Ramadan is a month when Muslims should exhibit the best qualities in the face of spiritual tests and challenges that lay in our paths. Since it is a month when the purpose is to obtain taqwa (piety), we should take care to follow the correct principles of faith and guidance when responding to challenges and not react to anti-Muslim and anti-Islamic sentiment based upon our fears and our emotions, as has been done in the past. If we truly want our condition to change than it is inevitable that we first must change; “verily Allah will not change the condition of a people until they change that which is in themselves”[1].
The blessed month of Ramaḍān is right around the corner. Below, are some practical tips designed to help you make the most of this blessed month.
1. Invite a non-Muslim friend around for ifṭār.
Attempt to break down barriers, and clear misconceptions – use it as a form of da‘wah.
2. Read a translation of the Qurʾān.
Don’t let the words pour over you; these words are familiar to your heart. Reconnect. [Qurʾān]
3. Volunteer a few days at your local Mosque.
Help with ifṭāror suḥūr, help clean up by vacuuming, or even changing a light bulb. Be of service.
4. Put your phone down.
You don’t always need to be tweeting, or messaging your mates. This time is precious use it wisely.
5. Learn something new.
It can be anything; a āyah, a ḥādīth, a sunnah, anything that’s beneficial to your dīn.
6. Calculate your debt to the Divine.
We’ve all missed a ṣalāh at some time, calculate how many, make a firm intention and start making them up now.
7. Reward your kids for fasting.
Give them sweets, not money – attribute the sweetness of dīn with Ramaḍān, not dunyā.
8. Think twice.
If you can’t or don’t do it during Ramaḍān, maybe you shouldn’t be doing it at all. Let this month be a month of rectifying.
9. Eat like the Prophet (ﷺ).
Eat from what is in front of you, with 3 fingers, in small bites, and whilst seated on the floor. [Manners of Eating]
10. Don’t sleep after Fajr.
Do dhikr until sunrise. Welcome in the new dawn by reciting the names of Allāh. Try to pray Ishraq! [Duha/Ishraq]
In Ramaḍān you reap what you sow, sometimes even more. The question is how much are you prepared to put in?
And Allāh alone knows best.