The Most Wonderful Time Of The Year

Almost one year has gone by and Ramadan is about to knock on our doors one more time, insha Allah. Being able to fast the month of Ramadan is truly a gift, and it is also a trust that needs to kept with care and concern. Just like all other great things, Ramadan requires some sacrifice and determination, if you wish to truly benefit from this gift and protect this trust.

To wake up one day and realize that Ramadan begins the next day is almost like being disrespectful to this blessed month. Ramadan requires preparation, which in turn, requires time and reflection. The companions of the Prophet (saw) used to start preparing for Ramadan six months prior to it, and they would increase their worship especially during the month in which we are now, Sha’ban.

It’s kind of hard to go into Ramadan without any specific goals, because to be able to improve one’s self, one needs to…well, obviously set some goals! Specific and personal goals will naturally vary from person to person, but here are some general ones that can be set inshaAllah:

1. Make all five salawat on time: If one of your struggles is (*cough* mine is) to do your prayers on time, make it a goal to never miss an obligatory salat during Ramadan. Once this becomes a habit, inshaAllah, it will be easier to continue praying on time during the remainder of the year.

2. Recite the Quran: At least once a day, with reflection on its meaning. I know a lot of people like reading the entire Qur’an during Ramadan, which is great if you can do it, but do not forget to actually reflect upon what Allah is saying.

3. Avoid backbiting: Sometimes we tend to forget that backbiting is a major sin. There’s nothing wrong in some gossiping, right? Wrong! Try to catch yourself when you realize you’re backbiting and stop immediately.

4. Pray Qiyam ul Layl: I know it gets hard with school and/or work, but try to wake up at least 15 minutes before suhoor each night and pray. This is one of the times when du’a is readily answered, so make sincere du’a, ask for forgiveness, and connect with Allah. From my personal experience, I know that it makes a world of difference.

5. Recognize your sins: Reflect on their causes and they harms they have done in your life. Think about the greatness of the One whom you have sinned against, and ask for forgiveness. Pick a sin that you commit and make it a point to avoid committing it during Ramadan.

6. Share Ramadan with your neighbors: Our neighbors have a right to know about Ramadan, and it is our duty to inform them. Think of fun ways of sharing Ramadan with your neighbors. My siblings and I usually make Ramadan goodie bags and cards and put them in our neighbors’ mailboxes.

7. Try the 1/3 rule: I know this one super hard and may sound a bit silly, but really…try not to overeat this Ramadan!

At the end of the day, whatever goals you choose to set, be sure to make them realistic and precise. Challenge yourself, but remember, you are going to have your limits. And perhaps the most important advice to keep in mind is the saying of the Prophet (saw), “The best deed before Allah is the most persistent one, albeit small” (Muslim).

Brothers and sisters, this could be our last Ramadan ever. This month may just be our last month of mercy, forgiveness, and freedom from the Fire, and we might never be able to see another one again. Let’s not let it go to waste, inshaAllah.

Keep us in your duas