Do you ever feel like you are losing out? Despite all the struggles, you cannot succeed. And sometimes, when you have everything, there is a void that hampers you to feel good about your life. This, my friend, is the moment when you have to reflect on your spiritual status. How strong is your connection with your Rabb?
One way of boosting this connection is to devote yourself to the Word of Allah. See how your Rabb speaks to you and what he wants from you. And the best time to refresh your Divine connectivity is in the month of Ramadan. In these blessed days, there is so much you can do to gain proximity with your Lord.
However, you cannot kickstart your journey towards Allah in Ramadan and end it as the month closes. Rather, you have to prepare in advance. The companions of the Prophet (PBUH) used to get ready for Ramadan six months in advance. If you are willing to tread on the same track, here are some measures you can take:
• Make your Mind
Don’t wait until Ramadan to say goodbye to those bad habits. Instead, work on shedding them off right now. Spot your negative habits and weed them out gradually. Elevate your patience, be extra careful while conversing with people, and make sure you are not talking bad about people on their back. Apart from these, you know well which bad habit you have. Try to fix it as soon as possible.
The Prophet (PBUH) said: “All the children of Adam constantly err, but the best of those who constantly err are those who constantly repent.” (Tirmidhi)
• Fast Voluntarily
Shabaan is the prime time when you can begin fasting voluntarily or make up for the missed fasts.
Usamah ibn Zayd (may Allah be pleased with him) said: I said, ‘Oh Messenger of Allah, I do not see you fasting in any other month like you fast in Shabaan.’
He said, ‘That is a month to which people do not pay attention, between Rajab and Ramadan, and it is a month in which deeds are lifted up to the Lord of the Worlds. I like for my deeds to be lifted up when I am fasting.’” (Narrated by al-Nasaai)
Hence, it is a preparatory time given to believers. You will understand the challenges that await you in the next month. When you stop eating and drinking, you get to realize how there are more meaningful things in a Muslim’s life than mere satisfaction of their cravings. Besides, the reward you get for it will keep you highly motivated.
The Prophet said, “(Allah said), ‘Every good deed of Adam’s son is for him except fasting; it is for Me, and I shall reward (the fasting person) for it.’ Verily, the smell of the mouth of a fasting person is better to Allah than the smell of musk.” (Bukhari)
• Read and Reflect on the Quran
“Ramadan is the month in which the Qur’an was sent down as a guide for humanity with clear proofs of guidance and to tell apart between right and wrong.” (Surah 2, Ayah 185)
Ramadan is the month of the Quran. There is no way you can achieve a spiritual uplift if you have zero bonding with this Book. Since you feel distanced from Allah and are looking for a faith boost, begin your reflection on the Quran in the month of Shabaan. Spot the areas you have to work on. If your tajweed is weak, find a teacher for it. If you feel you want to know what your Allah wants from you, begin the translation.
The point is, make an aim even if you read a single verse, and it’s worth the effort. Aishah (RA) related that the Prophet (PBUH) said: “Indeed the one who recites the Qur’an beautifully, smoothly and precisely, will be in the company of the noble and obedient angels. As for the one who recites with difficulty, stammering or stumbling through its verses, then he will have twice that reward.” (Muslim)
Therefore, you will get ample rewards at every level of your Quran learning. You can also opt for online Quran reading classes in the month of Shabaan.
• Make Dua’a
As you are setting goals for Ramadan, keep making Dua to Allah. He is the One in Power. Ask Him to help you meet the month with great vigor and high levels of spirit. Also, plead Him to make you among the chosen people in the Hereafter. A solid connection with the Creator at prior is the biggest blessing you can achieve. Pray that you meet and greet the upcoming Ramadan in the best shape and health.
Conclusion
In the end, it is apt to state that Ramadan is the month we should not take lightly. It can change your life if you know how to make the most out of every moment. When your ambitions are good, Allah will eventually help you out, insha’Allah!
Have a Blessed Holy Month, and remember us in your prayers!
