Showing posts with label Ramadhan. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Ramadhan. Show all posts
Friday, 16 June 2017
Don't miss the last ten days of Ramadan!
Bismillahir Rahmanir Rahim
In the name of Allah, the Most Beneficent, the Most Merciful
Observing a retreat in the mosque is of the best things we can do during the last ten nights of Ramadan
The last ten nights of Ramadan are very special.
The last ten nights of Ramadan are very special.
The first of these nights occurs on the eve of the 21st day of Ramadan. In other words, it is the night that commences after the completion of the 20th day of fasting.
Sometimes there are only nine nights, whenever the month of Ramadan lasts for only 29 days. Nevertheless, they are still traditionally referred to as "the last ten nights".
The last ten nights of Ramadan are very special. These are the nights that the Prophet Muhammad 
would spend in constant worship. Among these nights is Laylat al-Qadr (the Night of Power) - a night more blessed than a thousand months.
would spend in constant worship. Among these nights is Laylat al-Qadr (the Night of Power) - a night more blessed than a thousand months.
The Prophet used to single these nights out for worship and the performance of good deeds. He would exert himself in worship during these ten nights more than any other nights of the year.
used to single these nights out for worship and the performance of good deeds. He would exert himself in worship during these ten nights more than any other nights of the year.
Aisha 
tells us: "During the last ten nights of Ramadan, the Prophet would tighten his waist belt and spend the night in worship. He would also wake up his family." (Al Bukhari)
tells us: "During the last ten nights of Ramadan, the Prophet would tighten his waist belt and spend the night in worship. He would also wake up his family." (Al Bukhari)
Aisha also says: "I had never known Allah's Messenger to read the entire Quran in a single night, or to spend the whole night in prayer up until the morning, or to spend a whole month in fasting - except in Ramadan." (An Nasai' & Ibn Majah)
to read the entire Quran in a single night, or to spend the whole night in prayer up until the morning, or to spend a whole month in fasting - except in Ramadan." (An Nasai' & Ibn Majah)
When we say that the Prophet Muhammad spent the whole night in worship, we should qualify it. This is because he would spend some time eating dinner, partaking of his pre-dawn meal, and other similar activities. However, he would spend most of the night in worship.
spent the whole night in worship, we should qualify it. This is because he would spend some time eating dinner, partaking of his pre-dawn meal, and other similar activities. However, he would spend most of the night in worship.
Waking Up the Family
During the last ten nights of Ramadan, Prophet Muhammad would wake up his wives to pray for a much longer portion of the night...
Aisha informs us that the Prophet used to wake up his family during the last ten nights of Ramadan. Indeed, he used to wake up his wives for prayer throughout the year, but that was so that they could pray for a small fraction of the night.
informs us that the Prophet used to wake up his family during the last ten nights of Ramadan. Indeed, he used to wake up his wives for prayer throughout the year, but that was so that they could pray for a small fraction of the night.
We know this, because Umm Salamah , the Prophet's wife, relates that the Prophet woke her up one night and said:
, the Prophet's wife, relates that the Prophet woke her up one night and said:
"Glory be to Allah. What has been sent down of trials during this night? What has been sent down of treasures, so that the denizens of the bedchambers will be awakened? O Lord! To be clothed in this world by naked in the Hereafter." (Al Bukhari)
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During the last ten nights of Ramadan, Prophet Muhammad would wake up his wives to pray for a much longer portion of the night than during the rest of the year.
would wake up his wives to pray for a much longer portion of the night than during the rest of the year.
Exerting Oneself in Worship
Aisha tells us: "The Prophet would exert himself in worship during the last ten nights more than at any other time of the year." (Muslim)
tells us: "The Prophet would exert himself in worship during the last ten nights more than at any other time of the year." (Muslim)
The great jurist, Al-Shafi'i, declares: "It is Sunnah for one to exert greater efforts in worship during the last ten nights of Ramadan."
When Aisha tells us that Prophet Muhammad would "tighten his waist belt", she is speaking figuratively. The phrase means to set about to devote oneself fully and wholeheartedly to the task at hand.
would "tighten his waist belt", she is speaking figuratively. The phrase means to set about to devote oneself fully and wholeheartedly to the task at hand.
