Whilst this may be the case, like in any battle, the soldiers must prepare themselves to win. Our battle in this instance is to maintain a relationship with the Qur’an and continue to build on whatever we have accomplished this Ramadan. Even if it was not as productive as you would have liked, to learn from the mistakes made in Ramadan and kick-start a solid relationship with the Qur’an in the coming months is important.

Abdullah ibn Masud said:

“The house in which the Qur’an is not recited is like a derelict (forsaken) house that has no one to maintain it.” [Al-Musannaf]

Never let your home become forsaken; so long as you have breath in your lungs, you are able to hold tight to the Qur’an and its teachings. Regardless of whatever deadlines we have, our souls need to be taken care of. We all take time to ensure we smell nice, look good and eat well. So, give your soul as well the food it requires by nourishing it with the Qur’an, and never neglect it. Our bodies are finite entities, so feed the soul that will hold you up when your body is no longer strong. Feed the soul to keep your heart awake.

Here are 10 tips to help you start, develop and maintain a strong relationship with the book of Allah after Ramadan, no matter how busy you are in sha Allah:

1. Treat every month as if it’s Ramadan

“And We have sent down to you the Book as clarification for all things and as guidance and mercy and good tidings for the Muslims.” [Qur’an: Chapter 16, Verse 89]

While the blessed days have passed, our mentality towards worship should not change. This verse applies to every day; Ramadan is a special time to spend with the Qur’an but that does not mean we should neglect it outside of this month. Try to shift your perception of Ramadan from being a once a year peak performance demonstration, to seeing Ramadan as a glimpse of what you’re capable of doing every day. Think of all that you were able to achieve whilst fasting, and now imagine what you can do outside of Ramadan.

Sometimes, with all the hustle and bustle of daily life, the Qur’an can seem like an added burden to make time for. Allah says:

“We have not sent down to you the Qur’an that you be distressed” [Qur’an: Chapter 20, Verse 2]

Adjust your mindset to see the Qur’an as something that you need, that will undoubtedly bring you peace and contentment. The truth is, any day could be our last and it’s what we invest into the next life that is worth more than anything this life can give.

2. Set your goals

Set a target for yourself. Do you want to complete the entire Qur’an or focus on particular surahs? Is there a portion you want to successfully memorize? Whatever the case may be, setting yourself realistic and measurable goals will help keep you focused to achieve it insha’Allah.

This is a personal goal for you, your abilities and what you are in need of to boost your iman. Not what someone else can do. Write it down in your diary, phone or wall – keep it around you before your eyes so you always remember what the goal is. Make it a tangible goal where you can see real progress.

Your goals don’t have to be massive, they can be small. They just need to be consistent.

“Is any one of you incapable of reciting a third of the Qur’an in a night? They (the Companions) asked: How could one recite a third of the Qur’an (in a night)? Upon this he (the Holy Prophet) said: “‘Say: He is Allah, One’ (Qur’an. cxii) is equivalent to a third of the Qur’an.” [Muslim]

The Qur’an is full of so much barakah that even just Surah Al Ikhlas has a reward equivalent to a third of the entire Qur’an? So what’s stopping you from spending just a few minutes with His book?

3. Set a time for Qur’an

We can set as many goals as we like, but without being prepared or planning the journey to that destination, it can be extremely difficult. On a weekly basis, work out when you will have the time to read the Qur’an and associated activities that you are focusing on.

Are you able to have a set time? Maybe during your commute or in the morning when you wake up? Or perhaps before you sleep? It is great if you can but if not, do not panic. Use whatever time you have to do as much as you can. Some days may be busier than others and you may not be able to read whatever portion you had planned for. Hold yourself accountable for this and ensure to catch up with what you have missed on top of the planned activities for the next day.

This is important in ensuring you have a regular habit in place that you try to maintain to attain the goals you have made for that month. Even better, create a post-Ramadan Qur’an group with your friends to help you stay motivated and connected to the Qur’an even when you feel your enthusiasm dipping. Remember that whatever time you spend with the Qur’an, it will come back to help you in a way that you can’t even imagine.

“Fasting and the Qur’an will intercede for a person on the Day of Resurrection. Fasting will say: O Lord, I kept him from his food and desires during the day; let me intercede for him. And the Qur’an will say: I kept him from sleeping during the night; let me intercede for him. And they will be allowed to intercede.” [Musnad Ahmad]

4. Don’t let Shaytan undermine you

We procrastinate with excuses as to why we cannot regularly recite and ponder over the Qur’an.

• You might “lack time” – but you are reading this which means you have time to surf the net! Cut out idle activities or wake up 15 minutes earlier.
• You feel bad because “you don’t understand” what you read – find a Qur’an teacher, read translations and tafsir or start learning Arabic.
• You may think “you’ll do it on the weekend” – give yourself the reality check of life. You may not have tomorrow so do what you need to today!

Sadly, it may just be a case of “I don’t know why, I just can’t get in the habit” – In order to make a habit, you must strive. The climb up the mountain is never easy but if you stop midway you will never reach the top. Small steps are better than no steps.

Remember that Shaytan comes for you when you take a step towards Allah . Now that he’s out after Ramadan, he’ll use all sorts of mental games to stop you from becoming a better version of yourself, and make you come up with a million excuses to delay spending time with the Qur’an. Catch him whenever he gives you an excuse.

In a world of information overload, our brains are used to idle easy useless information being the easiest to focus on. But with anything in life, what you get out is what you put in. If you haven’t given the Qur’an importance in your daily life, then how will you get any barakah from it? In the beginning, it may feel like a struggle, and easy to just change the app on your phone and play a game instead. However, it’s in those moments of discomfort that you become stronger and build good habits whilst letting go of negative ones.

Whatever is worth having, will not come easy. So especially in the beginning, invest in the Qur’an and stay committed, and after that beginning hurdle of difficulty, the Qur’an will become something that you cannot go without.

