- management@smallchangesmy.org
By Rushdina Sofea and Maira Athirah
Muslims all over the world celebrate Ramadan as a holy month. It is a special time to grow spiritually and personally. Rather than just not eating or drinking during this month, everything we do is a chance to grow closer to our faith and become more religious.
It’s important to do things that keep us busy but also feed our souls and make our spiritual resolve stronger. I will talk about ten good things we can do during Ramadan to make it more enjoyable and help us remember to enjoy this special time. Let’s explore activities that will not only make our Ramadan more meaningful but also have an impact on our lives after the holy month is over!
- Cooking and Meal Planning: Use the time during non-fasting hours to experiment with new recipes, plan elaborate iftar (breaking fast) meals, or prepare special treats for family and friends.
- Exercise: Engage in light physical activities such as walking, yoga, or stretching to keep your body active during the fasting period. It can also be refreshing to go for a walk after iftar to aid digestion.
- Journaling: Take some time to write down your ideas and experiences during Ramadan. Write about your goals for improving your relationship with Allah, your desires for personal growth, and your thoughts on the advantages of fasting. To improve the quality of your journal entries, try adding prayers and passages from the Quran, or thoughts on Islamic principles.
- Reading: Take advantage of your leisure time by focusing on spiritual growth and finishing up your reading list. Whether you’re reading religious texts, books about Islamic history and beliefs, or literary works that promote faith and reflection, reading can be a peaceful way to learn more about Islam and strengthen your relationship with Allah.
- Learning: Learning can be a rewarding method to increase your knowledge and comprehension of your faith, whether you’re studying the Quran, exploring the biography of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him), or learning about the fundamentals of Islamic ethics and morality. Establish spiritual objectives for your educational path, such as learning the Quran by heart or developing virtues like tolerance and kindness. Seek guidance and blessings from Allah along the road as you approach your study with an open heart and a commitment to improve spiritually.
- Gardening: If you have a garden or even just a few pots on a balcony, spend time nurturing your plants. Gardening can be a meditative activity and a way to connect with nature.
- Art and Craft: Get creative with art projects or crafts. Whether it’s painting, drawing, knitting, or crafting homemade decorations for Eid, engaging in artistic pursuits can be both relaxing and fulfilling.
- Organizing and Decluttering: Use the downtime during fasting hours to declutter and organize your living space. This can be a productive way to spend your time and create a more peaceful environment.
- Listening to Podcasts or Audiobooks: Tune in to podcasts or audiobooks on topics of interest while you go about your daily tasks. It’s a great way to learn something new or stay entertained while fasting.
- Volunteering: Make the most of your Ramadan by helping others and showing goodwill to others. Help out at a neighbourhood iftar, volunteer at a local charity, or offer assistance to needy neighbours. Serving others enhances not only the lives of those around you but also your feelings of gratitude, empathy, and compassion.
Take advantage of these occasions to consider how important generosity and selflessness are in Islam, and make an effort to live up to these principles during Ramadan and beyond.
