Ramadan is a refresher course for Muslims to remind themselves of how a good human being and Muslim is supposed to be in life. Therefore, whatever little one takes from Ramadan can only add value to one's life in general.
The key is to begin working towards a successful Ramadan as soon as one realizes and then carry on with the learnings throughout the year.
Ramadan Already Started, But Late Is Better Than Never
Once it is realized that Ramadan has already started and one has not been participating in spiritually uplifting activities, it is best to be glad that the realization dawned at last.
It is never too late to adopt goodness in life. Do not be dejected by the fact that one has wasted time and never wait for the next Ramadan to start afresh.
Tips On Making Ramadan Better From Today
Grab a paper and pen and treat Ramadan as a project like any other. Just as the project and deadline given by a boss at work is taken seriously, Muslims can work on this project methodically and with focus.
- Pinpoint weaknesses and ask what things can be changed this Ramadan in order to be a better person. Jot it down on paper and stick it to your bedroom door, dressing table mirror or laptop for constant reminder.
- Read the Quran every day with translation so that the Islamic teachings can be repeatedly reminded of.
- Try to catch up with taraweeh (Ramadan prayers at night) and carry on with it throughout the month.
- Spend on others - this includes relatives, neighbors, orphans and needy.
- Take a few days off for Laylatul Qadr (The special nights during Ramadan when Quran is believed to have been revealed). It is Islamic belief that these nights carry more rewards than other nights of Ramadan. Cash in on this opportunity and compensate for any opportunities that were missed during the earlier part of this Muslim observance.
Muslim Teachings From Ramadan For The Whole Year
The key to success is to view the self as a work in progress. It is when one assumes perfection, that she/he stops to struggle for betterment. Such a person settles for the current status quo and eventually lags behind others who continue their struggle for betterment. This can be applied to Ramadan and Muslims can use the opportunity for self-improvement.
- Evaluate one's self each day. If a Muslim manages to keep away from a bad habit, see how it can be avoided in the future. Make a resolve to repeat good habits, even when Ramadan ends.
- During Ramadan, many Muslims end up spending more time than usual studying the Quran, and Sunnah (sayings, actions and life of the Prophet Muhammad). Take this opportunity to develop the habit of reading more Islamic books on history, biographies, philosophy, teachings, etc. throughout the year. Set targets like reading one Islamic book per week or per month.
- Similarly, Muslims can listen to more talks for inspiration and motivation during Ramadan.
- College students can renew friendships and meet new friends during Ramadan. The suhoor (Ramadan meal at sunrise) and iftar (Ramadan meal at sunset) are great bonding moments. Continue to keep in touch with these friends and strengthen your characters with the help of each other. Together you may reflect, discuss and contemplate.
- During Ramadan, a Muslim may find her/himself closer than before to fellow-Muslims or the community at large. Try to stay united, even when Ramadan concludes; hold weekly or fortnightly classes where every one can contribute. This can be with college friends, work colleagues, family, relatives, neighbors or the poor in the neighborhood too.
- One month of fasting makes fasting in general even easier. Follow the sunnah (tradition of the Holy Prophet Muhammad) by fasting on Mondays and Thursdays in Shaban (the month following Ramadan in the Islamic calendar) and as many times as possible the rest of the year too.
- Ramadan teaches utmost patience. Do not consider the end of Ramadan as a go-ahead for losing patience. Try to fix anger, bitterness, and anxiety even after Ramadan.
- Ramadan is a time of sharing. Pick up on the charity that the month teaches and continue to do charitable work throughout the year (even if it is once a month).
- Ramadan brings families closer. Continue to spend more time with loved ones.
There is a great deal to be learned from Ramadan and the world would be a much better place if the rest of the year was just as Ramadan teaches one to be. It is a Muslim's good fortune to meet Ramadan year after year as it is a God-given opportunity to mend one's ways and start life afresh.
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