Ramadan + Good deeds = Happiness

Narrated Abu Huraira(r.a): The Prophet said:”… whoever fasts during Ramadan out of sincere faith and hoping to attain Allah’s rewards, then all his past sins will be forgiven.” (Sahih Al-Bukhari).

Ramadan; a month of blessings, forgiveness and rewards. The beauty of this month rejuvenates the blind hearts and worldly souls. When you refrain from any form of intake, you naturally tend to pull yourself away from the materialism of this world. You learn, with a course of matter, that the Hereafter is the final destination and that worshiping the world will lead you nowhere. Subhan’Allah.

I was thinking of sharing a list of acts that we all can possibly do in this blessed month to expand the bucket of our rewards. In Sha Allah.

1. Tahajjud. The Prophet (Peace be upon him) said: “The best prayer after the obligatory prayers is the prayer which is performed in the last part of the night”. [Reported by Imam Muslim]

Pray Tahajjud just before your suhr and ask Allah whatever you wish, because this is that time of the night in which no prayer shall be rejected. Trust me, give it a try and see how it fascinates you. In Sha Allah.

2. Read Qur’an. Best way to remind yourself about reading the Qur’an is by downloading Qur’an apps on your mobile phones and tablets as this will keep calling your attention.Try it, it really works.

3.  Make Dua. Since the Gates of Mercy and Paradise are opened  then how can Allah let the believer leave empty handed after the supplication? Remember to pray for everyone; even for those who don’t have enough to break their fasts.

4. Give charity. It’s true that charity should not specifically be given during this month but as a Muslim, we should take care of poor and deprived individuals who can’t even afford a date to break their fasts. Hence, give more to the needy during this month because it is only the fasting Muslim who can imagine the joy of Iftar after a seventeen-hour fast.

5. Do Dhikr. Keep reciting anything that you could think of. It could be: names of Allah; short verses of the Holy Quran; Ayat-ul-Qursi; Allahu Akbar; SubhanAllah; Alhamdulillah; La Ilaha Illallah or any other Islamic verse.

6. Make Taubah. Gates of Mercy are opened during this holy month. Hence, this an ideal time to ask Allah for forgiveness. Show your guilt for the disastrous sins you’ve committed.

7. Listen to Islamic lectures. Browse the internet/flip the channels, I’m sure, every form of media will be posting powerful Islamic reminders by some extraordinary scholars. Gain more knowledge through this.

8. Smile; an emotion,  which you should wear even if you are about to faint from hunger!

9. Eat healthy iftar! Also, “Eat and drink, but be not excessive. Indeed, He likes not those who commit excess.” - Al Qur’an 7:31

10. Behave well with other Muslims because they are also fasting as you are. Don't let arrogance take over you.

Ramadan Kareem