Seeking Out Laylat al-Qadr (Night of Power)
One of the greatest distinctions of these ten special nights is that one of them is Laylat al-Qadr. This is the greatest night of the year - better than a thousand months. This means that a Muslim can earn more rewards on the Night of Power than he would if - excluding this special night - he were to worship his Lord for eighty-four years straight. This is one of the immense favors that Allah has bestowed upon the Muslim community.
Imam Ibrahim Al-Nakha`i says: "Good works performed on this night are better than those performed consistently for a thousand months."
Abu Hurayrah relates that the Prophet said:
said:
"Whoever spends Laylat al-Qadr in prayer, believing in Allah and seeking His reward, will be forgiven all of his past sins." (Al Bukhari& Muslim)
"Believing in Allah", in this hadith, means not only to believe in Allah, but to believe in the reward that we are promised for observing prayer on this night.
Laylat al-Qadr (the Night of Power) is on one of the odd nights. Aisha relates that Prophet Muhammad said:
said:
"Seek out Laylat al-Qadr in the odd nights during the last ten nights of Ramadan." (Al Bukhari & Muslim)
It is most likely one of the last seven odd nights. Ibn Umar relates that Prophet Muhammad said:
said:
"Look for it in the last ten nights. If one of you falls weak or unable to do so, then he should at least try on the seven remaining nights." (Muslim)
A Muslim should seek out this special night by spending the last ten nights of Ramadan engaged in various acts of worship.
The most likely candidate for Laylat al-Qadr is the 27th night of Ramadan. This is indicated by the statement of Ubayy ibn Ka`b: "I swear by Allah that I know which night it is. It is the night in which Allah's Messenger (peace be upon him) ordered us to observe in prayer. It is the night on the eve of the 27th of Ramadan. Its sign is that the sun will rise in the morning of that day white without exuding any rays." (Muslim)
A Muslim should seek out this special night by spending the last ten nights of Ramadan engaged in various acts of worship. These include reciting the remembrances of Allah, reading the Quran, and begging Allah's forgiveness.
It is best for us to strive hard on all ten nights, because the Prophet Muhammad said:
said:
"The way we "look for" Laylat al-Qadr is by engaging in extra worship."
When the Prophet said: "Look for it in the last ten nights" he did not mean that we should literally "look for" signs and indications that distinguish Laylat al-Qadr from other nights. The things that distinguish this night from other nights are part of the Unseen.
said: "Look for it in the last ten nights" he did not mean that we should literally "look for" signs and indications that distinguish Laylat al-Qadr from other nights. The things that distinguish this night from other nights are part of the Unseen.
Allah 
says: {Surely We revealed it on a blessed night. Surely We ever wish to warn (against evil) - On this night, every wise matter is made distinct.} (Ad-Dukhan 44: 3-4)
says: {Surely We revealed it on a blessed night. Surely We ever wish to warn (against evil) - On this night, every wise matter is made distinct.} (Ad-Dukhan 44: 3-4)
Allah says in the Quran: {Laylat al-Qadr is better than a thousand months. The angels and the Spirit descend therein, by the permission of their Lord, with every decree. (This night is) peace, until the rising of the dawn.} (Al-Qadr 97: 3-5)
says in the Quran: {Laylat al-Qadr is better than a thousand months. The angels and the Spirit descend therein, by the permission of their Lord, with every decree. (This night is) peace, until the rising of the dawn.} (Al-Qadr 97: 3-5)
These are the ways in which Laylat al-Qadr is special. They are not things that we can see with our eyes. No one after the Prophet can see the angels.
Observing a Retreat in the Mosque (I`tikaf)
Observing a retreat in the mosque is of the best things we can do during the last ten nights of Ramadan. Aisha tells us: "The Prophet used to observe a retreat in the mosque during the last ten nights of Ramadan up until he died. His wives continued to observe this practice after his death." (Al Bukhari & Muslim)
used to observe a retreat in the mosque during the last ten nights of Ramadan up until he died. His wives continued to observe this practice after his death." (Al Bukhari & Muslim)
The practice of i`tikaf is a strongly recommended act. It is defined as remaining in retreat in the mosque for the express purpose of worship. The purpose of doing so is to devote one's heart exclusively to Allah . The person engaging in i`tikaf keeps this intention close to mind and seeks Allah's blessings. He should not forget the reason why he is observing this retreat.
