Do you have a plan to make the best of this Ramadan?
Has previous Ramadan’s been a missed opportunity?
Ramadan, the holiest month in the Islamic calendar, it is a time of spiritual reflection, self-discipline, and increased devotion. For Muslims around the world, it’s a period of fasting, prayer, charitable acts and ultimately, it is to submit to Allah.
However, navigating the demands of Ramadan can sometimes feel overwhelming and can easily leave you feeling swamped.
That’s why we’ve compiled this guide to help you achieve easy wins this Ramadan!
These little changes to your plan will help you benefit immensely this time around insha’Allah.
1. Intention
The cornerstone of any righteous deed is a sincere intention (niyaah). Before embarking on any act of worship or charity, reaffirm your intention to seek Allah’s pleasure and draw closer to Him during Ramadan. Intention transforms ordinary actions into acts of devotion, earning abundant rewards in the process. For example, you could start your work day with the intention of attaining a halal sustenance to provide for your family and fulfil their rights from you which can make the ordinary action into one that will bring you rewards!
إِنَّمَا الأَعْمَالُ بِالنِّيَّةِ، وَإِنَّمَا لاِمْرِئٍ مَا نَوَى
The Prophet ﷺ said “The (reward of) deeds, depend upon the intentions and every person will get the reward according to what he has intended.”
Sahih al-Bukhari
2. Tahajjud and Suhoor – A Win Win
The pre-fast meal (suhoor) is an important sunnah. But, while you are up at that time, it is also during the third part of the night which is when Allah descends to the lowest heaven, offering his mercy and forgiveness. This Ramadan, try to pray two rakaats (units) of prayer during the time you get up for suhoor and increase your rewards with tahajjud.
3. Aim To Pray at the Masjid
Congregation at the mosque is one of the easiest ways to increase your rewards. Connect with Allah and your community by joining congregational prayer at the mosque, whether it’s one of your five daily prayers or for taraweeh, doing so will reward you 27x greater than praying alone!.
صَلاَةُ الْجَمَاعَةِ تَفْضُلُ صَلاَةَ الْفَذِّ بِسَبْعٍ وَعِشْرِينَ دَرَجَةً
“The reward of the congregational prayer is twenty seven times greater (than that of the prayer offered by a person alone).”
Sahih Al Bukhari
4. What’s Your Strategy For Charity
Ramadan, the best time to give charity! Plan the amount that you’re donating and where it will be donated to. Rather than giving large sums in chunks, spread your charity with consistent amounts over the blessed month. This will ensure that you maximise your rewards!
اكْلَفُوا مِنَ الْعَمَلِ مَا تُطِيقُونَ فَإِنَّ خَيْرَ الْعَمَلِ أَدْوَمُهُ وَإِنْ قَلَّ
The Prophet ﷺ said: “Take up good deeds only as much as you are able, for the best deeds are those done regularly even if they are few.”
Ibn Majah
5. Rest Efficiently
Balancing worship, work, and personal responsibilities during Ramadan requires adequate rest and rejuvenation. Plan your sleep schedule efficiently to ensure you wake up refreshed for your Suhoor and Tahajjud prayers, while also managing daytime activities effectively. Follow the sunnah and have a Qailulah or siesta as our beloved prophet ﷺ used to do so you can be well fueled for worship!
كُنَّا نُجَمِّعُ ثُمَّ نَرْجِعُ فَنَقِيلُ
It was narrated that Anas said:
“We used to perform the Friday (prayer), then we would return for a nap (Qailulah).”
Sunan Ibn Majah
6. Focus on the End
Last but definitely not least, while the beginning of Ramadan is filled with enthusiasm and excitement, it’s essential to maintain momentum and focus on finishing strong. Channel your energy and efforts towards the latter part of the month, especially during the last ten nights when Laylat al-Qadr (the Night of Decree) occurs.
مَنْ صَامَ رَمَضَانَ إِيمَانًا وَاحْتِسَابًا غُفِرَ لَهُ مَا تَقَدَّمَ مِنْ ذَنْبِهِ، وَمَنْ قَامَ لَيْلَةَ الْقَدْرِ إِيمَانًا وَاحْتِسَابًا غُفِرَ لَهُ مَا تَقَدَّمَ مِنْ ذَنْبِهِ
Aisha reported: With the start of the last ten days of Ramadan, the Prophet ﷺ used to tighten his waist belt (i.e. work hard) and used to pray all the night, and used to keep his family awake for the prayers.
Sahih al-Bukhari
As Ramadan draws near, let’s embrace it with intensity and purpose. By implementing these easy wins, you can elevate your Ramadan experience to new heights, unlocking the blessings and transformative power of this sacred month. May this Ramadan be a source of blessings and mercy.
With easy wins this Ramadan, let’s make this one exceptional!