During the Last 10 Days of Ramadan

We’ve almost reached the end of Ramadan’s and it’s scary how fast they’ve passed. Ramadan is the month of mercy and blessing. The blessed month of Ramadan is the holiest time for reflection and spirituality for Muslims. It provides the perfect opportunity for us to recharge our imaan (faith) and renew our relationship with Allah. Seven tips on how to ensure we receive rewards on a night where worship is like that done for 83 years, as Allah says, “The Night of Decree is better than a thousand months” [Qur’an 97:3]

Purify your intentions

Always purify your intentions, your inner being and your heart. Intention is like the soul, and actions like the body: If the soul leaves the body, the body dies. The Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings upon him) said, “The reward of deeds depends upon the intentions and every person will get the reward according to what he has intended…” [Sahih al-Bukhari]

Better your five daily prayers

As the whole world battles the effects of the Coronavirus pandemic, we need hope and encouragement more than ever before. Make the most important task in Ramadan to fix your daily prayers and praying on time. “...And the most beloved things which My slave comes nearer to Me, is what I have enjoined (obligatory) upon him; and My slave keeps on coming closer to Me through performing nawafil (praying or doing extra deeds besides what is obligatory) till I love him…” [Sahih al-Bukhari]

Increase your connection with the Qur’an

Recite the Qur’an everyday. We can indulge more in reciting Qur’an to receive immense rewards. 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… [Qur’an: Chapter 2, Verse 185]

Repent and stay away from ill speech

The Muslim has to control his tongue and not speak unless he says something good. We should avoid speaking ill of others. “And he who repents and does righteousness does indeed turn to Allah with [accepted] repentance. And [they are] those who do not testify to falsehood, and when they pass near ill speech, they pass by with dignity.” [Qur’an: Chapter 25, Verses 71-72]

Make a lots of dua and dhikr

Dedicate your time to dua and dhikr every day. Offer lots of dhikr in remembrance of Allah (SWT) and reap the rewards. And when My servants ask you, [O Muhammad], concerning Me - indeed I am near. I respond to the invocation of the supplicant when he calls upon Me. So, let them respond to Me [by obedience] and believe in Me that they may be [rightly] guided. [Qur’an: Chapter 2, Verse 186]

Pray Night Prayers

Due to the outbreak of Coronavirus, Malaysia has banned all congregational religious activities, including the regular communal prayers at mosques, since 18 March. Despite we’re unable to go for taraweeh at the mosques, we can pray at home with the family during Ramadan. When it comes to salah, quality is definitely better than quantity. By staying at home, you can focus all your time and energy on worship and staying away from unnecessary worldly talks.

Give charity

Give extra charity (sadaqah) to the deserving and needy during the auspicious month of Ramadan. Giving to charity during the Night of Power (Laylat-ul-Qadr) for example is equal to an act of giving to charity for a 1000 months =83.33 years x 365 days = over 30, 415 days. Whatever you give will be as if you had donated continuously for 83 years! Subhanallah! What a great return for such a little amount given.

Through all this, you will notice a natural closeness develops with Allah and a sense of calm and belonging comes over you. May Allah accept your prayers and good deeds this Ramadan and enrich our lives.