How a Muslim should spend the month of Ramadan

We have 12 months in a year, but most of us hardly remember to continue the vigorous worship we had engaged in—as soon as Ramadan is over, we go back to our worldly affairs in full force.  Hardly do we remember to spend in charity, engage in night prayers, zhikr and other commendable acts in […]

We have 12 months in a year, but most of us hardly remember to continue the vigorous worship we had engaged in—as soon as Ramadan is over, we go back to our worldly affairs in full force.  Hardly do we remember to spend in charity, engage in night prayers, zhikr and other commendable acts in Islam.  

Each one of us must ask themselves these questions: in the whole year my office work and family matters have been moving perfectly without any hitches; have I really devoted enough time to Allah, Who has given me all the things that no man can give me?  What really makes a man rich is not the amount of wealth at his disposal but the favours the Creator has bestowed upon us; have I really allotted enough time to the service of my Creator and the Creator of my family? How much quality time have I put into devotion to Allah, which is the main purpose of my creation?  

Ponder upon these questions and plan ahead how you intend to do things differently.  Planning how to spend the month of Ramadan will help you get the best out of it.  Consider the following tips:

(1) If you are employed, plan to take your annual leave during the month of Ramadan; if it is not convenient to be away from work for the whole month, ensure that you utilise the last 10 days;

(2) Do you know that those extra prayers in the month of Ramadan—tarawih and qiyamul lail—are a way of exercising your body apart from the tremendous reward accruing from them? Utilise such opportunity;

(3) Don’t eat too much at sahur and during iftar.  The more you eat, the more likely you are to feel hungry and thirsty during the day.  Eating too much food will also weaken you and prevent you from performing acts of ibada.

(4) Many Muslims are just Muslims by name and not by practice; so purchase a copy of the translation of the Quran and set a particular time to go through it and also jot down points that will guide your attitude – you can also attend tafsir (Qur’anic exegesis) sessions;

(5) Eat enough of fruits during iftar so that you do not get constipation. Fruits will also make your skin look smooth and shiny;

(6) Take stock of the wealth Allah has bestowed upon you in the last 11 months; if it is due for zakat, pay it; if it is not, take part of it and give to your needy relatives. It is a way of thanking Allah for His favour;

(7) Disengage from all evils, be they spoken, written or gestures that could nullify your acts of ibadah.  After the month of Ramadan, create time to continue with all the acts of ibadah you practiced during Ramadan.

I wish all Muslims Happy Ramadan.

By Rabiat M. B. Labaran, writes from National Hospital, Abuja