5. Give yourself a reward

“[Whoever recites a letter] from Allah’s Book, then he receives the reward from it, and the reward of ten the like of it. I do not say that Alif Lam Mim is a letter, but Alif is a letter, Lam is a letter and Mim is a letter.” [Jami’ at-Tirmidhi]

Allah has given us innumerable rewards for reading His book, but with any habit in life, rewards make them easier to keep. Think of bad habits for example. The reason they’re so addictive is that they have a short-term immediate reward. It’s what keeps us drawn to them. However, good habits can be as addictive as bad habits. Think about what reward will you give yourself for time spent with the Qur’an. Maybe it’ll be your milestone before you make that new purchase. Maybe your reward will be your favorite meal. It doesn’t matter what it is, but you’ll savor that reward knowing the hard work that you put in for it.

6. Take time to understand the Qur’an

As well as reciting the Qur’an, make time to read the translation and tafsir. This could be by reading them on your own, or by attending classes at a local masjid or institute. This is really an important part of developing an understanding of the Qur’an; many of us fall out of the habit of reading it because we fail to understand what it is that we are reading.

Allah says that the Qur’an is “a guidance for the people and clear proofs of guidance and criterion.” [Qur’an: Chapter 2, Verse 185]

We should not miss out on obtaining this guidance because we do not understand the language. Make it a goal to learn Arabic, however in the meantime, utilize the translated works available to understand, absorb, and implement the message of the Qur’an in your daily life. There is so much available out there already, so take advantage now.

“But which one do I follow? There’s so many out there.”

Come to the Qur’an with sincere intentions, and Allah will guide you in the best way. Have no doubt about that. He will put the people in your life that you need to give you the answers you’re looking for.

7. Recite out loud

The Qur’an was made to be recited out loud. Can you remember a time where you heard a Qur’an recitation that was so moving, that it had you in awe?

“The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said: ‘Make your voices beautiful when you recite Quran.'” [Nasa`i]

I was once sitting with 2 friends where one of them was frustrated that she wasn’t getting a spiritual experience from reciting the Qur’an, so the other one asked if she was reciting out loud or just reading silently. She explained that Allah’s book was sent down orally to be recited out loud and that you miss out on a significant part of the spiritual experience if you only ever recite silently in your heart.

But what if your pronunciation isn’t that great? Or you don’t know your tajweed rules? What if you don’t have a nice voice?

Practice, practice, practice! Every master was once a beginner. Every reciter you listen to has put endless hours of practice into beautifying their recitation. Thinking that you’re going to be perfect with no practice is a self-sabotaging form of procrastination. Not only that but the struggle you go through to read means you get double the reward.

“He who finds it hard (to recite the Qur’an) will have a double reward.” [Muslim]

8. Implement what you learn

The stories in the Qur’an are full of lessons. Take time to ponder over them and ask yourself how you can implement what you have learned into your life? The Qur’an highlights for us the imperfections we have, whilst giving us the ideas on how to change for the best. Listening to the Qur’an can be healing and soothing, however, the fundamental reason for the verses to be revealed is to guide a person to the straight path. Whatever portion you read, ask yourself how you can change your life based on it. Keep a journal with the points you have learned and how you will work towards developing a personality complementary to the Qur’an. Remember the hadith of Aishah :

“The character of the Messenger of Allah was the Qur’an.” [Abu Dawud]

9. Beautify your salah

The Prophet (ﷺ) said, “It is a bad thing that some of you say, ‘I have forgotten such-and-such verse of the Qur’an,’ for indeed, he has been caused (by Allah) to forget it. So you must keep on reciting the Qur’an because it escapes from the hearts of men faster than camel do.” [Bukhari]

With anything in life, the moment you stop practicing, you become weaker at it. The same goes for Qur’an. Without taking regular time to practice, what you’ve learned will leave you. When we take a shower, it doesn’t mean we never have to take a shower again. When we eat lunch, it doesn’t mean we won’t become hungry again.

One of the best ways to retain your Qur’an is by reciting it in your salah. Salah can sometimes feel like a repetitive ritual if we only stick to the same short surahs at the end of the Qur’an. So when you read Qur’an, make an intention to recite what you’ve learned in your salah. It’s an easy and effective way to retain Qur’an and make your salah more meaningful.

10. Make Dua

Lastly, but by no means least – always ask Allah to help you in your quest to understand His words. We are unable to achieve anything without Allah granting us the ability to do so. The beauty of this is that Allah can help us achieve that which everyone else thinks we are unable to do.

Never let the words or actions of others put you down; whatever your goals are concerning the Qur’an and understanding it, put your trust in Allah that He will make it possible. Whatever rocks, boulders, or mountains come in your way, never forget that Allah knows your soul can handle the struggle. Break down whatever blocks that try to prevent you from grasping the Qur’an by always turning to Allah and asking Him to make the Qur’an the light of your life and heart!

Be an orange

A believer who recites the Qur’an is like an orange whose fragrance is sweet and whose taste is sweet; a believer who does not recite the Qur’an is like a date which has no fragrance but has a sweet taste; [Muslim]

Qur’an is one of the few things that never decreases or takes away from your time. It has so much power to bring you contentment and ease in every part of your life if you welcome it. So let’s make a goal from now to build and strengthen our relationship with His book.

What are your tips on maintaining a close relationship with the Qur’an post-Ramadan?

The post 10 Easy Tips to Keep a Relationship with the Qur’an After Ramadan appeared first on ProductiveMuslim.com.

However, there are many easy and simple acts that we can do throughout the day, even at work, that will allow us to reap major rewards no matter how busy we are. Instead of feeling upset over lack of time, following precious Sunnah acts taught by the Prophet will bring you barakah, allow you to gain major rewards this Ramadan, as well as, boost your spirituality and overall performance.

So, here are 12 super Sunnahs that you can do even if you’re busy.

