Tips To Maximize Your Last Days of Ramadan
Don't despair, dear friends, try your best to connect to Allah and open your heart, so you can feel His mercy and blessings. Here are some quick tips that helped me put my ibadah into perspective, with the hopes of maximizing the last ten nights, inshAllah.
Tips for Maximizing the Last 10 Nights of Ramadan
Begin the last 10 days of Ramadan with a clear and genuine intention. Avoid letting any negative thoughts or self-doubt about your past performance discourage you. Remember that the opportunity for forgiveness is always present, and it's never too late to make a positive change. Even if you feel that you could have done better in the past, don't let that hold you back. Instead, look ahead with confidence and determination to make these last 10 days the most productive and rewarding yet.
Dress for the occasion and feel the significance of the night. Your attire and grooming can impact your mindset and attitude towards worship. Take some time to select your best clothes and adorn yourself with perfume. Allow yourself to feel energized and ready for this special night of worship.
Allocate some time to delve into the Tafseer of Sura al-Qadr and gain a deeper understanding of the significance of this special night. Doing so will allow you to truly grasp its immense power and greatness, leaving you with a heightened appreciation for this blessed occasion.
Rather than waiting for the 27th Night, aim to make the most of the entire last 10 days. Stay up on the nights you can and don't miss the opportunity of Laylatul Qadr even by chance. Avoid cultural or social practices that might distract from performing the Sunnah acts. The Prophet SAW simply advised us that whoever stays up and prays on Laylat al-Qadr with faith and hope of reward, will have their past sins forgiven.
Commit to memory and continuously recite the supplication taught by Rasulullah saw, "Allaahumma innaka ‘afuwwun tuhibb al-‘afwa fa’affu ‘anni (O Allah, You are the Forgiver and You love forgiveness, so forgive me)." This powerful invocation will serve as a constant reminder of Allah's infinite mercy and forgiveness.
Create a personal list of supplications for this incredible Night of Qadr, the Night of Destiny. Consider this a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to appeal to Allah, the Most Merciful. Be mindful and deliberate in selecting your most essential needs and desires for this life, your faith, your loved ones, and your afterlife. Remember to include your fellow brothers and sisters in your prayers, particularly those who are struggling and suffering around the globe. This is an unparalleled moment to beseech the Almighty, so make the most of it with a thoughtful and heartfelt dua’ list.
Try to grab some quick naps during the day, if you can. Also, keep your stomach light and try to sleep right after you have performed the Isha prayer. Try to not procrastinate! After a short nap, freshen up and prepare yourself for worship.
Make sure to spend time with your family during these special nights. Encourage your older children to stay up for part of the night and make it a sweet experience for them. Plan something that will engage and inspire them to participate in worship or simply bake something you only make on these nights. Remember, these moments with your family are just as important as your personal worship.
Choose a spot where you can have peace and solitude, with your prayer mat, Qur'an, and water at hand. Disconnect from social media and the outside world to fully connect with Allah SWT. If you feel sleepy, vary your acts of worship to keep yourself engaged.
To avoid feeling drowsy, it's important to keep things fresh during the night. I will have some caffeine to help me not feel sleepy. You can try switching between various acts of worship such as offering qiyaam, reciting heartfelt du'a, or reading the Quran. Sometimes listening to lectures or recitations can also make you feel sleepy so maybe listen to them for a short periods of time.
Perseverance is the key to success. The last 10 days of Ramadan can be challenging, and you may still have work or home and child responsibilities. However, this is the time to endure all the hardships and maintain steadfastness. Remember that Allah SWT has blessed us with this tremendous opportunity that may not come again.
Furthermore, it is crucial to have good expectations of Allah SWT. When making dua', remember that you are supplicating to the Most Generous. If you hope for the best, He will grant you the best. Do not hold back or doubt His generosity and mercy. Trust in Him completely, pour out your heart before Him, and do not allow any negative thoughts to keep you away from Ar-Rahman, Ar-Raheem.
Salam, I’m Zakeeya!
I believe that making our homes a safe haven for our families, as well as being a wife and mother, brings us great blessings, contentment, and benefits to society as a whole. Since 2011, I've been dedicated to assisting Muslimas in finding tranquility in their roles, taking better care of themselves, and achieving inner peace. Our journey in this world is not an easy one, but I pray the tools and guidance I offer will help you face life's challenges with more gratitude and mindfulness. Join me as I share wifehood, motherhood, homemaking, and lifestyle solutions that make life more fulfilling for you as a woman! Read more about me here.
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