. The person engaging in i`tikaf keeps this intention close to mind and seeks Allah's blessings. He should not forget the reason why he is observing this retreat.
A person observing i`tikaf does not leave the mosque except for what is absolutely necessary (like going to the bathroom). While in the mosque, he should busy himself with the remembrance of Allah . He should make sure to offer the remembrances of the morning and evening and the prescribed remembrances for the five daily prayers. He should perform all of the Sunnah prayers. He should read as much of the Quran as he can.
. He should make sure to offer the remembrances of the morning and evening and the prescribed remembrances for the five daily prayers. He should perform all of the Sunnah prayers. He should read as much of the Quran as he can.
He should spend less time eating and sleeping as little as possible. He should avoid unnecessary talk. However, he should engage in advising his fellow Muslims and in enjoining them to truth and to patience.
Generosity
It is encouraged for us to be extra generous during the last ten nights of Ramadan, without being extravagant or ostentatious in our giving. Ibn `Abbas relates that: "Allah's Messenger (peace be upon him) was the most generous of all people in doing good, and he was at his most generous during the month of Ramadan. Gabriel used to meet with him every year throughout the month of Ramadan, so the Prophet could recite the Quran to him. Whenever Gabriel met with him, he became more generous than a beneficial breeze." (Al Bukhari & Muslim)
Al-Nawawi, the Muslim scholar, states:
"Generosity and open-handedness are strongly encouraged in Ramadan, especially during the last ten nights. By doing so, we emulate the example of Allah's Messenger (peace be upon him) as well as of our Pious Predecessors. Also, this month is noble, and good works carried out in this month are more blessed than they are at any other time. Also, during this month, people are preoccupied with fasting and worship, and this distracts them from their livelihood, so they might need some assistance during this time."
Source: OnIslam - Salman Al-Oadah
Has not the time yet come for those who believe that
their hearts should be humble for the remembrance of Allah
and what has come down of the truth?
[Surah Al Hadid 57:16]
Friday, 4 July 2014
How to Have a Fun Ramadan with Kids and Be Productive Too
Bismillahir Rahmanir Rahim
In the name of Allah, the Most Beneficent, the Most Merciful
Ramadan is the most wonderful time of the year. Too often, we, adults, focus so much on the “work” associated with the month, but we forget that one of the most important things about this amazing month is to inculcate a love for this month and its blessings in our children.
Ramadan should be a special time for your whole family, including the little ones. It should bring you closer to each other as a family and closer to Allah 
.
.
In this article, In sha Allah, we will give 10 tips for a productive and fun Ramadan for your children.
1. Send a note to kids’ school/ your neighbours
Yvonnne Maffei, popular food writer and home chef, shared the idea of giving homemade goodie bags to your neighbors with an insert explaining what Ramadan is all about. This is a great idea. You can find a suggestion for a printable letter to send to kids’ school here. Not only does this act as a form of dawah, but also it builds goodwill in the community. You can order Eid posts for your child’s public school from Project Eid Awareness.
2. Welcome Ramadan into your homes:
3. Make or buy 30 days calendar (Advent-style):
If you are interested in the calendar idea, you may want to check out Jannah Steps as it has compiled a list on how to buy one easily or make it yourself.
4. Read about Ramadan together:
5. The best lesson is the one experienced:
Wake your child up to have suhoor with you, even if they might be unable to fast. Make sure your child has had enough hours of sleep before suhoor, though, so they don’t start viewing this as a burden.
Take your children with you to the masjid and ask them to relate their experience of praying in jama’ah after returning home. Ask them questions like: “Which surah did the imam read today? What word caught your mind while listening to the imam? Did you make any special dua during ruku’ or sujood?”