1. Renewing your intention daily

There are two major hadiths that we need to be reminded of here. First, the beloved Prophet said:

“(Allah said), ‘every good deed of Adam’s son is for him except fasting; it is for Me. and I shall reward (the fasting person) for it.’ Verily, the smell of the mouth of a fasting person is better to Allah than the smell of musk.” [Sahih Bukhari]

Also, the Prophet says:

“He who observes fasting during the month of Ramadan with faith while seeking its reward from Allah, will have his past sins forgiven.” [Al-Bukhari and Muslim].

So, by looking at the first hadith, remember that in your long hours of fasting, you are engaged in worship for the sake of Allah . So, be filled with gratitude that He enabled you to witness this month and do this major act of worship for His sake. Those long hours of fasting are hours of devotion, gratitude and spirituality. If you’re busy or at work or serving your family during those hours, this actually brings you even more rewards- if you remain steadfast for the sake of Allah .

So renew your intentions daily.  Remember that fasting is an act that can omit your past sins, as well as bring you special major rewards from Allah . Do not take your fasting for granted.

Additionally, the state of mindfulness of the intentions behind actions is the essence of taqwa (God-consciousness) which we are supposed to develop in Ramadan. Taqwa is one of the most essential qualities that Allah wants us to develop, and if you take steps to increase taqwa in Ramadan, then this will be a great step towards your overall development as a human being. So make sure to remain conscious and renew your intentions. You will get the rewards of what you intended, so make your intentions sincere and beautiful, as the Prophet says:

“Verily actions are by intentions, and for every person is what he intended.” [Sahih al Bukhari]

2. Making dua for others

The prophet said,

“When a Muslim supplicates for his absent brother the angels say: Ameen, and may you receive the like.” [Abu Dawud]

For those with busy schedules, you may find that you are unable to spend time with friends and loved ones. So, whenever you remember any person you love – or even those you’re in disagreement with- make sure you make dua (supplication) for them. Be generous in what you ask for because the angels will make the same dua for you!

Making dua for loved ones is easy, yet a major gift that we can grant them; and making dua for people we’re in disagreement with helps soften our hearts towards them and melts down any ill feelings we have. This is a beautiful way to gain spiritual peace, serenity and aim for a sound heart.

So whenever you’re at work, at home or on your commute, remember the people in your life, and make dua for them.

3. Getting the blessing of eating suhoor

The prophet said, “Take suhoor, for in suhoor there is blessing.” [An nasai]

Many people miss the suhoor meal because it can be difficult to wake up before dawn and eat. However, this time and this meal have many benefits. If you wake up in this blessed time, you can make dua, pray a few units of prayer and/or make istighfar. This is an optimal time for worship, and you’re not busy at this time. This blessed time can give you energy and nourish you spiritually and give you peace ahead of your busy, hectic working day.

Also, when you intend to eat the suhoor meal, you’re actually in a state of obedience to Allah and His Messenger because it is following the Sunnah of the Prophet . Not only that, it allows you to have energy throughout the day to enable you to maximize your productivity and focus. So, opt for healthy options, you can also opt for dates because it is also sunnah and has many nutritional benefits.

Narrated Abu Hurairah:

The Prophet as saying: “How good is the believers meal of dates shortly before dawn.” [Sunan Abi Dawud]

4. Feeding people

One of the highly rewarded and most recommended acts by the Prophet is feeding people. The verses and hadiths that encourage feeding people are plenty.

For example, the Messenger said:

“Whoever provides the food for a fasting person to break his fast with, then for him is the same reward as his (the fasting person’s), without anything being diminished from the reward of the fasting person.” [At Tirmidhi]

And in another hadith, ‘Abdullah bin ‘Amr bin Al-‘as (May Allah be pleased with them) reported:

A man asked Messenger of Allah (ﷺ), “Which act in Islam is the best?” He (ﷺ) replied, “To feed (the poor and the needy) and to greet those whom you know and those you do not know.”[Al-Bukhari and Muslim].

This is a beautiful sunnah to follow. It is an act of worship wherein by serving others, you get nourished. It increases humility and selflessness and softens one’s heart.

It could be done in a variety of ways. You can prepare the food yourself, or buy it or donate the money to someone who is engaged in projects of feeding those in need. By doing so, you also follow this verse:

“And they give food in spite of love for it to the needy, the orphan, and the captive, [Saying], “We feed you only for the countenance of Allah. We wish not from you reward or gratitude.” [Qur’an, Chapter 76: 8-9]

So, plan to feed people, especially those in need, this Ramadan. The fulfillment of seeing others in need eating from what you cooked or bought will increase you in gratitude to Allah and enrich your own soul.

5. Engaging in dhikr & tasbeeh

One of the most highly rewarding acts one can do is to engage in the remembrance of Allah . Even though it’s effortless, but it shows sincerity, mindfulness and desire to remain in connection with Allah .

The reward of this act is major, Abu Ad-Darda [may Allah be pleased with him] narrated that:

The Prophet said: “Should I not inform you of the best of your deed, and the purest of them with your Master, and the highest of them in your ranks, and what is better for you than spending gold and silver, and better for you than meeting your enemy and striking their necks, and they strike your necks?” They said: “Of course.” He said, “The remembrance of Allah [Most High].” [Then] Mu’adh bin Jabal [may Allah be pleased with him] said: “There is nothing that brings more salvation from the punishment of Allah than the remembrance of Allah.” [At-Tirmidhi]

So, while working or commuting, you can easily make dhikr, and remember that even though in normal days the reward of this act is big, it is even bigger in Ramadan.

Az-Zuhri said:

“A Tasbeehah in Ramadan is better than a thousand Tasbeehah in other that it.” [At Tirmidhi]

6. Setting a realistic Qur’an memorization target

Ramadan is the month of the Qur’an. It is the month when the Qur’an was sent down. Not progressing with our Qur’an relationship during this month might leave us feeling at loss by the end of the month.

So, plan realistically, but remember Allah’s generosity and help. Don’t overwhelm yourself, but also don’t give up entirely. Set a realistic target for reading as well as memorizing something of the Qur’an this Ramadan.

