How to Boost Ramadan Spirit
Ramadan, the month of the Holy Qur’an,
represents an invaluable opportunity for all believers to recharge the
batteries of faith and draw close to their Lord. A wise Muslim should be keen
to make best use of these blessed moments. If Muslims are unable to un-distractedly
focus on the hereafter all the time, let them at least do so during this short,
yet boundlessly blessed, period of time. Below are some tips on how to boost
your spirit during this longed-for month:
1- Du`a’ (Supplication)
Ask Almighty Allah (The One &
Only God) to make this the most inspiring, spiritually uplifting Ramadan you
have ever had. Allah is the Only Who can make this happen and complete reliance
on Him completely is the major step in boosting our spirits.
2- Clear Your Mind
Turn off the TV, the computer, the
radio, your cell phone, pager, iPod, etc. You need not do so all day long, but
for at least 10 minutes a day. Find a quiet place where you can close your
eyes, remember your Lord and think deeply about your relationship with Him. At
first, your mind will swirl with the useless and not-so-useful thoughts in your
head. Force them away and focus your thought during these few minutes on three
things: Almighty Allah (The One & Only God), your purpose in life, and
whether you are making due efforts to achieve that purpose. Do this every day
of Ramadan, if you can. Should this be not possible, do it at least three times
a week.
3- Learn About Great Muslim Figures
Even if you have read it or listened
to it before, again read or listen to `Abdul-Wahid Hamid's Companions of the Holy
Prophet during this Ramadan. Read about or listen daily to a Companion's story.
Well-written and short, these stories inform us in a wonderful way about these
noble personalities and about how they maintained the strength of their faith
against incredible odds. What a sure-fire spirituality booster!
4- Connect to the Holy Qur’an
The noble Qur’an is the means whereby
Almighty Allah (The One God) talks to us. Indeed, it is the most important key
to spiritual upliftment & enlightenment. During this Ramadan, connect to
the Holy Qur’an in a new way. If you already recite the Qur’an regularly, you
can choose a new theme to focus on or select a particular Surah you have not
read for a while. If, however, you are not a frequent reader of the Holy Qur’an,
you can start by reciting it for only two minutes a day; recite from the first
page you encounter when you open the mushaf (copy of the
Qur’an). It is also recommended that you keep a Qur’anic journal in which you
can record your reflections, questions, thoughts, etc., about what you
recite.
5- Take Care of Others
Whether it is a person who is away
from his family, a person who is having problems with his or her spouse or
kids, or fellow students 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.
6- 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.
7- Give Up One Lifelong Bad Habit
Ask yourself what your fundamental
defining traits are. Then decide which is the worst of them. Is it a hot
temper? Apathy? Laziness? Impatience? Whatever it may be, utilize this Ramadan
to get rid of it. Practice the opposite of this bad habit of yours every day
until the end of the month. By then, in sha’ Allah (God Willing),
you will look back and be amazed at the change you have made for the
better.
8- Use Those Special Last Ten Nights
The last ten nights or Ramadan are
not called the Nights of Power for nothing. Use these precious times for deep,
heartfelt du`aa’ (supplication), self-analysis, reflection and
serious thought.