While having suhoor, have some dates along with your food. Discuss the scientific benefits of dates, along with Qur’anic references about what our Prophet 
advised on the benefits of dates.
advised on the benefits of dates.6. Ramadan crafts to keep them learning and entertained:
7. Make Eid special and give gifts:
Make it about them. Build your own Eid traditions. I remember as a kid, every Eid morning, my mom would make French toast that we’d eat before going for prayers and a massive feast when we returned. To this day, any time I eat French toast, I think of those Eid mornings.
And, of course, there is no festivity for kids without gifts. A tip from Abu Productive every year is to get your shopping done before Ramadan. Have your children help you make shopping lists, shop and pack gifts.
Abu Hurayra 
reported that the Prophet said: “Give gifts and you will love one another” [Al Adab Al Mufrad]. So, save something they really want for Eid. Click here for our best picks.
reported that the Prophet said: “Give gifts and you will love one another” [Al Adab Al Mufrad]. So, save something they really want for Eid. Click here for our best picks.8. Plan an Eid party for their friends:
9. Avoid making food the center of your focus in Ramadan:
10. Agree on one bad habit to quit as a family during Ramadan:
Whether it’s watching TV or any other unhealthy habit that you would like to kick, work on it together. Make it a family thing. This teaches them the barakah of the month and also helps build good habits and growing as a family.
Abu Hurayra reported that the Messenger of Allah said: “When a man dies, his deeds come to an end, except for three: A continuous charity, knowledge by which people derive benefit, pious son who prays for him.” [Muslim]
reported that the Messenger of Allah said: “When a man dies, his deeds come to an end, except for three: A continuous charity, knowledge by which people derive benefit, pious son who prays for him.” [Muslim]
So, may Allah help us raise children who love His deen, who are God-fearing, who grow to be among the leaders of this ummah and who would remember their productive parents in their prayers!
help us raise children who love His deen, who are God-fearing, who grow to be among the leaders of this ummah and who would remember their productive parents in their prayers!
In the comments section below, please share with us your best tips for making Ramadan productive for the little ones.
About the Author:
Hafsa Taher is the founder of HafsaCreates, a one stop shop for handmade greeting cards, card making kits and tutorials. Crafting for over 10 years, her goal is to make card making convenient, easy and fun for all. Check out her Ramadan blog at MyRamadanFun.com and online store at HafsaCreates.etsy.com. You can also follow her on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, Tumblr and Instagram.
(Co-Author) Hafsa Hasan is a travelling mom, blogger and serial entrepreneur. She loves to collaborative efforts amongst women entrepreneurs, supporting small businesses and leveraging technology to maximize efficiency. In the words of Rumi- “wherever you are, whatever you do, be in love.” To learn more, visit her blog at www.nomadmommy.com.
Click to read more: http://productivemuslim.com/how-to-have-a-fun-ramadan-with-kids-and-be-productive/#ixzz36WuXgLBT
Follow us: @AbuProductive on Twitter | ProductiveMuslim on Facebook
Has not the time yet come for those who believe that
their hearts should be humble for the remembrance of Allah
and what has come down of the truth?
[Surah Al Hadid 57:16]
Friday, 27 June 2014
15 SIMPLE RAMADAN TIPS
Bismillahir Rahmanir Rahim
In the name of Allah, the Most Beneficent, the Most Merciful
01. Repent to Allah. Start preparing for Ramadan by repenting to Allah subhanahu wata’la. Our hearts are rusty from the sins that we have accumulated since the last Ramadan. We cannot start the marathon of Ramadan in fifth gear without removing this rust from our hearts. And there is no other way of removing this rust except by repenting to Allah. Repent to Allah and abundantly ask for His forgiveness.
02. Learn the fiqh of Ramadan. We often read the ahadiths that inspire us 
to excel during Ramadan, and in the process, we forget to learn about the
technicalities and legal aspects of fasting. I would recommend you two sources from where you can learn the fiqh of Ramadan.
to excel during Ramadan, and in the process, we forget to learn about the 
technicalities and legal aspects of fasting. I would recommend you two sources from where you can learn the fiqh of Ramadan.
03. Tie the loose ends that you can tie up before the beginning of Ramadan. If there is a project report that is due in the middle of Ramadan, 
finish it before Ramadan. Buy all your groceries and stock them in your house before Ramadan. Whatever you want to buy for Eid, buy it before Ramadan. I will not be exaggerating if I say that it is a calamity to go out for shopping during this blessed month. Because going out for shopping will deviate you from your daily routine, distract your focus, destroy your inner peace, cost your precious Ramadan time, and put you in trial, as markets are places where Allah is scarcely remembered. Majority of the stores give Eid promotions during the month of Ramadan and unfortunately people fall for it. You will find that shops are packed when qiyamul layl is going on in the mosques. Isn’t it a calamity that people choose some miserable promotions of duniya over the promotion of Allahsubhanahu wata’la?
finish it before Ramadan. Buy all your groceries and stock them in your house before Ramadan. Whatever you want to buy for Eid, buy it before Ramadan. I will not be exaggerating if I say that it is a calamity to go out for shopping during this blessed month. Because going out for shopping will deviate you from your daily routine, distract your focus, destroy your inner peace, cost your precious Ramadan time, and put you in trial, as markets are places where Allah is scarcely remembered. Majority of the stores give Eid promotions during the month of Ramadan and unfortunately people fall for it. You will find that shops are packed when qiyamul layl is going on in the mosques. Isn’t it a calamity that people choose some miserable promotions of duniya over the promotion of Allahsubhanahu wata’la?
04. What are your goals for Ramadan? It is a very gloomy reality that Muslims youths today do not have lofty goals when it comes to his or her religion. But the companions were not goal-less. They used to have lofty goals.
There was one companion who used to serve the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ). His name was Rabee’ah ibn Ka’b (رضى الله عنه). One day the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) asked him, “Ask for something.” Rabee’ah was among the poorest people of Madinah and the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) was expecting that he would ask for something related to this world. But Rabee’ah (رضى الله عنه) replied, “I want your companionship in Jannah” See the vision and the dream of a companion of the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ). But today, Muslim youths have no goal. They do not know what they want to achieve from this worldly life regarding their religion. And it is thus no wonder that they are also clueless about what they want to achieve from the month of Ramadan. So, have a vision. Of course we want to achieve taqwa but we should know how we will achievetaqwa. Do you want to pray all 150 salats in congregation? Do you want to complete the Quran 10 times? Do you want to read tafseer of one juz every day? Do you want to memorize some particular surahs? Whatever your goals are, make a list of them and make a simple routine that will help you to achieve those goals.
There was one companion who used to serve the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ). His name was Rabee’ah ibn Ka’b (رضى الله عنه). One day the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) asked him, “Ask for something.” Rabee’ah was among the poorest people of Madinah and the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) was expecting that he would ask for something related to this world. But Rabee’ah (رضى الله عنه) replied, “I want your companionship in Jannah” See the vision and the dream of a companion of the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ). But today, Muslim youths have no goal. They do not know what they want to achieve from this worldly life regarding their religion. And it is thus no wonder that they are also clueless about what they want to achieve from the month of Ramadan. So, have a vision. Of course we want to achieve taqwa but we should know how we will achievetaqwa. Do you want to pray all 150 salats in congregation? Do you want to complete the Quran 10 times? Do you want to read tafseer of one juz every day? Do you want to memorize some particular surahs? Whatever your goals are, make a list of them and make a simple routine that will help you to achieve those goals.
(Parting Farewell Advice of Ramadan: Watch this lecture of Brother Nouman Khan where he explained how taqwa can be achieved through fasting)
05. Start preparing a dua list. Ramadan is a great time to make dua. Adua 
list will ensure that you will not miss out any important dua that you want to make to Allahsubhanahu wata’la during this blessed month. The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said, “The dua of the fasting person will not be refused.” [Reported by al-Bayhaqi, 3/345; al-Silsilat al-Saheeh, 1797] Learn about the etiquettes and manners of making dua by reading this book Dua: The Weapon of the Believer by Shaykh Yasir Qadhi (An audio version of the book is available here).
list will ensure that you will not miss out any important dua that you want to make to Allahsubhanahu wata’la during this blessed month. The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said, “The dua of the fasting person will not be refused.” [Reported by al-Bayhaqi, 3/345; al-Silsilat al-Saheeh, 1797] Learn about the etiquettes and manners of making dua by reading this book Dua: The Weapon of the Believer by Shaykh Yasir Qadhi (An audio version of the book is available here).
06. Be mindful of your intention. Intention was a thing that the companions of the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) were always extremely careful about. Because intention is the fine line between sincerity and hypocrisy. At the same time, intention is something that is very fragile and it is exceptionally
vulnerable to corruption. In of the hadiths, the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said, “Whoever fasts one day seeking the pleasure of Allah, if that is the last day of his life, he will enter Paradise.” [Ahmad, 5/391] In another hadith, he (ﷺ) said, “Whoever fasts Ramadan out of faith and with the hope of reward, all his previous sins will be forgiven.” [Reported by al-Bukhaari, Fath, no. 37]Allah subhanahu wata’la blessed us to experience many months of Ramadan, and today we should ask ourselves, “When was the last time we paused for a moment to analyze our intention? Before fasting, have we ever paused and thought about pleasing Allah subhanahu wata’la and getting reward from Him?” So, be mindful of your intentions this Ramadan. Pause and reflect on your intention.
vulnerable to corruption. In of the hadiths, the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said, “Whoever fasts one day seeking the pleasure of Allah, if that is the last day of his life, he will enter Paradise.” [Ahmad, 5/391] In another hadith, he (ﷺ) said, “Whoever fasts Ramadan out of faith and with the hope of reward, all his previous sins will be forgiven.” [Reported by al-Bukhaari, Fath, no. 37]Allah subhanahu wata’la blessed us to experience many months of Ramadan, and today we should ask ourselves, “When was the last time we paused for a moment to analyze our intention? Before fasting, have we ever paused and thought about pleasing Allah subhanahu wata’la and getting reward from Him?” So, be mindful of your intentions this Ramadan. Pause and reflect on your intention.
07. Ramadan is not a food extravaganza. We are often told that fasting is
a tool to fight the nafs-the lower self. But it often happens that we fast but feel no change in the power of our nafs. Have you ever wondered why? It is because we eat too much. We eat so much during suhoorand iftaar that we actually do not feel hunger except for an hour or so before breaking our fast. We cannot substantially reduce the power of our nafs unless we discipline it by feeling hunger. So if you want to straighten up you nafs, eat moderately. Also, moderation in eating and drinking will make worshipping Allah easy for you.
a tool to fight the nafs-the lower self. But it often happens that we fast but feel no change in the power of our nafs. Have you ever wondered why? It is because we eat too much. We eat so much during suhoorand iftaar that we actually do not feel hunger except for an hour or so before breaking our fast. We cannot substantially reduce the power of our nafs unless we discipline it by feeling hunger. So if you want to straighten up you nafs, eat moderately. Also, moderation in eating and drinking will make worshipping Allah easy for you.
08. Observe the sunnah of suhoor. Suhoor is a meal that is taken right
before the break of dawn that commences the time of fajr prayer. The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) encouraged us to take suhoor by saying, “Have suhoor, for in suhoor there is blessing (barakah).” [Reported by al-Bukhaari, Fath, 4/139].
before the break of dawn that commences the time of fajr prayer. The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) encouraged us to take suhoor by saying, “Have suhoor, for in suhoor there is blessing (barakah).” [Reported by al-Bukhaari, Fath, 4/139].