It could be a few verses only that you memorize, understand and apply, it could be a page or a Surah.

Seek Allah’s Help, and add something to your heart from the Book of Allah this month. This will make you feel more accomplished by the end of the month.

The Prophet and his companions used to engage with Qur’an like no other time during this month. So, make this month’s relationship with the Qur’an special too.

7. Treating parents beautifully

Regardless of where you’re at in your relationship with your parents, try to make it better this month. If you are in disagreement with them for any reason, try your best to reconnect with them. If you are already connected, try to beautify and perfect your treatment and manners.

Abu Huraira reported that a person came to Allah’s Messenger (ﷺ) and said:

Who among the people is most deserving of a fine treatment from my hand? He said: Your mother. He again said: Then who (is the next one)? He said: Again it is your mother (who deserves the best treatment from you). He said: Then who (is the next one)? He (the Holy Prophet) said: Again, it is your mother. He (again) said: Then who? Thereupon he said: Then it is your father. [Sahih Muslim]

Being dutiful to parents is a major act of excellence instructed by Allah and His Messenger and it is majorly rewarded as well.

The Messenger of Allah said,

“A parent is the best of the gates of Jannah; so if you wish, take advantage of that gate, or lose it.”[At-Tirmidhi and Ibn Majah].

So, again, regardless of where we’re at, we can try to do a bit more this month. Maybe by visiting, calling, gifting, helping…etc., there are plenty of ways. Seek Allah’s Help for direction and inspiration, and do as much as you can.

8. Praying the night prayer

Standing up to pray at night for the sake of Allah while sacrificing your comfort and/or sleep, is an act of devotion and major spiritual fulfillment.

Abu Hurairah narrated that The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said:

“Whoever prays during the night in Ramadan out of sincere faith and seeking its reward from Allah, will have all of his previous sins forgiven.” [Agreed upon]

If you are able to join a congregational night prayer in the masjid, do that. If for some reason you are incapable of doing that, then you still don’t have to waste the opportunity. Pray wherever you are or at home.

The night prayer could be done any time after the Isha prayer. You can do it right after the Isha prayer, or you can pray Isha, sleep then wake up for the night prayer, or you can pray when you wake up before dawn, in the last third of the night. All of this counts as night prayer. So, there is plenty of time.

Narrated Abdullah ibn Amr ibn al-‘As:

The Prophet (ﷺ) said: If anyone prays at night reciting regularly ten verses, he will not be recorded among the negligent; if anyone prays at night and recites a hundred verses, he will be recorded among those who are obedient to Allah; and if anyone prays at night reciting one thousand verses, he will be recorded among those who receive huge rewards. [Sunan Abi Dawud]

If you’re a busy mother, don’t think that if you don’t join the prayer in the mosque that you miss the rewards. On the contrary, your prayer at home could be even more rewarded than praying in the mosque. The Prophet did not forbid women from praying in the mosque, but he also didn’t burden or obligate them to go, and informed that a woman’s prayer at home is heavily rewarded.

Ibn ‘Umar reported the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) as saying; “Do not prevent your women from visiting the mosque, but their houses are better for them (for praying).” [Sunan Abi Dawud]

So, in all conditions, make sure you pray the night prayers regularly this Ramadan. You can do as much as you can in light of your circumstances, and in everything we do, there is khair (goodness and rewards) as long as we are sincere and putting due effort.

9. Mastering your anger

Ramadan is an opportunity to practice more God-consciousness, and this should lead to more self-mastery or self-control.

The Prophet taught us:

“Fasting is a protection for you, so when you are fasting, do not behave obscenely or foolishly, and if anyone argues with you or abuses you, say, ‘I am fasting. I am fasting.’ “[Muwatta Malik]

Whenever you’re put in a situation that forces you to be angry or upset or inclined to quarrel, utilize this opportunity instead to calm yourself down and practice discipline. The reward for practicing discipline is far greater and more lasting and more fulfilling in this life and the next.

10. Giving charity

This is a very beautiful and powerful hadith about the Prophet’s manners and acts in Ramadan.

Narrated Ibn `Abbas:

The Prophet (ﷺ) was the most generous of all the people and he used to become more generous in Ramadan when Gabriel met him. Gabriel used to meet him every night during Ramadan to revise the Qur’an with him. Allah’s Messenger (ﷺ) then used to be more generous than the fast wind. [Sahih Al Bukhari]

So, seek every opportunity to increase in charity in Ramadan. There are plenty of online and offline opportunities.

You can also watch our webinar on how to start becoming more socially active this Ramadan.

11. Doing Hajj & Umrah every week!

No, we don’t mean actually traveling to do Umrah or Hajj, we mean the act mentioned in the following hadith.

Anas bin Malik narrated that:

The Messenger of Allah said: “Whoever prays Fajr in the congregation, then sits remembering Allah until the sun has risen, then he prays two Rak’ah, then for him is the reward like that of a Hajj and Umrah.” [Da’if. Jami` at-Tirmidhi]

Disclaimer: scholars have differed regarding the authenticity of this hadith; some found it weak and others ‘hassan’ (good). But, as long as it’s not a matter of belief or creed, we can follow virtuous acts, and hope for rewards from Allah .

This act of praying Fajr, then remaining in the same place to remember Allah until sunrise, then praying two units of prayer is no doubt a virtuous act that Allah will reward for. It is also good because if you are busy during the week, you can aim to do this once every weekend, for example, when you don’t have work the next day.

12. Smiling & forgiving

These are two simple but powerful acts.

For some reason, some of us look or act grumpy when we’re fasting.

Fasting should make us humble, peaceful, and easy going, not moody or angry. One way to remind oneself of that is to consciously put a smile on your face when you meet other. It is great when people associate your fasting days with your easy going and optimistic nature, and it is sunnah for us to do so.

The Messenger said:

“Your smiling in the face of your brother is charity…” [At Tirmidhi]

Last, but definitely not least, forgive those who wronged you!

This hadith is very motivating:

Abu Hurairah (RAA) narrated that the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said: “Sadaqah does not decrease property and Allah increases the honor of him who forgives and no one will humble himself for Allah’s sake except that Allah raises his status.” [Related by Muslim]

Imagine that by forgiving, you are increasing in honor, not just in the sight of people, but in the sight of Allah !

Also, one of the recommended dua to make in Laylatul Qadr is this, ‘Aishah (May Allah be pleased with her) reported:

I asked: “O Messenger of Allah! If I realize Lailat-ul-Qadr (Night of Decree), what should I supplicate in it?” He (ﷺ) replied, “You should supplicate: Allahumma innaka ‘afuwwun, tuhibbul-‘afwa, fa’fu ‘anni (O Allah, You are Most Forgiving, and You love forgiveness; so forgive me).”[At-Tirmidhi]

So imagine in laylatul qadr you’re asking Allah to forgive you, while you are holding grudges against someone else and refusing to forgive him/her!

Ramadan is major door and major opportunity to reconcile relationships and forgive others for the sake of Allah and in hopes of His own forgiveness for our countless mistakes and shortcomings. As Allah says:

“…and let them pardon and overlook. Would you not like that Allah should forgive you? And Allah is Forgiving and Merciful.” [Qur’an: Chapter 24, Verse 22]

So, let this month increase you in strength spiritually, personally and socially by increasing in spiritual acts and also making real changes in one’s relationship with others. This is how we can have a transformational Ramadan, insha’Allah.

What other sunnahs are you practicing this Ramadan and how are they boosting your spiritual, social and personal productivity? Let us know in the comments.

The post 12 Super Sunnahs to Revive This Ramadan for Major Rewards appeared first on ProductiveMuslim.com.

Prophet Muhammad said,

“A human being fills no worse vessel than his stomach. It is sufficient for a human being to eat a few mouthfuls to keep his spine straight. But if he must (fill it), then one third of food, one third for drink and one third for air.” [Related by At-Tirmidhi]

And He also said:

“There are two blessings which many people lose: (They are) health and free time for doing good.” [Sahih al-Bukhari]

Good health is not a luxury; our religion puts much emphasis on maintaining good health as it affects our overall well being: spiritually, personally, socially and professionally. It is because of our good health that we are able to fulfill our worship, look after our families, and succeed in our dunya aspirations.

While health issues can be tests from Allah , our behavior and habits play a major role in prevention and cure. Our health behaviors start from our tender years of childhood. Sudden changes to the types of food we eat, our activity levels, and our mindset towards our health can be extremely difficult as our habits become ingrained within us, and we don’t think about them often.

We, as parents, grandparents, siblings and loved ones of children, want nothing more than to help our children grow into strong, pious, and healthy adults. Though sometimes it can be difficult for us to pinpoint how we can do this, especially if we are leading less-than-healthy lifestyles ourselves. Here we will discuss some simple tips and techniques that we can easily incorporate for better results, insha’Allah.

1. Have active toys

Childhood is about playing with toys of all kinds. Be creative with the toys you purchase for your kids; jumping ropes and balls are just some simple examples. These can be played with alone or in groups, making them a great way to get your children running around and active. Growing children need to spend some time in the playground. Consider exploring these high-quality epoxy resin flooring options as an excellent means to encourage your children to stay active and engaged in a safe and enjoyable environment. If you plan to set up a playground at home, these Playground Flooring installers can help. Outdoor learning environments can help promote physical activities among kids while making learning at lot more fun.

2. Limit electronic time

In the modern day, most children have moved away from traditional board games and outdoor play and towards computer games, laptops, and smartphones. Though there are many benefits of these electronic devices, they are potentially damaging to the social development of a child as well as to the physical eyesight of the child. Limiting the time spent on these items is key; this does not mean you have to stop them from playing such games, but encouraging a balance between active and non-active play is important.

3. Include their ideas

The common mistake is to dictate what “healthy” food to eat. This makes it difficult to uphold a particular dietary change. Always ask your children what they would like to eat and work with them to adapt their diets and behaviors. They may suggest to sit while playing on their games console; perhaps getting them a game that requires them to be on their feet and active may be a midpoint.

4. Find a fun activity

There are many groups and facilities that offer a range of sports and activities. Finding one that your child likes or is interested in is a great way to promote physical activity. If it is running, keep it fun for them by taking them to an Active Mile Daily Track so they can track the total miles they ran. Many of them can be done as a family: horse-riding, archery, swimming, rock climbing, and many more. Not only does this give you an opportunity to spend some quality time together as a family, but it also shows to your children that you are all upholding these behaviors rather than just expecting the children do to it.

5. Make mealtimes fun

Trying to encourage children to eat vegetables and fruits can be tough. This does not have to be something that comes across as boring; cut your fruits into objects that your child likes. Get your children involved in making the meals. Insha’Allah, this will promote the skill of cooking their own nutritious meals.

6. Make your cupboards balanced

Banning junk food outright can be a difficult thing to do. Instead, opt not to buy such food in bulk. Keep your cupboards and fridge stocked with fruits, yogurts, nuts, and other healthy snacks along with some of their favorite junk food. Without large amounts of chocolates and sweets to grab at, they are much more likely to pick up something that is naturally sweet and nutritious!

7. Give reasons for labeling things as ‘good’ and ‘bad’

We often label things as “good” or “bad” without giving an explanation to the child as to why this is the case. When it comes to food, link the “good” food to things your child is interested in. For example, if your child wants to do really well at school, explain eating a good breakfast helps you stay alert and do better at schoolwork. Also, perhaps they want to excel in their favorite sport. Explaining to them the value of protein based foods such as beans and meat to maintain strength may spark an interest in foods they are normally picky with.

