How To Revive Ourselves in The Month of Ramadan

Editor

As we welcome the holy month of Ramadan, the month in which the Qur'an was revealed to Prophet Muhammad (pbuh), and in which we dedicate ourselves to fasting, self-purification and spiritual training, we should strive to do righteous deeds and focus on the goals of Ramadan so that we can become closer to Allah.

A new surah for every week

Trying to memorize a new surah every week will help us to bring the Qur'an into our lives. Ramadan consists of four weeks, which means that by the end of this blessed month we can learn 4 new surahs by heart.

The Prophetic rule on eating

Following the path of Prophet Muhammad when we break the fast by filling our one-third of our stomachs with  food, one-third with water and leaving one-third empty for breathing space will teach us self-control as part of the spiritual training of Ramadan.

Offering a warm Iftar meal to a person in need every week

Inviting a poor relative, neighbour, or friend to join us to break our fasts is considered to be a good deed and will strengthen our relationship with others as well as increasing the spirit of giving.

Tarawih prayers at different mosques

Performing the tarawih prayer in congregation will help us to feel part of a spiritual community.  When possible, visiting different mosques for tarawih prayer and participating in different duas each time will help us observe every tarawih prayer with a new spiritual delight. 

Money-box for the poor

Putting to one side a certain amount of money into a money-box for the needy every day (an amount that is roughly equal to what we spend to feed ourselves) and offering the money to poor people at the end of the month will not only please others, but also help us to increase our acts of compassion, charity, and kindness.

Strengthening ties with relatives and friends

Calling on and visiting relatives during this sacred month will strengthen our ties with family members and friends. This is also a form of sadaqa and a way of worshipping Allah; we should not forget that what we do for family and friends is also considered to be sadaqa.

Two pages of Qur'an every day

Consistently sparing a small amount of time for reciting the Qur'an every day, for example, 2 pages a day, will bring us closer to and connect us with Allah through His revelation during the month when the Qur'an was revealed; Prophet Muhammad told us: "The deeds most loved by Allah are those done regularly, even if they are small."

 An opportunity for moral and spiritual training

The holy month of Ramadan is an opportunity for us to train ourselves, morally and spiritually.  Prophet Muhammad said: "When Ramadan comes, the gates of Paradise are opened and the gates of Hell are closed, and the devils are put in chains." Being aware that fasting is not just remaining hungry and thirsty, we refrain not only from eating and drinking, but also from all sins and bad habits.

Forgiving others and re-establishing relationships with others

Ramadan is a special time to seek the forgiveness of Allah and to forgive each other. Trying not to hurt anyone and to forgive those who have hurt us will increase our morality and spirituality.

Reading a Book about Prophet Muhammad and donating it to the local library

During this holy month, reading a book about Prophet Muhammad will increase our love for him and Allah.  After finishing the book, it can be donated to the local library.