Ramadan is the ninth month in the Islamic calendar in which Prophet Muhammad SAW first received the Holy Quran verbally from Allah SWT via an angel named Jibril. Each time this cherished month approaches, the gates of Heaven are open whilst the gates of Hellfire are closed, and the devils - also known as Syaitan - are chained up.
That is why this month is the best time to turn over a new leaf and become a better Muslim so you can get closer to Allah SWT. However, your good deeds should not just stop right after Ramadan is over. Instead, you should continue to work towards becoming the best Muslim possible. As such, below are 3 good deeds that you can practice outside the month of Ramadan.
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Making dua is a form of direct communication to Allah SWT. Dua can also be implied as a way to recall Allah SWT.
Duas serve as a great way for us Muslims to seek help from Allah SWT, especially if we are in a difficult situation. Indeed, duas can be very powerful as they are able to change fate and resolve a problem someone is facing, of course on the condition that Allah SWT wills it to happen. Remember, though there are close to 1 billion Muslims roaming this Earth, Allah is always listening to every one of us.
“When my servants ask you concerning me, (tell them) I am indeed close (to them). I listen to the prayer of every suppliant when he calls on me,” says Allah Almighty in the Holy Quran. (Quran, 2:186)
Another benefit of making dua is to humble ourselves because when we put our hands up to dua to Him, we will come to the realization that Allah SWT stands above everyone else since He is the Almighty and the creator of this whole universe - Masya'Allah.
Adding on, it is highly encouraged that you make dua not only for the betterment of yourself in this world and the Hereafter, but also for the betterment of your family members, friends, and other Muslims around the world.
“The Dua of a Muslim for his brother (in Islam) in his absence is readily accepted. An angel is appointed to his side. Whenever he makes a beneficial Dua for his brother the appointed angel says, ‘Ameen. And may you also be blessed with the same,” says Prophet Muhammad SAW (Sahih Muslim).
“Whoever revives my Sunnah then he has loved me. And whoever loved me, he shall be with me in Paradise,” says Prophet Muhammad SAW (Tirmidhi).
The word ‘Sunnah’ means the teachings of Prophet Muhammad SAW. This includes his character, etiquette, habits, and legislative obligations that we are highly encouraged to follow. In essence, Prophet Muhammad SAW serves as a good role model for us, Muslims. Therefore, we should look up to him and try as much as possible to follow closely in his footsteps.
In Islam, we believe that Prophet Muhammad SAW is the last and final messenger of Allah SWT to mankind. Through revelations in the Quran, the stories of Prophet SAW are what guides us on how to live in this world while worshiping Allah SWT. Truly, if we engage ourselves with the life of Prophet SAW, our love for him and Allah SWT will grow.
Another example of a sunnah we can do outside of the holy month is smiling. It is simple and inexpensive, but it can help boost our mood and make us feel more grateful. Smiling can simply create a positive mind and attitude. Prophet Muhammad SAW loved to smile.
Another act of Sunnah that many may not be aware of is oiling your hair. This is because it aids in strengthening your hair protein; a component that is vital to prevent hair loss and greying, and to create strong and lustrous hair. Oiling hair also has other benefits such as relaxing the mind and soothing one's brain nerves and capillaries.
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The Holy Quran is the 4th and last sacred Holy Book of Almighty Allah SWT that functions as a guide for all humans for life and the Hereafter.
“This is the Book [the Quran], whereof there is no doubt, guidance to those who are Al-Muttaqoon [the pious],” (Quran, 2:2)
The Quran does not merely offer solutions to every problem that we face in our day-to-day life. It also contains stories of other Prophets and explains how Islam came about.
As it is the Book of Allah SWT, Muslims are advised to recite it daily so as to have a better understanding of Islam's history and reap the blessings and rewards from Allah SWT.
A hadith by al-Albaani in al-Silsilah al-Saheehah states, "Recite and rise in status, recite as you used to recite in the world, for your status will be at the last verse that you recite."
The advantages of reciting the Quran are endless. One of is that it will intercede for us on the Day of Judgement as the Prophet Muhammad SAW once said: “Read the Quran, for verily it will come on the Day of Standing as an intercessor for its companions.” (Muslim)
Moreover, teaching others how to recite the Quran can also serve to purify and heal your heart from all the sins which you have previously committed.
All in all, yes, Ramadan is, unfortunately, coming to an end. However, please remember that after Ramadan is over, you should still strive to become the best version of yourself in the eyes of Allah SWT. So keep these 3 good deeds in mind and practice them whenever you can. Undoubtedly, you will thank yourself for this in the future.
