#7 TaQwa Habits_Ramadan Challenge
Towards iftar time in Ramadan
As-salaamu 'alaikum community,
As we approach the final phase of Ramadan, the blessed last ten nights, it is a time of mixed emotions as most days have passed, and yet the best is to come. It is crucial during this period to be more mindful of its significance, plan accordingly, and make the most of these sacred nights.
A comparable moment in our daily lives during Ramadan occurs as Iftar time approaches. This is a special time between Allah SWT and His servant.
After a busy day at work or managing daily tasks, it is easy to fall into complacency and miss out on the spiritual benefits of this moment. Therefore, actively seeking the spiritual benefits of this time is vital.
Here are three habits that would help us to switch to 'Abd of Allah' mode, and be more mindful of our tasks.
[Spiritual] Block 20 mins to seek beneficial knowledge.
The Messenger of Allah ﷺ said,
“Seeking knowledge is an obligation upon every male and female Muslim.”
Alhamdulillah, we live in an era where everyone has access to beneficial knowledge. During Ramadan, many respected scholars and Imams share wisdom that brings us closer to Allah SWT. If you find yourself pressed for time, subscribe to one of their teachings and spend about 20 minutes each day learning from them.
Even better, enroll in a course or study a particular book that offers beneficial knowledge, and allocate time each day for this purpose to avoid distractions.
[Physical] Include tayyib in your Iftar.
Allah says:
O mankind, eat from whatever is on earth [that is] lawful and good and do not follow the footsteps of Satan. Indeed, he is to you a clear enemy. (Quran 2:168)
Ensure that your Iftar includes foods that enable you to perform your obligatory and night prayers mindfully. As mentioned in the Quran, the food we consume can lead us astray if not chosen carefully. Have you ever felt too heavy after Iftar, making it difficult to pray at night? Therefore, consuming Tayyib foods is particularly important in the last ten days of Ramadan. Eat moderately and avoid filling your stomach completely. Choose energy-boosting foods over those that drain your energy. For example, opt for an avocado instead of a samosa.
[Social]Remind your flock about Iftar.
Abdullah ibn Umar reported: The Messenger of Allah, peace and blessings be upon him, said, “Every one of you is a shepherd and is responsible for his flock. The leader of people is a guardian and is responsible for his subjects. A man is the guardian of his family and he is responsible for them. A woman is the guardian of her husband’s home and his children and she is responsible for them. The servant of a man is a guardian of the property of his master and he is responsible for it. No doubt, every one of you is a shepherd and is responsible for his flock.”
Source: Ṣaḥīḥ al-Bukhārī 7138, Ṣaḥīḥ Muslim 1829
Our social responsibilities come with responsibilities and the rights others have upon us. We gain social energy by fulfilling these duties. Often, we break our fast with family, friends, or the community. Take a moment to remind them of the significance of this time and enhance the spiritual awareness. Share the Duas of Iftar, which helps renew our intention to fast solely for Allah SWT.
اللَّهُمَّ لَكَ صُمْتُ وَعَلَى رِزْقِكَ أَفْطَرْتُ
Allahumma inni laka sumtu wa ala rizq-ika-aftartu
O Allah! For You I have fasted and upon your provision, I have broken my fast.
Abu Dawud: 2358
May Allah SWT accept our fasting, prayers, and efforts in this blessed month of Ramadan, and help each one of us to make it into a long-term habit, to succeed in this world, and hereafter.
Sincere Duaas
Haneef