Come 12 March 2024, the fasting month of Ramadan will be here. Ramadan is always a good time to engage with our inner selves and with our Creator ❤️
At the end of the blissful month, it's not about how nice our new clothes are, or how much we cook for Eid, but the good deeds that we do will help us to be better people.
Before the holy month arrives, establish your intentions. Here are 7 easy good deeds to do during Ramadan that'll reap rewards.
1. Prepare a meal for your loved ones
Zayd ibn Khaalid al-Juhani said: The Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) said: “Whoever gives iftar to one who is fasting will have a reward like his, without that detracting from the reward of the fasting person in the slightest.”
Sahih At-Tirmidhi. Whipping up dishes in your kitchen is now made easy with technologically advanced appliances such as an all-in-one air fryer.
Take this as a chance to bond with your family members too!
Fret not; the team at HHWT has prepared some easy and scrumptious meals you can whip up for sahur or iftar! Your family and friends will be thanking you for this one.
2. Reconnect with old friends over iftar
The Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) said: “Anyone who wants to have his provision expanded and his term of life prolonged should maintain ties of kinship.” [Al Adab Al Mufrad]
Another reason why a lot of Muslims are looking forward to the blessed month of Ramadan is the ability to rekindle old friendships over iftar.
There are also various options that you and your mates can choose from – from a good old hearty meal at the mosque to various irresistible bazaar goodies.
When you are jam-packed with events and work commitments throughout the year, it sure feels nice to kick back and have a tea (and dates) with old buddies.
3. Recite and internalize the Quran on a daily basis
For many individuals, it is easy to read the Quran. But most of the time, we often overlook internalizing the meaning of the Quran and inculcate its teachings in our daily lives.
Ramadan is also known as the month of the Quran so what better way to celebrate this beautiful month than to recite it every day?
You are also rewarded for every Arabic letter that you recite. For those who are not familiar with the Arabic letters and tajwid yet, fret not, it’s never too late for you to start.
The beauty of Islam is how we’re being rewarded for our intention (niat) and our attempts, not at the end product.
“(It is) the month of Ramadan in which the Qur’an was revealed as a guidance for mankind, clear proofs giving guidance, and the Criterion (for distinguishing right and wrong). So whoever of you witnesses this month, let him fast it.” [2:185]
4. Perform Sunnah prayers
Another way to feel accomplished during Ramadan is knowing that you’ve attempted to perform your non-obligatory prayers before or after your Fardhu prayers.
In a month full of blessings, the 2 to 20 rakaat Sunnah prayers that you perform might be the gateway to receive from Allah whatever your heart is yearning for.
In addition to that, it is always during these quiet, intimate prayers that you will feel the closest to Allah.
5. Give extra charity
Apart from the obligatory zakat, we are also encouraged to give extra charity during the blessed month of Ramadan.
Charity does not necessarily mean forsaking monetary means; even helping your parents cook or donating your old clothes to the one who needs them more is also a part of charity.
The satisfaction and happiness that you will feel once you’ve helped someone to ease their day is definitely indescribable.
Even smiling at a stranger is also a charity! Jabir ibn Abdullah reported: The Messenger of Allah, peace and blessings be upon him, said, “Every good deed is charity.
Verily, it is a good deed to meet your brother with a cheerful face, and to pour what is left from your bucket into the vessel of your brother.”
6. Increase your remembrance of Allah
Start off and end Ramadan by remembering why you chose to fast in the first in the place, and it’s all because of Allah S.W.T.
During this holy month of Ramadan, it is essential to increase your remembrance of Allah by doing simple things such as zikr or setting your intentions right.
We can also do this through attending religious talks or events that brings the community closer.
7. Volunteer for charity events
Time is always the best gift that you can offer to someone. Hence, volunteering does not stop in Ramadan.
In fact, it should fuel you to do your best when offering assistance to anyone. The number of activities that you can do is limitless as there are many welfare organisations that are always in need of volunteers.
In addition to the increase of rewards, volunteering also widens your perspectives in life and your social network.
You’re able to make friends and give. There is definitely nothing better than that.
There are many ways that you can do to make Ramadan 2024 more meaningful, so let's try to make the best out of this month as much as possible. Ramadan Mubarak everyone!