Once again we are getting close to the most blessed month of the year Ramadan and this time we are more prepared than last year as many of us learned to thrive in new ways and adapt the change. Considering the recent government decision to ease down the lockdown, some mosques are planning to reopen for daily congregational prayers with online registration form. Whilst, the social distance, mask wearing and use of own prayer mat will continue be in place, it is also likely that with the safe plan in place some mosques will open during Ramadan in line of following government’s advice of Covid-19 safety measures and restrictions. This is expected to ease up further under the fourth and final stage, from 21st June 2021, and only if the data-based conditions are met, the government plans that all legal limits on social distancing will be ended.
Nevertheless, here we are again approaching this year’s Ramadan with joy and a hope of things getting back to normal In Sha Allah. Keeping in mind all the factors happening around us, here are few tips we gathered to keep in mind for a productive Ramadan in these unique times.
Plan
Our dear Prophet ṣallallāhu 'alayhi wa sallam (peace and blessings of Allāh be upon him) said: “He who observes fasting during the month of Ramadan with faith while seeking its reward from Allah, will have his past sins forgiven.” Reported by Abu Hurairah raḍyAllāhu 'anhu (may Allāh be pleased with him) [Bukhari].
To make the most out of this blessed month, we should not pile tasks on our schedule and wait till the appropriate minute to fulfil it. Making a realistic plan is definitely a good place to start with. Divide the month into three parts where each part consists of 10 days. This is an efficient way to accomplish your schedule according to the spiritual importance of the month.
Dua'a
Although, every dua we do in every salah is an important one for us. However, in these challenging times where many of us have directly or indirectly been affected gives our duas more depth and gives us another opportunity to ask Allah (s.w.t) for best in our favour. Writing down our thoughts from now only gives us an advantage to add more as we get close to Ramadan or the last ten nights. Remember there is no limit to what we ask, Allah Almighty says in the Holy Quran: “When my servants ask you concerning me, (tell them) I am indeed close (to them). I listen to the prayer of every suppliant when he calls on me.” (Quran, 2:186). Dua is known to be very powerful in Islam as it can change our fate and it can be the most supportive for a Muslim at the time of grief and sorrows. Through Dua, we also thank Allah for whatever he has given us whether it is our heartbeat, our breath, our health or our wealth, all of these things are provided us by Allah. The Prophet Muhammad (SAW) said: “Whosoever desires that Allah answers his Duas in unfavourable and difficult conditions, he should make plentiful Dua in days of ease and comfort.”
There is also a high reward of making dua for others in private. When you do make dua for others in private, Allah (s.w.t) sends an angel to you whom replies, “Ameen and same to you”. If you help someone, Allah (s.w.t) helps you.
Practice
The best way to practice yourself for Ramadan is to fast. There are plenty of ways you can do that, but the best is to follow sunnah and fast on Mondays and Thursdays. Abu Huraira reported: The Messenger of Allah, peace and blessings be upon him, said, “The deeds are presented on Monday and Thursday. Thus, I love for my deeds to be presented while I am fasting.” Sunan al-Tirmidhī 747
Family Productivity with Deen
This can be very effective and sufficient way to bring our hearts closer and learn more from each other. Furthermore, builds productive habits to please Allah (s.w.t). Work on few goals to achieve together as a family whether it is raising donations or increasing knowledge of Islam, there is something positive we can all take action on with a support of each other.
Safe socialization
Following the government guidelines that are in effect in your local areas, find ways to safely engage with those around you. As we approach to a more bright and hopeful stages in coming months there is a possibility where we may be able to do our basic Ramadan traditions such as sending iftar to a neighbour’s house.
From 29 March, the stay-at-home rule will be scrapped and outdoor gatherings of six people from up to six separate households or an unlimited number of people from two households will be permitted, and this will include those gatherings in private gardens. Please refer to this link to learn more about how you can socialize safely with time.
Share & Give in different ways
These challenging and tough times that we are going through, there is a growing need for people in a much more difficult state out there, beyond the financial need. Try to work on finding new ways to reach out to those who are in needs. This can be anything from food, monetary support to emotional support or physical presence. In modern times that we live in, there are more ways of doing such acts in a convenient way then before. Therefore, we should take this advantage to act upon our sunnah’s and please Allah (s.w.t).
The Prophet (sallalahu alayhi wa sallam) also said, "We (Muslims) are the last (to come) but will be the foremost on the Day of Resurrection." The narrators of this Hadith said: Allah said (to man), 'Spend (in charity), for then I will compensate you (generously).'" (Bukhari)
May Allah (S.W.T) make things easier than last year for all of us, allow us all to reach and live through the blessed month of Ramadan and gain benefit from its many blessings. Ameen