8. Go on foot

One of the simplest forms of exercise is walking. Many people grow up with constant lifts in their parents’ cars or use of public transport. Promoting walking from a young age is a great way to help maintain some minimal activity in a person’s life, at any age. Try walking home when picking them up from school or when you go to visit family. If you are traveling a long distance, park your car somewhere that requires at least a 5-minute walk.

9. Slow and steady wins the race!

The Messenger said: ‘Treat your children fairly, treat your children fairly.'” [Sunan an-Nasa’i]

When changing the household habits, it should be kept in mind that small steps lead to sustainable changes. Maybe begin with removing most of the junk food in your house and replacing it with fruits and healthy snacks. The following week, introduce walking to school rather than taking the car. All of these small steps add up and should not be belittled. This being said, there is no problem with allowing treats every so often, such as a chocolate bar or a favorite meal. The important point is to not make these a regular, daily occurrence.

10. Most importantly, lead by example!

The teachings and environment we experience as children play vital roles in helping us develop into the adults that we are. We take a large number of childhood habits through into adulthood. Many of these habits are developed as a direct result of seeing adults in our surroundings doing the exact same thing. The mind of a young child is impressionable; this can be both a positive and negative thing depending on what it is s/he is exposed to.

When encouraging them to eat fruits, vegetables and get involved in sports, show them that you are also doing the same. Do not sit in front of them, eating foods that you are reducing in their diets such as cakes and sweets. This, not only makes them feel as if it is a punishment to not have the foods, they will not accept and believe comments such as “fruits are better for you” or “cakes are not good for your health”. This can be taken as a challenge to improve your own habits and behaviors for the sake of your health and children. RasulAllah said,

“… a man is a shepherd in charge of the inhabitants of his household and he is responsible for his flock; a woman is a shepherdess in charge of her husband’s house and children and she is responsible for them;…” [Sunan Abi Dawud]

What are your tips to promote an active lifestyle at home? Share them with us in the comments!

The post ​10 Tips to Promote an Active Lifestyle for Your Children appeared first on ProductiveMuslim.com.

I learned this the hard way.

We all know that the purpose of an internship is to gain insight into a field or industry. Yet, interns often find themselves doing menial tasks. For me, I’ve often felt as though my time was not my own. This lack of control can be demotivating at times because it can make you feel unproductive. After many years of being an intern, however, I have learned to appreciate the value that each moment adds to my personal development. I’ve also learned more tips, and in this article, I will share with you the most important lessons to consider.

1. Aim for the perfect start of your day

I’ve learned that it’s important to start the day in the best fashion possible: wake up to pray Fajr, read the adkhar, have a good breakfast and leave your home with good/sincere intentions.

By doing so, you are starting your day in a positive manner that is in accordance with the Sunnah. Hence, you are attracting the barakah forces your way.

2. Make dua daily

“Dua (supplication) is worship.” [Abu Dawud]

When starting anything in life, we should always turn to Allah to ask for His guidance and help in ensuring we get the best out of what we’re doing.

So, make a habit of pleading for Divine assistance in obtaining optimum benefits from the experiences that lie ahead. Starting off with Allah in your mind and heart is the key to success.

3. Remember success shouldn’t come at the expense of Salah

Compromising salah for worldly accomplishments is a great recipe for spiritual suicide.

It’s very important to plan your day around Salah, and not compromise salah for your seemingly crammed schedule.

Even when you’re busy, always plan for your salah and take the necessary means to ensure you’re able to perform it on time.

Chasing academic/professional success can be stressful and sometimes demotivating. So, guarding your Salah takes care of your day by providing a focus on a greater purpose. This focus strengthens your will, and it ultimately helps you stay driven and focused on the goals you need to achieve.

I often find that by ensuring I pray on time, I am not easily distracted from the tasks at hand and this results in a more productive experience daily.

4. Take a book/podcast

One of my biggest tips is to prepare for times when you are not working.

So, have something to read or a beneficial podcast to listen to. This could be related to what you are pursuing or anything of interest. The free time can often add up to hours over the week and can be used in a much more productive fashion if you prepare for it in advance. When I started to utilize this time, I realized that I was learning even more than my co-workers simply because I was mindful of the time I had available. You can also split your free time between reading a book, and reading the Qur’an!

5. Be mindful of every minute you spend

If a supervisor or colleague is busy doing a task you have never done before, ask if you can watch. Though it might not be specific to your own objectives, getting the most out of your time as an intern is important when trying to be productive.

Your time as an intern may be limited and the opportunity of learning from those in the field is valuable, unique and should be adequately invested.

Remember that you are in your internship for a reason: to learn. So, if you finish your assigned task early or if you are not busy, ask for something to do. Sitting idly is not something that will benefit you, especially not when you are giving away precious moments to learn something new.

Push yourself to the forefront and get yourself involved in as much as possible.

6. Be the early bird

Be reliable and come in at the time requested. Not only will this help in maintaining a healthy routine for you, it is also important to show those you are working with that you are committed. This will help open other doors of opportunities for in the long run. If you are behind on work, come in even earlier to add in the time you need to hit deadlines.

If you are behind on work, come even earlier to add in the time you need to hit deadlines.

7. Be a list maker

If there are particular tasks you need to complete, activities you want to see or tasks to be done, make a to-do list for the day. Going in without a plan will leave you feeling lost, overwhelmed or confused.

8. Be proactive

Speak to your colleagues and let them know you have certain tasks you need to get done for that day as they may have some pointers on how to help you get them done. If there are work-based assessments or forms that you require others to give feedback on, speak to them early on so they are aware you require this from them. This will help you ensure they have the time to complete this for you for what you need it.

If there are work-based assessments or forms that you require others to give feedback on, speak to them early on so they are aware you need this from them. This will help you ensure they complete this for you on time.

9. Eliminate distractions

Do not let your phone, colleagues or lunch menu distract you. This will make completing tasks difficult and will only lead to bad habits in the long run. Make sure your phone is switched off, save the conversation with your colleagues for your break and ensure you are eating a balanced, nutritious meal for breakfast to keep you going for longer.

