RAMADAN MUBARAK-Consider These Tips for A Successful Ramadan
CONSIDER THESE TIPS FOR A SUCCESSFUL RAMADHAN
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In the name of Allah, the Most-Merciful, the All-Compassionate
"May the Peace and Blessings of Allah be upon You"
Bismillah Walhamdulillah Was Salaatu Was Salaam 'ala Rasulillah
As-Salaam Alaykum Wa-Rahmatullahi Wa-Barakaatuh
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Consider These Tips for A Successful Ramadan
Fasting has many benefits such as teaching us patience, endurance and empathy.
1- Lack of food, sugar and caffeine will undoubtedly affect our mood but that is not a reason to vent your anger on others; Remember - if they are fasting, then they are in a similar situation and if they aren’t fasting, then you don’t know what they might be going through. Be in control of your mood.
2- Fasting does not mean misery; smile as you leave the house, smile at the people you meet on the street, smile at the animals, plants, nature, smile when at work Looking happy may encourage others to see the beauty of your faith.
3- Shopping for this holy month is not a competition or a race to stockpile all of the Ramadan specialties don’t push people out of the way with your trolley, make space for the disabled and elderly, queue in an orderly manner and don’t try to beat the other shoppers.
The best things come to those who wait and who knows what may befall you if you rush and what you could miss out on if you don’t take your time?
4- When at work or school, devote your time, energy and concentration wholeheartedly. Arrive on time, treat colleagues and customers politely, complete tasks adequately and try your best to love what you do. Pace yourself, but don’t get sloppy; continue to do your best during this blessed month.
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5- Connect with people, not just family and friends but strangers too, whether it is via greetings, a simple smile or even inviting them to share dinner/tea.
If your neighbor is elderly or someone who lives alone, ask them over to your house - an extra plate will not make a difference to your housekeeping - or just send them over some food.
6- Recycle your leftover food and general waste: if iftar was not fully consumed, then it can be stored for the next day. Otherwise, give it to people who might be in need or homeless or even take it to your local mosque where they might serve the food for suhoor.
Our prophet was a strong proponent of sustainable use and cultivation of land and water, proper treatment of animals, plants and birds and the equal rights of users.
7- Serve the community. Fasting has many benefits such as teaching us patience, endurance and empathy. Try to be involved in a community activity or cause that will be like sadaqah.
It could be keeping your street clean, ensuring the less fortunate within the area are offered help, giving a weekly/daily class to children/adults or even contributing to a community project such as a soup kitchen for the homeless where you could all break your fast together.
8- Refrain from judging others. If you see someone eating, try to understand why they may not fast - they may have various reasons. Remember, it is not your place to comment or judge people’s actions.
9- Islam is a religion of peace, knowledge and coexistence; this month, focus on those elements by forgiving people’s trespasses on you, seeking out knowledge in an area you are lacking and reaching out to people of other faiths. Inviting them to experience an iftar is a good gesture.
10- Health and sport is an important aspect of Islam. exercise/walk daily and eat well and healthily. Do not obsess over food but rather enjoy the fresh air and the natural beauty of Allah’s creation.
11- Finally, Time Management: Ramadan is only 30 days and it is the best time to fix our relationship with our God, ourselves and the people around us. So it is not a time for TV, sleeping, shopping but rather a time to be as spiritually and socially excellent as possible.
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Contributor Raya Al-Jadir is an English degree graduate from Queen Mary, University of London, where she also read Renaissance Studies for Masters Degree and currently researching for a PhD thesis entitled ' The role of servants in political matters in Early Modern Drama'. Raya is a freelance translator, writer and proof-reader, she has also taught English to refugees and migrants as a volunteer at The Migrants Resource Centre and worked at both Amnesty International and Equality and Human Rights Commission.
Currently she is volunteers at various charity projects and Research centres, such as Scope, Muscular Dystrophy UK and Greenbird Publishing. Raya is a keen blogger and campaigner for disability rights issues and has her own site 'Careless'. Her main interest is promoting disability awareness especially among Arabs and Muslims.
Compiled, edited and adapted by Khalid Latif, www.thekhalids.org