– Bilal Hasan
Whenever a year comes to an end, a natural feeling arises within a person that a new chapter is about to begin—and perhaps this is the moment to reorganize life afresh. Some people welcome the new year with resolutions, through which they commit themselves to bringing positive change into their lives and striving for new heights. In contrast, others restrict this occasion to mere celebrations, festivities, and outward displays of joy. For such individuals, life becomes a collection of festivals, events, and social rituals, and they bind themselves to these activities in order to prove their place in the mainstream. As a result, they fail to attain any clear direction or intellectual focus in life and simply drift along with the flow of circumstances.
Opposed to this is another group that truly treats the new year as a genuine new beginning. They reflect upon their weaknesses, assess their shortcomings, and make sincere efforts to achieve their goals. According to various studies, approximately 40 percent of people make New Year’s resolutions, and nearly 46 percent of them succeed in following through on those commitments.
These figures indicate a fundamental truth: human beings are naturally in search of a “reset point” in their lives—a moment at which they pause, review their routines, recognize their weaknesses, and step forward again in the right direction. In this sense, reorganizing one’s way of life at certain stages is not a luxury, but a basic human need.
As Muslims, we are grateful to Allah that He has granted us multiple natural opportunities for self-accountability and reform within our lives. These opportunities guide us toward self-correction without requiring us to wait for the end of the year. The real question is not whether these opportunities exist, but how fully we benefit from them.
On an individual level, Allah سبحانه وتعالى commands us to examine our own selves and focus on self-reform. The Qur’an states:
“O you who believe! Fear Allah, and let every soul consider what it has sent forth for tomorrow. And fear Allah. Indeed, Allah is fully aware of what you do.”
This verse shakes a person into realizing that life is not limited to the present moment alone; every action carries a consequence. One day we will stand before Allah, and therefore continuous self-evaluation is, in reality, preparation for true life.
And when a person begins to feel weighed down by the burden of sins and finds it difficult to move forward with a sense of shame, Allah does not abandon the believer in the darkness of despair. Rather, He illuminates the path with hope:
“Say, ‘O My servants who have transgressed against their own souls, do not despair of the mercy of Allah. Indeed, Allah forgives all sins. Surely, He is the Most Forgiving, the Most Merciful.’” (Surah Az-Zumar 39:53)
Islamic concept of reflection and improvement is a constant and continuous process which doesn’t depend on specific dates and times of the year.
When a believer reflects upon such verses, he is struck by how natural and beautiful the Islamic approach is to healing life and beginning anew. Although our lives are filled with busy routines, mental pressure, and unnecessary distractions, when a person sincerely turns to Allah, they are granted the reassurance that they are not alone.
“Unquestionably, in the remembrance of Allah do hearts find rest.” (Surah Ar-Ra‘d 13:28)
On a collective level, Allah has blessed us with the great gift of the month of Ramadan, whose purpose is clearly stated in the Qur’an:
“O you who believe! Fasting has been prescribed for you, as it was prescribed for those before you, so that you may attain taqwa.” (Surah Al-Baqarah 2:183)
Ramadan is, in essence, a complete system of self-purification and renewal of life. Yet it remains up to us whether we limit this month to mere ritual and tradition or allow it to become a true source of transformation in our lives. Taqwa is often confined to acts of worship alone, whereas its true meaning is holistic training—training that refines a person’s character, thinking, use of time, and sense of discipline. The acts of worship in Islam have been prescribed in such an orderly manner precisely so that a person develops awareness of time and learns to fulfill responsibilities with consistency and structure.
Ultimately, we arrive at the conclusion that a Muslim should not wait for a specific date or the end of the year to begin life anew. If we understand and adopt our religious responsibilities in their true spirit, we can lead a life filled with contentment, patience, and inner peace—one that grants tranquility in this world and the hope of true success in the Hereafter.
