Ramadan Kareem the holy month has begun and we are already 11 days in! A beautiful time to supplicate and worship the Lord. We are aware of the rituals of fasting , suhoor , iftar , taraweeh and Quran recitation but are we really meaning it? Is our worship stemming from the soul or just for the sake of iftar and suhoor? Are we Ramadan fasting because we get to feast on a luxurious iftar? Are we only fasting in Ramadan 2024 and not fulfilling other obligations like dhikr and morning and evening supplications?
Consider Ramadan Kareem as a one -month training camp. A training camp has tough rules, regulations and an awfully strict timetable. In that timetable, you are supposed to get through maximum workload regardless of the weather or any other external issue. Just like that, Ramadan is solely for worship and not for feasting and other miscellaneous activities.
Nowadays we see restaurants gearing up for Ramadan Kareem with elaborate Iftar offers that are too good to be true as well as very destructive for the Muslims because Ramadan is not the month of feasting in fact it is the month of fasting. While business indeed thrives during this period, Muslims have completely forgotten the purpose of fasting and what makes Ramadan meaningful.
The best way to kick start your Ramadan worship is to make a list of do’s and don’ts for yourself. If you are unable to make a list for yourself before Ramadan has begun, you still have time as there are still a lot of days left for worship!
So in this article we will be discussing how you can make your Ramadan Kareem the best and the most meaningful time of the year for yourself.
Also Check : When is Ramadan 2024
Prioritize dhikr in Ramadan Kareem
Remembering your Lord is the biggest form of worship, especially during this month.Dedicate a certain part of your day for supplications and dhikr.
As you keep the remembrance of Allah at the tip of your tongue, you will realize that Shaytan can find it harder to distract you. Your heart finds peace and soon enough, you will find yourself getting accustomed to it. Worshiping Allah whilst working is still devotion to the Creator, and is rewarded in bountiful ways.
Also Check : Ramadan Mubarak 2024
Allot time for Quran in Ramadan Kareem
Ramadan 2024 is the perfect time for you to grab the Holy Quran and recite it. On normal days, we have billions of excuses to skip reading one page of the Holy Book but in Ramadan Kareem, you must make it your number one priority. Force your hand to reach for the Quran instead of your novels or phone. We read fictional books like there is no tomorrow, immerse ourselves in fantasy and almost get out of touch with reality.
The Holy Quran has many beautiful stories to tell as well, with morals that still stand true to this day: It talks about how once Musa ( AS) kept questioning the wise man who had joined him solely on the grounds that he ( i.e Musa { A.S} ) should be patient with him, it narrates the story of the splitting of the moon, it talks about female rights better than any feminist book ever, it is the base of scientific discoveries…there is so much more to it.
The Quran talks about tragedy, love, hope and despair in a tone that resonates with the one who reads it. The Book talks about people who had gone through the worst case scenarios and were still promised the wonders of Paradise.
Do you need closure from betrayal? Read the story of Prophet Yusuf (AS) who was destined for greatness yet he faced betrayal from his own siblings.
Do you want ease from the pain of losing a loved one? Read the story of the Prophet Muhammad ( PBUH) who lost his beloved wife and uncle in the same year.
Feel like your patience is running thin? Read about Ayyub (AS) who suffered just as much as he prospered.
The Quran has an answer for everything and it bears the testimony for that.
Also Check : Rules of Taraweeh Salah and Taraweeh Ki Dua
Practice the actual act of ‘Ramadan fasting’
Classic behavior of people during Ramadan 2024 is devising newer recipes and food stalls for everybody to feast on. While there is really no harm in indulging in the spirit of Ramadan kareem, there is clearly a reason WHY we are fasting in the first place. And as of today, the line between ‘Ramadan fasting’ and ‘feasting’ has become blurred. The able-bodied feminine members of the family are in the kitchen the second after Asr prayer and stay there cooking until there are only 10 minutes to iftar.
This Ramadan kareem, train yourself to eat only till half your stomach is full. It is a Sunnah as well and has greater benefits than you think. Reduce the habit of overeating after breaking your fast and be mindful of the food you are eating.
Also check : Ramadan Fasting 2023-24
Intentions matter in Ramadan Kareem
You are doing Ramadan fasting to please Allah and no one else. You are going against your work schedule, overriding your exams and are still fasting. You are ignoring the Summer Heat and are still eager to fast for his Sake. Do not forget that. Your intention matters just as much as your action.
If you are feeling low about it, think about how pleased Allah might be feeling at the sight of His Servant going against their own comfort for His Sake.
The Angel at your right shoulder will definitely pen the deed down and on the Day of Judgement, it will be held for your favor, Insha Allah.
Also Check : The Night of Power – Laylatul Qadr
Conclusion
Ramadan 2024 is a beautiful opportunity for spiritual growth, self-reflection, and generosity. By incorporating some of these practices into your daily routine, you can cultivate a more meaningful Ramadan experience. Remember, the key is to find what works for you and to focus on your intentions. May this Ramadan 2024 or Ramadan Kareem be filled with blessings and bring you closer to your spiritual goals.