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EsinIslam
Ramadan
Ramadan Explorer Ask Allah to make this the most awesome,
spiritually uplifting Ramadan you've ever had. Only He can make it happen and
relying on Him completely is one step in boosting our spirits. TV, internet,
radio, cell phone, pager, iPod, etc. No, not all day, but for at least 10
minutes a day. Find a quiet place, close your eyes and connect with God. At
first, your mind will swirl with the useless and not-so-useless info in your
head. But force it to think of three things in these few minutes: Even if you've read
it before, read or listen to Abdul Wahid Hamid's Companions of the Prophet
again this Ramadan. Read about or listen to the story of a Companion daily.
Well-written and short, this is a wonderful way to see how other Muslims
retained their strength of faith against incredible odds. A sure-fire
spirituality booster. The Quran is God's way of
talking to us. It's one of the most important keys to spiritual upliftment.
This Ramadan, connect to the Quran in a new way. If you already read Quran
regularly, perhaps you can choose a new theme to focus on or select a Surah
you haven't read in a while. If you don't read Quran regularly, maybe you can
read just two minutes of Quran a day, reading only from the first page you
encounter when you open up the Book. Whether it's someone who's
away from their family, a person who's having problems with a spouse or their
kids or a fellow student struggling with their grades, make an extra effort
this Ramadan to help others out. The spiritual boost you get in return is well
worth it. While your stomach shrieks in
protest, give that panhandler some change, volunteer at a soup kitchen, get
involved with your local food pantry or make a couple of bag lunches to give
to the hungry you meet on your way to school or work. Ask yourself
what some of your defining traits are. Then decide which is the worst of them.
Is it a hot temper? Apathy? Laziness? Impatience? Whatever it is, use this
Ramadan to put an end to it. Practice the opposite of your bad habit every day
until the end of the month. By then Insha Allah, you'll look back and be
amazed at what a change you've made for the better. The last ten nights
or Ramadan aren't called the Nights of Power for nothing. Use these precious
times for deep, heartfelt Dua (supplication), self-analysis, reflection and
serious thought. |