Can you believe it? We're already near Ramadan and it feels like we only just had it yesterday!
I am sure many of us began this month feeling overzealous to wake up for Tahajjud every day, read the entire Quran, and fulfill as many acts of worship as best as we can throughout the month. And I'm positive that all of us have made at least some form of progress, whether it be little or a lot.
Now that we've reached the halfway mark, it is so important that we continue to keep our adrenaline running and stay motivated to make full use of the remaining 15 days of Ramadan.
So how can you sustain your Ramadan vibe? These 13 hacks will show you how!
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It is no secret that many of us struggle to wake up for Sahur as we are not morning people. However, it is always good to remember the benefits of Sahur and how it is one of the best ways to start the day right and be productive.
No, you do not need to be feasting during Sahur because that might only serve to work against you and make you feel lethargic as the day progresses. Instead, a better option would be to begin the day by eating a light and healthy Sahur meal!
You do not need to have a very elaborate meal. Food like cereal, smoothies, milkshakes, or fruits is perfect too. And why not add some dates to it and gain rewards for fulfilling a Sunnah?
Of course, it is not easy to stay hydrated during Ramadan. But getting dehydrated will definitely bring health issues up and you don't want that to happen.
So, the best option remains to intake a lot of fluid during Sahur and Iftar. However, you need to be cautious!
Do not take a large amount of fluid at one go. That is dangerous because it can cause the salt level in your blood to drop. Rather, consume water bit by bit until you feel like you are hydrated enough. You can keep a bottle of water next to your bed just in case your throat feels dry during night-time.
Do you know that it is sunnah to nap during the time between after Subuh prayer and before Zuhr prayer? How wonderful, you can gain rewards while sleeping!
Indeed, naps have been proven to increase your productivity and help you become more focused. And that is exactly what you need during Ramadan.
So after getting back from work or school, have a 15 to 20-minute nap to help you feel energized to fulfill your Taraweeh prayers at night. Be sure not to miss your obligatory prayers too!
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The beauty of Ramadan is found in the motivational talks we attend at Masjids after obligatory prayers or Taraweeh. They never fail to uplift you and remind you about the purpose of fasting, as well as your purpose as a servant of Allah.
If you can't make it to the Masjid, you can always find motivational Islamic talks online on sites such as YouTube!
Check out our Youtube channel if you're looking for some Islamic content!
The month of Ramadan is the month of the Quran. It was in this month that the Book was sent to Prophet Muhammad SAW as a guidance to mankind. So dedicate as much time as possible to recite verses of the Quran and ultimately, strengthen your faith in the process. Make it a point as well to understand the meaning of these verses and reflect on the words of Allah.
Time and time again, you will find verses where Allah says " Don't you reflect?". Thus, this is a clear indication that He doesn't want us to merely recite His words. Instead, He wants us to read it whilst understanding His message.
And remember, this book has been sent to guide us through this life and make us dignified human beings. So whenever you open the Quran now, recite and reflect.
Don't be lazy! Yes, Ramadan makes us all feel tired sometimes. But you must constantly remind yourself about the benefits of Tarawih prayer - one of it being that you can have all your sins be forgiven. Who wouldn't want that?
Remember, Allah SWT has mentioned in the Quran that He promises ease after every hardship. So try your best and perform tarawih as many times as possible to reap the infinite number of rewards during Ramadan, all for Allah SWT.
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Let's be honest, we all tend to be on the power-saving mode in Ramadan so that we don't eventually pass out during the day.
But little do we know, having a light jog or a few press-ups can actually help you feel better and make our day go even better than usual!
So try practicing light sets of exercises as frequently as you can this Ramadan and see the difference in yourself as time progresses!
Now, more than ever that you should stick with people who make you feel whole and fill you with positivity.
Find people who share the same goals as you and make sure you spend time with them reflecting on the goodness of life and the blessings of witnessing Ramadan.
While you can always just purchase a regular calendar or jot down your achievements into your diary, the best way to track your Ramadan progress would be to use a planner.
You can try using the Productive Muslim weekly planner.
Efficient, organized, and practical, The Productive Muslim progress planners will definitely help you to get things done much easier. What's more, it's free!
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Ramadan is all about blessings and reaping the maximum number of rewards you can. Think of it in terms of a game where you get bonuses upon opening a treasure chest. And right now, you're just getting plus points over plus points for every single act of goodness and worship you're accomplishing.
It would be a pity to lose all these rewards because of sins.
Make this Ramadan a turning point in your life by making a promise to Allah that you will bring positive changes into your life and stick to it, especially during this month of repentance.
One of the things that can really keep you going during the month of Ramadan is to read the stories of the Prophet Muhammad SAW. Ramadan is an eventful month and you'd be surprised to know that several important events took place within the month of Ramadan itself, as the revelation of the Quran to Prophet Muhammad SAW.
Reconnecting to the history of our religion is something that will not only motivate you spiritually but also give meaning to all the good deeds which you been told to practice ever since you were young.
Ramadan is the month of sharing and caring. It's time to go out in the community and help those who are in need. It's also the moment where you put yourself aside and step in to help others. It's that time of the year where we truly live by the Ayat in the Quran where Allah says :
"The believers are but brothers, so make reconciliation between your brothers and fear Allah that you may receive mercy."
- Surah 49 verse 10
During the sacred month, make it a must to share the beauty of this month with people of other communities. Explain to them what makes this month special and grant them a small taste of the goodness this month brings about. And the best way to do this is: to share dates.
Not only will you get rewarded for informing people about Islam, but you will also get rewarded for sharing food as well as the intention of doing good.
At the end of the day, who's the real winner? :)
Ramadan is the month of gratitude, where you take a step back from your daily routine and try to see your life from a whole new angle. Take a minute to be grateful for the food Allah has provided you with, reflect upon the fact that you can go to pray without being oppressed.
In short, be grateful for what He has given you. Be grateful for the smallest blessing He has bestowed upon you in your life.
Overall, let's all keep going and put our blood, sweat, and tears to reap all the benefits of this month. The best part of Ramadan is yet to come! (:
