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Dua
Ask Allah to make this the most
awesome, spiritually uplifting Ramadan you've ever had. Only He can make
it happen and relying on Him completely is one step in boosting our
spirits.
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Quiet your mind, turn off
the...
TV, internet, radio, cell phone,
pager, iPod, etc. No, not all day, but for at least 10 minutes a day.
Find a quiet place, close your eyes and connect with God. At first, your
mind will swirl with the useless and not-so-useless info in your head.
But force it to think of three things in these few minutes:
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Allah
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your purpose in life
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are you living your life
on purpose?
Do this every day of Ramadan if
you can. If that's not possible, try it at least three times a week.
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Learn about great Muslims
Even if you've read it before,
read or listen to Abdul Wahid Hamid's Companions of the Prophet again
this Ramadan. Read about or listen to the story of a Companion daily.
Well-written and short, this is a wonderful way to see how other Muslims
retained their strength of faith against incredible odds. A sure-fire
spirituality booster.
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Connect to the Quran
The Quran is God's way of
talking to us. It's one of the most important keys to spiritual
upliftment. This Ramadan, connect to the Quran in a new way. If you
already read Quran regularly, perhaps you can choose a new theme to
focus on or select a Surah you haven't read in a while. If you don't
read Quran regularly, maybe you can read just two minutes of Quran a
day, reading only from the first page you encounter when you open up the
Book.
In addition, try to keep a
Quranic journal to record your reflections, questions, thoughts, etc.
about what you've read.
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Take care of others
Whether it's someone who's away
from their family, a person who's having problems with a spouse or their
kids or a fellow student struggling with their grades, make an extra
effort this Ramadan to help others out. The spiritual boost you get in
return is well worth it.
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Feed the hungry
While your stomach shrieks in
protest, give that panhandler some change, volunteer at a soup kitchen,
get involved with your local food pantry or make a couple of bag lunches
to give to the hungry you meet on your way to school or work.
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Give up one lifelong bad
habit
Ask yourself what some of your
defining traits are. Then decide which is the worst of them. Is it a hot
temper? Apathy? Laziness? Impatience? Whatever it is, use this Ramadan
to put an end to it. Practice the opposite of your bad habit every day
until the end of the month. By then Insha Allah, you'll look back and be
amazed at what a change you've made for the better.
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Use those Nights of Power
The last ten nights or Ramadan
aren't called the Nights of Power for nothing. Use these precious times
for deep, heartfelt Dua (supplication), self-analysis, reflection and
serious thought. |