Also, keep some snacks handy to save you from your rumbling belly.

Overall, as Muslims, anything we do should be done with Ihsan (excellence) to the best of our ability without slacking. Not only will this give you the most out of your experience, but it will create a positive, lasting impression of Muslims in the workplace.

How did you manage your internship? What productive tips do you have to add to our discussion? Please share your comments with us below.

The post 9 Tips to Become a More Productive Intern appeared first on ProductiveMuslim.com.

When contemplating on which bodily organ is the most important, many of us would state it to be the heart. As the organ that dictates the ability for the rest of the human body to function, the death of it leads to the death of the body. Doctors will advise you to eat well and exercise to ensure your heart remains healthy and the advice on the physical health of the heart is vast. The value of a healthy heart is spoken of often, as the Prophet Muhammad said,

“Beware, in the body there is a piece of flesh; if it is sound, the whole body is sound and if it is corrupt the whole body is corrupt, and hearken it is the heart.” [Muslim]

This hadith echoes the view of many concerning the value of the heart. However, this narration is traditionally interpreted as describing the spiritual heart. The heart that is sound is able to recognize the truth and lead the rest of the organs and limbs towards practicing the actions of truth and faith. A heart that has become diseased can no longer function, making it harder for the truth to be recognized. Just like the sick person becomes vulnerable to infections and diseases that the healthy individual can fight off, the one with a diseased heart is attacked by more whispers and doubts.

It can be easy for an individual to think that their heart is clean. However, many of us suffer from diseases of the heart, making us vulnerable to poor productivity, a lack of focus, and be prone to failure. Without recognizing what these diseases may be, a person cannot actively do actions to clean, medicate and suture the wounds and damage caused by them. These are spiritual illnesses that we have probably all faced at one point, or are currently facing. In this article, I will be discussing four of the most prevalent diseases of the heart, and how to overcome them in sha Allah.

1. Laziness

The state of laziness is mentioned twice in the Qur’an, both in the context of salah, one of the most important acts of worship, as Allah says,

And what prevents their expenditures from being accepted from them but that they have disbelieved in Allah and in His Messenger and that they come not to prayer except while they are lazy and that they do not spend except while they are unwilling. [Qur’an: Chapter 9, Verse 54]

Being lazy in your salah is a recipe for disaster; an individual cannot be successful without completing their obligation of the five daily prayers in the correct manner. A heart and mind which are absent when turning up for our prayers cannot reap the benefits of being in conversation with Allah . This state will continue outside of salah and impact all aspects of our life.

Laziness kills this life and the next – how can we overcome laziness?

• Dua

As with anything, we cannot hope to accomplish a goal without seeking the help of  Allah . The following dua covers all the bases with regards to any spiritual rust that may taint our heart.

I take refuge in You from anxiety and sorrow, weakness and laziness, miserliness and cowardice, the burden of debts and from being over powered by men.’ [Bukhari]

• Pray your salah on time

Salah is the most important commitment in the daily life of the Muslim. Putting it in the position it deserves will help us maintain strong iman that consequently strengthens our heart. What obstacles do you face that prevent you from performing salah on time? Make a list of them and find out how you can overcome them.

• Disrupt harmful habits

Sitting and watching TV, flicking through magazines, swiping through the Instagram – these are some typical, unproductive and damaging habits we have in the modern day. Though we can sometimes gain good from media, on the whole, it can be something that makes us lazier towards our acts of worship. What harmful habits do you have? Work to eliminate them by giving yourself a set time to check your social media. Replace mindless entertainment programmes and films with beneficial documentaries and lectures about Allah’s creation and Islamic knowledge.

• Live a healthy life

Sometimes, being lazy is not a result of being absentminded out of choice. It can be a reflection of the physical state of your health. Ensure you are eating a healthy diet, maintaining good sleep and exercising regularly. By maintaining good health, you are less likely to find yourself feeling tired and demotivated to do simple, daily tasks. Think about small, healthy habits you can incorporate into your life, like restricting junk and sweet foods, and eating more fruits.

2. Hastiness

Lacking patience with Allah’s Will, being quick when making dua, and wanting things to be in your hands immediately is the definition of being hasty. It was narrated from Abu Hurairah that the Messenger of Allah said,

“It is necessary that you do not become hasty.” It was said: “What does being hasty mean, O Messenger of Allah ?” He said: “When one says: ‘I supplicated to Allah but Allah did not answer me.'” [Ibn Majah]

Haste makes waste – how can we slow down?

We are hasty because we rush to attain fulfillment of our desires in this world. We feel we must rush because if we do not, we will miss out on the opportunity. We push, shove and become oblivious to those around us out of our greed and fear of not having what we need. Yet, the reality is this world is temporary, and that which has our name written on it will be ours if Allah has planned it for us. Our obsession with worldly attainment derails us from our sole purpose of being, and in this delusion, we waste what precious time we have been given by Allah .

• Have patience

Practice having patience. By being patient you are much more likely to contemplate and think about a situation, rather than heading straight in. Nothing comes instantly and, unless we practice patience, we will only find ourselves living in distress.

“And you do not resent us except because we believed in the signs of our Lord when they came to us. Our Lord, pour upon us patience and let us die as Muslims [in submission to You].” [Qur’an: Chapter 7, Verse 126]

• Be grateful

Look at what you have and say Alhamdulilah. We often find ourselves being hasty because we want more. We forget to acknowledge and be happy with the things that we are blessed with because we constantly want more. Stop and contemplate about what is in your life and sincerely thank Allah for it, before seeking more.

• Contemplate the pros and cons

Before entering into a situation, purchase or complaint, think of the positives and negatives of your potential action.

Will it benefit me? Does it cause harm to myself or anyone else? What will I achieve from this? Are all the terms halal? Is there any sin in this?

This is a case of using the aql (intellect) that Allah has bestowed upon us. Ponder the situation beforehand, pray istikhara, then practice patience by leaving it to the Will of Allah . Taking these steps is a smart way of reducing your hastiness, and ending up in a situation you may later regret.

