#8 TaQwa Habits_Ramadan Challenge
The day starts at maghrib.
As-salaamu alaikum.
Did you experience a spiritually enhanced, energetic, and socially bonded iftar with our previous challenge?
The day in the Hijri calendar starts at Maghrib! So once you are done with iftar, you have entered the next day of Ramadan. So begin strong. Don’t lose the momentum by seeking comfort or mediocrity after your iftar. The best thing is to remind you, of your true purpose of fasting, and the month of Ramadan. Why do we fast? To get a step closer to Allah SWT every day.
Here are three habits you can follow, to ensure that you are spiritually strong at the beginning of another day in Ramadan.
[Spiritual] Ask Allah SWT for acceptance.
Block some time after maghrib in seeking acceptance from Allah SWT.
Think about fasting, your good deeds, daily activities at work and family, etc. Ask Allah SWT to accept all those deeds. Look for your shortcomings, and ask forgiveness. Make plans to overcome them the next day, In sha Allah. This will rest you into an 'Abd of Allah' mode, and inspire you to connect to him back for the rest of the night.
Remember, in the last 10 nights, these hours are so special! Make them count through these beneficial actions.
[Physical] Don’t seek comfort.
It is so tempting to seek comfort right after Maghrib and sit idle. But this may take anyone further to being lazy in their night prayers or back to the world of distractions, and loose talks.
Allah SWT says:
O mankind, indeed the promise of Allah is truth, so let not the worldly life delude you and be not deceived about Allah by the Deceiver(Shaytan).
(Quran 35:5)
Therefore, stay akhirah-minded by not overfilling your stomach, increasing adhkar, seeking beneficial knowledge, and reminding one another about Allah SWT. Keep moving but don’t sit back on your couch. This will increase your energy, and focus on Isha prayer, tarawih, and other good deeds.
[Social] Motivate others to do the above.
“if you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go together.”. Motivate people around you (family or friends) to practice the above. This will help in creating an environment that would nurture habits, to make the most out of this precious time, especially during the last 10 days.
Aisha (r.a) reported:
When the last ten nights of Ramadan arrived, the Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, would tighten his belt, spend the night in worship, and awaken his family.
Source: Ṣaḥīḥ al-Bukhārī 2024, Ṣaḥīḥ Muslim 1174
I hope and pray these habits are useful to you. I ask forgiveness for any shortcomings and acceptance from Allah SWT. Remember in your Duáas in this blessed 10 nights.
Sincere Duáas
Haneef