No Time to Hibernate!
"Many Muslims today have a misconception about fasting and the activities of a fasting person. They go into a state of semi-hibernation, spending most of their daylight hours in bed. If they fear Allah, they wake up for prayer, but then return to sleep immediately. This unnatural sleep makes them become lazy, dull-witted and often cranky.
Ramadan is actually a time of increased activity wherein the believer, now lightened of the burdens of constant eating and drinking, should be more willing to strive and struggle for Allah. The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him), passed through nine Ramadans after the migration. They were filled with decisive events, such as Jihad, and left us a shining example of sacrifice and submission to Allah. Throughout Islamic history, most of the significant battles were won in this month!"
A QUICK CHECK LIST OF RAMADAN
Make a resolve to win the maximum favour of Allah by performing extra voluntary prayers (Nawaafil), making frequent Du'a and increased remembrance (Dhikr).
Try to recite some Quran after every Prayer. In fact if you read 3-4 pages after every Prayer you can easily finish the entire Quran in Ramadan!
Study the Tafseer (commentary) every morning.
Invite a person you are not very close with or your relatives to your home for Iftar, at least once a week. You will notice the blessings in your relationships!
Bring life to your family! Everyday, try to conclude the fast with your family and spend some quality time together to understand each other better.
Give gifts on 'Eid to at least 5 people: 2 to your family members, 2 to your good friends, and 1 to a person whom you love purely for the sake of Allah.
Make commitment to join Islamic study circles or Halaqas to learn more about Islam and improve your own life.
Donate generously to the masajid, Islamic organizations, and any where people are in need or oppressed. "This is a month of sharing!"
Share Ramadan and its teachings of peace & patience with your neighbours.
Sleep little, eat little! Make sure you do not defeat the purpose of fasting by over-indulging in food and being lazy.
Seek the rare and oft-neglected rewards of 'the night better than a 1000 months', Layla-tul-Qadr.
Weep in private for the forgiveness of your sins: It is the month of forgiveness and Allah's Mercy and it's never too late.
Learn to control your tongue and lower your gaze. Remember the Prophet's warning that lying, backbiting, and a lustful gaze all violate the fast!
Encourage others to enjoin and love goodness, and to abandon everything that Allah dislikes. Play the role of a Da'ee (one who invites to Allah) with zeal, passion, and sympathy.
Experience the joy of Tahajjud prayers late at night and devote yourself purely and fully to Allah in the I'tikaf retreat during the last 10 days of Ramadan.
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