Alhamdulillah, we have made it to the Holy Month of Ramadan. Unlike many believe, Ramadan is not just about restraining yourself from eating. It's more about building self-discipline and becoming a better version of a believer for the sake of Allah swt.
And here we are in this month!
I wanted to share some ideas for sisters to spiritually grow and improve during this blessed time. We all have goals for Ramadan, so this post is here to help you see your goals better and give you some ideas to add to your list of milestones.
Connecting with the Quran: Ramadan its revelation to our dearest Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him). This is a perfect time for us dwelve into the Quran, and not just blindly memorize, but rather ponder upon the words of Allah. Set a daily reading goal and contemplating the verses' meanings. Joining a Quran study group can actually fosters a sense of community and could help you in shared spiritual growth.
Enhancing Prayer and Worship: We all know that Taraweeh prayers in Ramadan nights provide a unique chance for spiritual elevation. Use these moments for quiet reflection, seeking mercy and forgiveness from Allah. To help make your prayers more perfect, try to understand the meanings of the verses you recite. That's so important!
The Role of Charity and Zakat: Giving takes center stage during Ramadan, emphasizing empathy and support for those in need as ordered by Allah and his Prophet SAW. Fulfill Zakat obligations or contribute to Sadaqah (voluntary charity) for those in need. Organizations like One Ummah and MATW connect donors with individuals globally, and ensure that 100% of your donation goes to where it's intended, which is something I personally love.
The Power of Self-Reflection and Seeking Forgiveness: Ramadan nights offer opportunities for deep connection with Allah and seeking His forgiveness. Reflect on deeds, thoughts, and intentions. Dedicate moments each night for silent reflection, assessing your spiritual and moral compass, and sincerely seeking Allah's forgiveness and guidance.
Engaging in Islamic Learning and Personal Development: Commit to personal and spiritual growth through continuous learning. If you know sisters from your local Masjid, ask to be added to sisters Whatsapp group focusing on discussions around Islamic lectures and teachings. Set realistic learning goals for Ramadan, empowering yourself to contribute positively to those around you.
Managing Daily Life and Spiritual Practices: Balancing daily life with spiritual practices in Ramadan may be challenging, but it's essential for your growth. Prioritize and manage time efficiently, by making a daily schedule that organizes specific times for worship, family, work, and rest. I personally love using tech tools for time and personal life management. Some of my favourite apps are Structured, or even just your good old Reminders tool on iPhone that you can use to set your goals list.
Conclusion: Embrace the many ways you can grow spiritually during Ramadan. Connect with Allah, understand the Quran better, pray with more meaning, be generous, and reflect on yourself. Strengthen bonds with your family, keep learning, and find a balance between your spiritual and daily life.
I hope this was of benefit to you, sisters. May your Ramadan in 2024 be blessed for you and your families. May we all achieve our Ramadan plans and milestones, and become closer to Allah swt.