Eating suhoor differentiates our fast from that of the Christians and Jews. Also it is sunnah to eat dates in suhoor. The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said, “Suhoor is blessed food, and it involves being different from the people of the Book. A good suhoor for the believer is dates.” [Reported by Abu Dawood, no. 2345; Saheeh al-Targheeb, 1/448]
09. Observe the sunnah of breaking fast. The sunnah of breaking fasts 
are three:
are three:- Hasten to break your fasts. The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said, “The people will be fine so long as they do not delay iftaar.” [Reported by al-Bukhaari, Fath, 4/198]
- Break your fasts with dates. Anas (رضى الله عنه) said, “The Prophet (ﷺ) used to break his fast with fresh dates before praying; if fresh dates were not available, he would eat (dried) dates; if dried dates were not available, he would have a few sips of water.” [Reported by al-Tirmidhi, 3/79 and others. He said it is a ghareeb hasan hadeeth. Classed as saheeh in al-Irwa’, no. 922]
- Recite this dua upon breaking fast: Dhahaba al-zama’, wa’btallat al-‘urooq, wa thabat al-ajru in sha Allah. Thirst is gone, veins are flowing again, and the reward is certain, in sha Allaah).” [Reported by Abu Dawood, 2/765; its isnaad was classed as hasan by al-Daaraqutni, 2/185]
10. Share your iftaar with the poor. The Prophet (ﷺ) said, “Whoever gives food to a fasting person with which to break his fast, will have a reward equal to his, without it detracting in the slightest from the reward of the fasting person.” [Reported by al-Tirmidhi, 3/171; Saheeh al-Targheeb, 1/451] Abdullah ibn Umar (رضى الله عنه) would not break his fast unless he found orphans and poor people to share his iftaar with. If there are no poor people in the locality we are living, we may send some money back home or to countries where there are needy Muslims so that they can have iftaar during this blessed month.
11. Use this Ramadan to improve the quality of your salah. While describing the qualities of a true believer in the Surah Al-Mu’minoon, Allah subhanahu wata’la mentioned salah before everything:
Certainly will the believers have succeeded: they who are during their prayer humbly submissive [The Noble Quran ]
Therefore, it is of extreme importance that we stand before Allah with khushoo (full submissiveness
and focus). In his poignant lecture Salah in Focus, Shaykh Abdul Nasir mentioned three factors that prevent us from standing before Allah with humility and full submissiveness:
and focus). In his poignant lecture Salah in Focus, Shaykh Abdul Nasir mentioned three factors that prevent us from standing before Allah with humility and full submissiveness:- Sinful lifestyle: If we commit sins, we will not be able to develop khushoo in salah. It is simple as that. Sin affects the heart. It destroys the light and tranquility.
- Not preparing for salah: We prepare for work. We prepare for school. But we do not prepare for salah. Human mind is not a machine. It cannot jump from one state to another like a switch does from off-state to on-state. If you have been writing C++ codes for the last three hours, and you suddenly get up and make wuduand start praying, do you expect that your mind will suddenly become fully submissive to Allah? It will not. You need to prepare your mind for a great salah.
- Not understanding the Quran
Therefore, this Ramadan should be the time to initiate a change the first two factors at least. Some ways to initiate that change could be: Determine to (a) do siwak and make wudu before every salah (b) go to mosque by walking (c) arrive at mosque 15 minutes prior to adhan (d) Pray tahiyyaatul msjid if there is no sunnah payer to pray upon entering the mosque (e) pray all the sunnah prayers and do not miss any (f) slow down the pace of your prayer and try to achieve khushooas much as you can (g) memorize some additional opening supplications and adhkars of bowing and prostration (h) reciteauthentic adhkars upon completion of fard prayers (i) prepare well before going to qiyamlul layl so that you do not have to go to toilet in the middle (j) do not miss a single takebeer tahreemaf oftaraweehl/qiuamul layl (k) go to for jumuah salah early.
For sisters, it is best for them to pray at home. However, there is nothing wrong with going to mosque either, provided that they veil themselves properly.
12. Read Quran abundantly. Ramadan is the month of Quran. It is the month that rejuvenates our connection with the Book of Allah. Allah subhanahu wata’la said:
The month of Ramadan [is that] in which was revealed the Qur’an, a guidance for the people and clear proofs of guidance and criterion. [The Noble Quran 2:285]
While you should aim to complete the Quran as many times as you can in this Ramadan and read some
tafaseer, I encourage you to make the intention in this Ramadan to learn the language of the Quran. Until we understand the Arabic of the Quran, we will never be able to truly feel the sweetness of reciting it and connecting with Allah. The whole Madinah Arabic course that teaches the Arabic of the Quran from scratch has been made available in this website for free of cost. We cannot have excuse anymore to remain illiterate in Arabic. The only thing that we need now to learn Arabic is self-discipline. Sincerely ask Allah subhanahu wata’la to give you self-discipline so that you can learn the Arabic of the Quran before Ramadan 1434.
