‘This is a month, the first part of which brings Allah’s Mercy, the middle of which brings Allah’s forgiveness and the last part of which brings emancipation from hellfire’. [Bukhari]
Jumping straight into doing acts of worship can be difficult to keep up if we don’t have a plan. Realising that Ramadan is a marathon rather than a sprint will allow us to prepare accordingly and to effectively get the most out of this blessed month. We’re all too familiar with that struggle of throwing ourselves head first into the swing of Ramadan at the beginning, losing momentum during the middle, and battling to keep up by the end. Here’s a quick guide to maintaining a strong and steady pace to last us through the whole month of Ramadan in year 2020.
The first ten days are the days of Mercy. Here are 10 easy steps in seeking Allah’s mercy on these days. As we are in lockdown and at home hence it should much easier and convenient for us to follow it.
1. Plenty of dhikr (remembrance of Allah) and dua:
Reciting Subhan-Allahi wa bihamdihi (Allah is free from imperfection and His is the praise) one hundred times a day will wipe away sins even if they are equal to the extent of the ocean. This can easily recited during any time of the day or at least ten times before and after our five daily prayers. This year, it is the perfect time for us to learn new askar and keep reciting it throughout the day and reap more and more benefits. And don’t forget in Ramadan each good deed is multiplied by 70 times. Make lockdown to our advantage by reaping more and more benefits in Ramadan.
2. Reciting the holy Qur’an:
Completing the Qur’an might seem overwhelming at the beginning, but breaking it down can really help. Try reading 4-5 pages after every prayer. By the end of Ramadan, you will have completed the whole Qur’an!
3. Renew intentions
Fasting is a mercy in itself. Constantly renewing your intentions will keep up morale and motivation. Don’t forget to remind yourself that you are fasting for the sake of Allah and not simply starving yourself. In sha’ Allah this should keep you steadfast.
4. Practice being merciful:
Allah says that those who are merciful will be shown mercy, so go that extra mile for your family, neighbours and friends this month. Be extra patient with your siblings and carry out simple acts of kindness such as asking about people’s condition during lockdown. If they require anything try to help if you can or ask others who can. At least give proper advice and keep praying for safety and protection of all during these testing times.
5. Giving charity:
A lot of people wait for the reward of the last ten days, but it is better not to delay charity even if that means giving less then you intended at the beginning so you can also catch the reward of the last days. Allah loves those who help the ones in need and in giving charity you help your brother and yourself. There is more reward in giving charity secretly but there is still plenty of reward in giving it openly,
“If you disclose your Sadaqah, it is well; but if you conceal them and give them to the poor, that is better for you.” (Qur’an 2:271)
6. Practicing the Sunnah:
Preplan your sahur meal to encourage yourself to wake up in the early hours of the morning, even if it is just to have an odd number of dates and some milk. The Prophet (SallAllahu Alayhi Wa Sallam) said, ‘there are blessings in this meal’. It is what distinguishes our fasts from those of the People of the Book.
7. Looking after your neighbours:
The last ten days are mostly spent in seclusion as people try to get closer to Allah during these days. This year we have whole month of seclusion. Take advantage of it. Also take out time for your fellow brothers and sisters by calling them and asking about their wellbeing and don’t forget to be there for friends and loved ones when required. Volunteering at providing food to poor or something as simple as helping your mother cook the iftar meal is a great way of showing kindness to others. Remember, Sadaqah starts in the home and with family and friends.
8. Seeking forgiveness:
Ramadan is one of the biggest iman boosters of the year. It’s the perfect time for seeking forgiveness from Allah and also from our brothers and sisters who we may have wronged. This is the ideal time for repairing and strengthening relationships. Allah loves those who love each other for His sake.
9. Voluntary prayers:
Ramadan is an ideal time to start adding the voluntary nafl prayers. It is also great practice for endurance when it comes to the night (Tahajjud) and Taraweeh prayers (at Home).
Make “stay home – stay safe” to our advantage. We may not be going to mosque for prayers or taraweeh but now we have a lot of free time to ponder and find best ways of getting close to Allah. It can be a 30 days of I’tikaaf’. There is goodness for a muslim in everything.