  The Qur'an has been designated as the sole criterion for the grouping of people.  On the basis of their adherence to its teachings, or a lack of it, they will be rewarded or punished.  It is categorically stated that: "Yes: thus have We revealed to you (O Prophet) this Arabic Qur'an, so that you may warn those who dwell in the center of habitations (Mecca) and around it, and warn them of the Day of Gathering, which is sure to come: one group shall go to Paradise and the other to Hell." [Qur’an,  42:  7]

 The purpose of this final Word of Allah (swt) is very clear and precise: "Ramadan is the month in which was sent down the Qur'an: this Book is a perfect guide to mankind, and consists of clear instructions for guidance and judgment between the Truth and falsehood…" [Qur’an,  2:  185]  The lunar month of Ramadan chosen by Allah (swt) for sending the Qur'an is for its historical significance.  According to a Hadith of the Prophet (saw), all previous books were revealed in this month to various Prophets for reforming their respective societies.  The Qur'an is, however, for all mankind seeking moral guidance until the end of life on earth, for its preservation and integrity has been guaranteed. Allah (swt) ascertains:  "We have, without doubt, sent down the Message (Qur'an); and We will assuredly guard it (from corruption)."  [Qur’an, 15:  9]

 Undoubtedly, the Qur'an is the most magnanimous and weightiest favor of Allah (swt) to humanrace: “Had We sent down this Qur’an on a mountain, verily you would have seen it humble itself and cleave asunder for fear of Allah.”  [Qur’an, 59: 21]    It is the most valuable asset available to man in this universe.  Without this source of moral guidance, he would not be able to chart out his course to reach the highest status designated for him in Allah's Kingdom and would then be diminished to a mere physical entity, like other animals breathing on earth.

 It is, therefore, a basic duty of the followers of Islam to read and comprehend the message of this unique Book, with the sole purpose of implementing its ordains in real life for behavioral elevation.  Being a responsible citizen, a Muslim is also expected, as emphasized by the Prophet (saw), to remain engaged in and constructively contribute to the well being of his surroundings through exemplary conduct and participation in the societal affairs. 

 This is, by no means, an easy task.  Such a mission embarks on, among other attributes, a clear vision, commitment, discipline, utmost tolerance, and a spirit of sacrifice for the sake of Allah (swt).  The practical aspect of fasting is just that, which is termed as "taqwa" in the Qur'an, being the objective behind this intense exercise:  "…Fasting is prescribed to you, …that you may attain taqwa (self-restraint)"  [Qur’an, 2: 183]  Thus, fasting facilitates the embodiment of the Qur'anic principles in a Muslim's character, which he is subsequently expected to project outwards in his routine encounters with fellow humans.

The culmination of fasting must then be seen as the beginning of the real chore.  It is analogous to a college graduate, who has just received his diploma.  Of course, he has a sense of relief and accomplishment derived from successfully completing the program.  Almost instantaneously,  however, he begins to realize that his more serious challenge, which is to get on with the real world, yet lies ahead.  This will be the utmost test of his knowledge and his capability of applying it.  In fact, his entire career and future prospects depend on his performance in his particular field of expertise.

 The life span of man on earth is a test period:  "Verily We created man from a drop of mingled sperm, in order to test him: so we gave him the (gifts of) hearing and sight.  We showed him the way: whether he be grateful or ungrateful (rests on his will)." [Qur’an,  76:  2-3]  Specifically, the test of man is how he consciously exercises his freedom of choice and action during this life span.  If he seeks the path of righteousness and obedience to Allah, he will be in fact grateful to his Creator for the guidance He has shown to him and will be worthy of being His Deputy.  On the contrary, if he lives arrogantly a life of defiance to his Creator, he will downgrade himself below the level of animals and will be  condemned to Hellfire for abusing the trust of freedom.

 In summary, Allah (swt) commands the believers  not to waste any  time, which is fast ticking away.  Immediately after completing the period of fasting, they must continue glorifying Him by establishing His Sovereignty in all functions of life and, collectively, in the society.  This was, in brief, the mission of the Prophet (saw), as defined by Allah (swt) Himself in the very second piece of the Qur'an revealed onto him: "O you who lies enwrapped (Muhammad), get up and warn; and proclaim the greatness (Sovereignty) of your Lord." [Qur’an, 74: 1-3]  The assignment of a Muslim is to carry on with this mission in the post-Ramadan era for passing the test.