The Holy month has finally arrived! And just like all the previous years, everyone is currently doing all that they can to welcome Ramadan in the best way possible.
As Ramadan is the month when the Quran was first revealed to Prophet Muhammad SAW, Allah has given us the opportunity to gain an endless number of rewards this month. And so, let's reap the benefits of this beautiful month learn how to get the most out of Ramadan!
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Mankind has been gifted with the greatest role model who has ever walked on this Earth. Humble by nature, beautiful in his manners, the Prophet Muhammad SAW left something so valuable to mankind before leaving this world: his Sunnah. During Ramadan, try to include as many small Sunnah acts as possible in your daily life as your ibadah (worship) will be multiplied by 70 during Ramadan! You could start your day by doing Tahajjud at night, doing 2 Rakaah’s of sunnah prayers for Fajr, or eating dates in the morning. Don’t forget to smile, that too is Sunnah! (:
This is the month of deep reflection and understanding of Allah's beautiful words. Reading the Qur’an is one thing, but one should actually take time to reflect and internalize Allah's words that were delivered to Prophet Muhammad SAW during the night of Laylatul Qadr. Once you’ve started reading the Qur’an, take some time to read up on the stories of other prophets, along with their trials and what can be learned from them.
Ramadan is the yearly sin-eraser. It allows us to be in a purified slate and it also loads us with multiple rewards for our good deeds. But if you want it to be right from the start, you need to work on it. Seek forgiveness often and ask Allah to forgive you for whatever you have done wrong knowingly or unknowingly. Remember, Allah loves those who ask for forgiveness and make sincere intentions of bettering themselves. As such, be sure to make full use of Ramadan by becoming closer to Him through Tawbah (repenting to Allah for your sins).
Also, learn to be conscious of Allah’s presence. Realize that the ground on which you’re walking is still thanks to Allah. The mountains are still because Allah wants it to be this way; the air you’re breathing isn’t toxic thanks to Him. Learn to be conscious of His presence and to appreciate whatever He has given to you. Nothing happens without His will and He has control over everything.
Ramadan is the month of sharing, bringing people closer together, being selfless, and learning to live in peace with one another. So why not share the Ramadan vibe with the people around you by giving food to your neighbors, friends, or anyone for that matter. This could be a great way to show them what Ramadan is all about.
Ramadan isn’t easy, rather it is challenging. It challenges your limits, pushes you to look deep down into your soul, and forces you to reflect on your purpose on this Earth. This Ramadan, go beyond your limits by helping out those who are less fortunate than you. You may do so by volunteering at local mosques and cook or give out food to people in need. Do your part in making this world a better place and strengthen the ties with everyone around you. This world is already so full of hate so let's combat it by contributing acts of kindness as and when we have the opportunity to. Be the one who will make a change and show that you care enough to help others who are not as lucky as you. It doesn’t have to be something big. Just start with small steps and others will follow.
Ramadan has so much to offer us and here we are, finally on the first day of this blessed month! Let us thank Allah for giving us the chance to experience Ramadan this year. Ramadan Mubarak!
