We find ourselves in the blessed month of Ramadan and we thank Allahfor allowing us the favor of witnessing another Ramadan. Ramadan is a month ofincrease; an increase in daily worship, of blessings, and in our consciousnessof Allah. In the Quran, Allah enjoins believers to remind each other ‘forindeed reminders benefit the believers’ (55;51). This articlewill consist of a compilation of reminders so that we may express gratitude forthe favors that our Lord has bestowed upon us.
A marathon, not a sprint
As we approach the last few days ofRamadan, we may find ourselves losing momentum and realize that our level ofproductivity was not what it once was during the first few days. This isn’tsomething to be ashamed of and we can still make the most of every moment ofthis precious month. If we are feeling emotions of despair, we need to keep inmind that Ramadan is a marathon andnot a sprint. Instead of going full force at the beginning of Ramadan whichsubsequently leads to burnout, it is more appropriate that we assess our owncapacity and work with that. It’s better that we manage our expectations andachieve something considerate each day as opposed to doing nothing.
Allah’s Messenger ( ﷺ )said, “Do good deeds properly, sincerely and moderately and know that yourdeeds will not make you enter Paradise, and that the most beloved deed to Allahis the most regular and constant even if it were little.” (sahih Bukhari 6464)
Managing your time
“You should not neglect your time or useit haphazardly; on the contrary, you should bring yourself to account,structure your litanies and other practices during each day and night, andassign to each period a fixed and specific function. This is how to bring outthe spiritual blessing (barakah) in each period. But if you leave yourselfadrift, aimlessly wandering as cattle do, not knowing how to occupy yourself atevery moment, your time will be lost…”
– Imam Al-Ghazali”
Inthe above quote, Imam Al-Ghazali reflects on the importance of time and how touse it optimally. We should take heed of our time, more so in Ramadan, so thatwe may not be like the cattle who are ‘aimlessly wandering.’ Time is our mostvaluable commodity, yet we spend it as if it were an infinite resource.Moreover, time in Ramadan is of an even greater significance. To betterunderstand this, consider the value of your time during a semester of school asyou near the examination period. Usually, during normal term time, many don’thave structured study timetables and wander through lecture halls aimlessly.However, closer to the exams, we wake up and structure our day in the way thatwe can achieve academic success. In the same way we structure our schooling,similarly, we should account for our time in Ramadan and plan ahead. It’simportant that we account for rest, prayers, reciting Quran, and family-time.Ordinary acts performed in the day can easily become acts of worship bypronouncing the name of Allah over it. By remembering Allah we gain Hisblessings and pleasure.
Giving charity
When we give charity, there are manybenefits involved, not only for those on the receiving end but for the onegiving as well. To list a few of benefits, giving charity extinguishes our sins,we may find ourselves increasing in gratitude, and it may also assist us incurbing our desire for this world.
We’re living in unprecedented timesand many people, and sometimes our own family, are in need of some form of aid,even if they don’t give voice to their needs.
Salman ibn ‘Amir reported: The Prophet, peace and blessingsbe upon him, said, “Verily, charity given to the poor has one reward, andcharity given to family has two rewards: one for charity and one for upholdingfamily ties.”
Charity does not always have to bemonetary; smiling or helping others according to your capacity are also formsof charity. Remember to perform every form of charity with excellence.
Eating well
InRamadan, it’s easy to over indulge in food. Whilst there’s nothing wrong witheating good food, we should try to be moderate and eat nutritious foods. Wespend a large portion of the day foregoing food, therefore our bodies requireproper nourishment. In addition, cooking food, as well as eating it, can becomeacts of worship by simply invoking the name of Allah. It’s beneficial to notethat Ramadan is a month of fasting, not feasting.
Increasing time with the Quran
The Quran was revealed in Ramadan and it’s referred to as ‘the month of the Quran’. We should endeavour to recite more of the Quran so that we may strengthen our relationship with our Lord. Reading and reflecting on a verse or two has the potential to change your life. Whilst reciting Quran is a form of worship within itself, we need to take time to reflect as well. One way to gain an understanding of the Quran is through the many online Quran classes being offered by various institutions. Take advantage of the resources that you have at your disposal so that you may come closer to the Book of Allah.
Before Ramadan draws to a close, take some time out to reflect. Reflect on what you have achieved, on your original aspirations, and reflect on what you want to take out from this month so that you may implement it into the rest of your life.
May Allah accept all our efforts.
Halal Watch World would like to wish you and your loved ones a blessed Ramadan and a Joyous Eid, In Shaa Allah .
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