tafaseer, I encourage you to make the intention in this Ramadan to learn the language of the Quran. Until we understand the Arabic of the Quran, we will never be able to truly feel the sweetness of reciting it and connecting with Allah. The whole Madinah Arabic course that teaches the Arabic of the Quran from scratch has been made available in this website for free of cost. We cannot have excuse anymore to remain illiterate in Arabic. The only thing that we need now to learn Arabic is self-discipline. Sincerely ask Allah subhanahu wata’la to give you self-discipline so that you can learn the Arabic of the Quran before Ramadan 1434.
13. CUT OFF TV (actually there shouldn’t be TV in a Muslim house to begin with) + COMPUTER + INTERNET + CELL PHONE. Shaytan will be locked in the month of Ramadan but 
he has already made us addicted to these time thieves. I ask you to be honest with yourself. “Can you not finish your true necessities in computer/internet in three minutes everyday?” The answer is, “You can.” But we spend hours in computer and internet for no justifiable reason. However, this is not the way of a true believer. A true believer is time conscious. He avoids distraction. He is not concerned about anything that does not benefit him. So, be time conscious in this month of Ramadan. Completely cut yourself off from TV, computer, and internet during the month of Ramadan. Do not say, “I can’t.” Because “You can.”
he has already made us addicted to these time thieves. I ask you to be honest with yourself. “Can you not finish your true necessities in computer/internet in three minutes everyday?” The answer is, “You can.” But we spend hours in computer and internet for no justifiable reason. However, this is not the way of a true believer. A true believer is time conscious. He avoids distraction. He is not concerned about anything that does not benefit him. So, be time conscious in this month of Ramadan. Completely cut yourself off from TV, computer, and internet during the month of Ramadan. Do not say, “I can’t.” Because “You can.”
14. Refrain from gossiping and vain talk. The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) 
said, “Whoever does not stop speaking falsehood and acting in accordance with it, Allah has no need of him giving up his food and drink.” (Al-Bukhaari, al-Fath, no. 1903). So refrain from sin and gossiping and vain talk. I also encourage you to control what you think. Any action is first born as a thought. Engage in the dhikr of Allah when you are not directly worshipping Him. Contemplate over the blessing of Ramadan. The goal should be squeezing benefit from every second.
said, “Whoever does not stop speaking falsehood and acting in accordance with it, Allah has no need of him giving up his food and drink.” (Al-Bukhaari, al-Fath, no. 1903). So refrain from sin and gossiping and vain talk. I also encourage you to control what you think. Any action is first born as a thought. Engage in the dhikr of Allah when you are not directly worshipping Him. Contemplate over the blessing of Ramadan. The goal should be squeezing benefit from every second.
15. Beware of laziness and complacency. Laziness is the killer. We start the month of Ramadan
with a lot of enthusiasm. But after a few days, when this initial impetus evaporates, the true test begins. Ramadan is a marathon and you have to sustain the pace until you finish the cross line. Yes, the body will want to relax but we cannot not give up. Because if we give up and relax, we will not achieve our goals and it will be another forgettable Ramadan. Therefore, do not give up. If you do not give up, Allah subhanahu wata’la will make it easy.
with a lot of enthusiasm. But after a few days, when this initial impetus evaporates, the true test begins. Ramadan is a marathon and you have to sustain the pace until you finish the cross line. Yes, the body will want to relax but we cannot not give up. Because if we give up and relax, we will not achieve our goals and it will be another forgettable Ramadan. Therefore, do not give up. If you do not give up, Allah subhanahu wata’la will make it easy.
It is easy to talk the talk but it is hard to walk the walk. Giving advice is easy. Executing is the hard part. So, I ask Allah to make us witness the month of Ramadan and I ask Him to make acting upon these tips easy for us during the blessed month. Ameen!
Source: http://theshardulofallah.wordpress.com/2012/07/10/15-simple-ramadan-tips/
Has not the time yet come for those who believe that
their hearts should be humble for the remembrance of Allah
and what has come down of the truth?
[Surah Al Hadid 57:16]
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