HOW TO MAKE THE MOST OF THIS RAMADHAN
Inspire FM
15th March 2023
With Ramadan almost upon us again, many of us are considering how best to use our time to get the most reward and benefit from the month.
Ramadhan is meant as both a physical and spiritual journey. It’s the yearly opportunity to improve our character and strengthen our iman.
Here are 7 ways we can prepare to make the most of this Ramadhan.
1. Write Down Your Goals
Write down what you want to achieve this Ramadhan and believe is achievable for you. Try to be specific with your goals to help measure and plan out how to achieve them. This could be reading 5 pages of the Qur’an after every salah (prayer) or giving £1 every day as sadaqah (charity).
Once you’ve written down your goals, stick them somewhere you will see every day to remind you. Remember, the aim is to continue these actions beyond Ramadhan.
2. Managing Your Time
During Ramadhan, it's easy for you to get swept away in daily activities and regular prayer, but small actions can fit easily into our day-to-day lives to enrich our month - such as learning the meaning of your favourite surahs or helping an elderly neighbour.
Try scheduling time around your day for these extra actions to help make the most of this month. Having a fixed time each day/week can make it easier.
Download the Inspire FM app to listen to Islamic reminders and beneficial shows conveniently in your time. Available on the App Store and Google Play.
3. Reciting & Reflecting On The Qur’an
The Qur’an is the book from which our faith stems from. Taking as much time as we can to read the Qur’an and understand the lessons we can take is essential during Ramadhan.
Understanding Islam can be a personal thing, and reading the Qur’an is only the first step. Developing the connection can ultimately lead you on a path of a greater understanding of Islam, and deeper spiritual and personal reflection.
The Tadabarul Qur’an show on Inspire FM discusses topics from the Qur’an and reflects on their lessons.
“Indeed, this Qur'an guides to that which is most suitable and gives good tidings to the believers who do righteous deeds that they will have a great reward.” Surah Al-Isra, verse 9
4. Ask for Forgiveness
Ramadhan is split into three stages. The beginning is Mercy, the middle is Forgiveness, and the end is protection from the Hellfire.
Making mistakes is part of being human, but alhamdulillah we can repent.
Let’s take this opportunity to ask Allah for forgiveness and open our hearts to show mercy to others who may have done wrong to us.
The Prophet ﷺ said: When there comes the month of Ramadan, the gates of mercy are opened. [Sahih Muslim]5. Look After Your Body
Fasting for 16 hours and long periods of ibadah (worship) requires a lot of strength, but with proper planning, it can be an easier transition.
Planning meals can relieve some of the stress during sehri/iftar and ensure we’re getting the right foods at the right times - lighter foods at Iftar and more enriching meals at sehri. Remember, your health is your wealth.
We can also set aside some time for exercise to build our strength.
Tune in to the health shows on Inspire FM to get expert advice on staying healthy this Ramadhan. Take a look at the live radio schedule to see when they air.
You can also create an action plan on achieving the goals you’ve set. This can include when you’ll focus on your goals and setting mini targets to help stay on track.
6. Do Extra Good Deeds
Ramadhan is an opportunity to improve our character and create good habits that we can carry after Ramadhan.
The Prophet ﷺ said: “The most beloved deeds to Allah are those which are done consistently, even if they are little,” (Sahih Al-Bukhari).
Creating good new habits that we can continue after Ramadhan will improve our character in the long run.
Follow Inspire FM on social media to get ideas on good actions you can do this Ramadhan.
7. Self-Reflection
Many of us go through our days without reflecting on ourselves and understanding the impact of our actions.
Small things can easily reduce the blessings from fasting to nothing - such as backbiting, gluttony and gossiping. Making sure we stay away from those things will help us and the ones around us.
Take a few minutes each day to reflect on the day and how you can make the next day better.
Tune in to the Iftari Show for daily reflections and reminders just before you break your fast.
May Allah allow us to have a blessed Ramadhan and strengthen our Iman. Ameen.
