Did you end last Ramadan feeling like you did not do as much as you could have?
Did you feel like you fell short?
Maybe you didn’t quite hit the goals you had in mind, like finishing the Quran or missing a few Taraweeh prayers.
Perhaps you began with a strong start but struggled to maintain consistency.
Well, this time we have you covered. These tips will assist you on how to make the best of your Ramadan!
1. Begin With Your Intention
Begin your Ramadan with a clear intention to earn the forgiveness and pleasure of Allah.
The wrong intention can be like a leaking bucket. Because remember, we could pray all night, fast and donate all day, but if our intentions are wrong, then it can all have been for nothing. On the other hand, if we take the simplest tasks such as sleeping with the intention of waking up for Fajr or Tahajjud and suhoor we can make the basic act of sleeping a form of worship.
Reflect on your goals for spiritual growth, self-improvement, and acts of worship. Set sincere intentions that will guide your actions and help you stay focused throughout Ramadan. Additionally, make it your intention that every act of worship you undertake—be it praying Taraweeh, donating regularly, or even smiling—is done solely for the sake of Allah.
قَالَ رَسُولُ اللَّهِ صلى الله عليه وسلم “ إِنَّمَا الأَعْمَالُ بِالنِّيَّةِ وَإِنَّمَا لاِمْرِئٍ مَا نَوَى ” .
The Messenger of Allah said: “Actions are only done with intentions, and every man shall have what he intended.”
Sunan an-Nasa’i
2. Establish A Realistic Routine
Let’s bring some organisation to your Routine.
Learn from your previous Ramadan. What goals did you set that so were high that not only did you not achieve it, you also were left demotivated to do more. This time, make a realistic plan that you can achieve and commit to consistently.
قَالَ رَسُولُ اللَّهِ ـ صلى الله عليه وسلم: ” اكْلَفُوا مِنَ الْعَمَلِ مَا تُطِيقُونَ فَإِنَّ خَيْرَ الْعَمَلِ أَدْوَمُهُ وَإِنْ قَلَّ ” .
The Messenger of Allah ﷺ said: “Take on only as much as you can do of good deeds, for the best of deeds is that which is done consistently, even if it is little.”
Sunan Ibn Majah
Maximise your day by integrating acts of worship and good deeds into your daily routine. Prioritise your schedule by noting busy periods and dedicating your free time to meaningful acts of devotion.
Try to plan out your prayer times and carve out as much space you can little or big to read the Qur’an throughout the month for the most rewards (If you are struggling to read the Qur’an, watch this).
عَنِ النَّبِيِّ صلى الله عليه وسلم قَال: “مَثَلُ الَّذِي يَقْرَأُ الْقُرْآنَ وَهْوَ حَافِظٌ لَهُ مَعَ السَّفَرَةِ الْكِرَامِ الْبَرَرَةِ، وَمَثَلُ الَّذِي يَقْرَأُ الْقُرْآنَ وَهْوَ يَتَعَاهَدُهُ وَهْوَ عَلَيْهِ شَدِيدٌ، فَلَهُ أَجْرَانِ.
The Prophet (ﷺ) said: “Such a person as recites the Qur’an and masters it by heart, will be with the noble righteous scribes (in Heaven). And such a person exerts himself to learn the Qur’an by heart, and recites it with great difficulty, will have a double reward.”
Sahih al-Bukhari
3. Reconnecting with the Qur’an
Ramadan is the month of the Qur’an, there is no better time to reconnect with the words of Allah. Use your time wisely and allocate time for yourself to read the Qur’an.
قَالَ رَسُولَ اللَّهِ صلى الله عليه وسلم يَقُولُ “ اقْرَءُوا الْقُرْآنَ فَإِنَّهُ يَأْتِي يَوْمَ الْقِيَامَةِ شَفِيعًا لأَصْحَابِهِ
The Prophet ﷺ said, “Read the Qur’an, for it will come as an intercessor for its reciters on the Day of Resurrection.”
Challenge yourself by setting clear goals that you can achieve. Start with a pace that suits you, whether it’s a few, lines, pages or more, and strive for consistency throughout the month. Use additional resources like translations or explanations to enhance your understanding and appreciation.
4. Fostering Acts of Kindness and Charity:
There is no better time to involve yourself in charitable acts. Reach out to those in need and donate sparingly to those in need whether local or overseas whilst also spreading kindness by simply smiling to the people you see. Never underestimate or undermine the rewards of any kindness or charity no matter how small. Whether it’s donating to charity, volunteering at your local mosque, or visiting the sick. Take advantage of Ramadan by increasing in these acts and increasing our rewards.
Ibn ‘Abbas reported that Allah’s Messenger (ﷺ) was the most generous of people in charity, but he was generous to the utmost in the month of Ramadan. Gabriel (peace be upon him) would meet him every year during the month of Ramadin until it ended, and Allah’s Messenger (ﷺ) recited to him the Qur’an; and when Gabriel met him Allah’s Messenger (ﷺ) was most generous in giving charity like the blowing wind.
Sahih Muslim
5. Gratitude and Self-reflection
This Ramadan, engage in gratitude and self-reflection and appreciate all the blessings in our lives big and small. Take the time to reflect in silence to acknowledge the countless blessings in our lives.
وَإِذْ تَأَذَّنَ رَبُّكُمْ لَئِن شَكَرْتُمْ لَأَزِيدَنَّكُمْ ۖ
And remember when your Lord proclaimed, ‘If you are grateful, I will certainly give you more.
Quran 14:7
As Ramadan draws near, let’s gear up mentally, physically, and spiritually. By setting sincere intentions, crafting a fulfilling routine, reconnecting with the Qur’an, spreading kindness and encouraging self-reflection, you can make the best of Ramadan this year.
May Allah bless us with a rewarding and successful Ramadan.