3. Misplaced Love

Ibn Taymiyyah describes ‘ishq, passionate love, as:

“Passionate love is a psychological sickness, and when its effects become noticeable on the body, it becomes a sickness that afflicts the mind also. Either by afflicting the mind by the likes of melancholy, or afflicting the body through weakness and emaciation.”

Having a strong love for that other than Allah  leads the heart to turn away from His remembrance and for the individual to be at risk of being hurt from the one he loves other than Allah loves. Our hearts are yearning for a connection; passionate love causes us to connect and love something that does not belong in our heart. This could be another person, a job, a country, even a football team! This causes humans to find happiness in things other than Allah – many expect to be fulfilled after getting married or getting their dream job. But when we find true contentment and peace from knowing and loving Allah , nothing can disappoint us.

Irrational love is dangerous – how can we love correctly?

• Fear and know Allah

Fill your heart with Allah ! Remembrance and knowledge of Him , love for Him and fear of Him . Acknowledging what His position should be in your life is key. Understanding Tawheed and the position Allah holds in relation to mankind is essential in tackling the issue of passionate love. When we know Allah and His Attributes, His Power and His Mercy, we become in awe of Him and that gives us a special kind of strength and serenity.

• Notice the faults of creation

When you love something or someone other than Allah , constantly remind yourself of the faults they have. This is a constant reminder of how the creation is not perfect and the Creator is. This removes infatuation and the blinded vision we may have when feeling love towards something – this brings us back to reality!

4. Anger

Allah says,

“And heal the breasts of a believing people, and remove the anger of their hearts.” [Qur’an: Chapter 9, Verse 14-15]

Anger is a dangerous emotion that can lead a person to commit actions they deeply regret later on. It is the product of a heart that has become weakened and detached from Allah . A person can react, say and do things that are harmful to themselves and to others. The whispers of Shaytan can find anger rips through a person like a fire – it is destructive, leaving scars and wounds behind.

Fight the fire – how can we cool down anger?

• Sit down 

The first piece of advice that Rasul Allah gave us was to sit down when feeling angry,

Narrated AbuDharr : The Messenger of Allah said to us: “When one of you becomes angry while standing, he should sit down. If the anger leaves him, well and good; otherwise he should lie down.”[Abu Dawud]

When you find yourself overcome by anger, practice the guidance given by the Prophet Muhammad . This will help prevent the anger from progressing and help to calm yourself down.

• Ask yourself why

Pondering why you may find yourself angry in a particular situation can help you target how to prevent it occurring again. Once you have found the cause, remove it by staying away from that particular trigger or dealing with the predisposing factor.

• Find alternative challenges

Anger is an emotion; when exhibited in its true form it can be disastrous. However, emotion can be channeled into productive and valuable tasks and projects. If something, in particular, makes you angry, such as the state of your community or relationship problems, use your emotions to rectify the issues and, in sha Allah, you will find your anger begin to subside.

These are just a few of the illnesses of the heart that the scholars have discussed. A sound heart is the source of well-being, contentment and productivity, and we should aim to work on our hearts as much, if not more, as we do our physical hearts.

Ponder over the obstacles you encounter with regards to the spiritual state of your heart. Now tell us, how do you work on healing those heart diseases? Let us know down below! 

The post 4 Diseases of the Heart to Start Healing Today! appeared first on ProductiveMuslim.com.

Life is not stationary. We are often running in circles trying to complete our long to-do lists. In the core of this hectic lifestyle is the belief that we are unable to worship and gain barakah if we are constantly busy. It can be disheartening when we miss the sunnah prayers for example, because we are running errands or too busy at work. We are always on the go, but this does not mean that we cannot use our time to attain blessings in our life. Whether we are taking public transport, driving in our own cars or waiting for the next appointment, there are a great number of acts we can do to make this time full of barakah.

We should always keep in mind that our whole life is a schedule written by Allah . By the will of Allah , we are able to gain more blessings in our life through the very things we believe we are too busy to do. With the right mind-set, so much can be achieved in sha Allah.

There are different situations in which we may find ourselves on the go, such as when we are using public transport or driving. There are different actions a person can do at each of these times to increase the blessings in their life. Each second in our day is precious and there is always something we can do in that time to continuously increase the barakah we crave. Never belittle the smallest of actions as they can have a profound effect on the world around you – the smallest of actions are favoured by Allah , as Prophet Muhammad said,

“And the most beloved of deeds to him was a righteous deed which a person persists in doing, even if it is something small” [Sunan Ibn Majah]

If you are riding a bike or driving a car…

1. Listen to Qur’an

The majority of us have a smartphone or access to an iPod or mp3 player. Download the recitation of the Qur’an and audio translation. Your commute is the perfect time to listen to some Qur’anic recitation and reap the benefits of hearing the words of Allah .

2. Say Alhamdullilah

Prophet Muhammad said:

“The utterance of (Al-hamdu lillah – all praise belongs to Allah) fills the scales of good actions” [Muslim]

It takes one second to utter “Alhamdullilah”, but the benefits of these words on your tongue are vast. When you are unable to do anything else, make the most of this time by uttering words of gratitude. This helps us remain grounded and aware of the blessings we have in our life, because we are bringing them to the front of our mind, something we may not do regularly if we are finding life stressful or tough.

3. Offer a lift

Helping one another does not always have to be in the form of giving money or donations. Offering someone else a seat in your car to make their life easier can be the root of great blessings. Not only do you receive the reward of helping another person from Allah , but they also could remember you in their dua because you were kind towards them.

In case you get involved in a traffic accident while riding on your bike, you should consider calling a Milwaukee bicycle accident lawyer to help you file a claim and ensure that your rights are protected. Injury caused by accidents can be compensated with help from a personal injury lawyer. Injured in a car crash in Southfield, MI? An experienced personal injury attorney from Mike Morse Injury Law Firm can help.

If you are walking or waiting…

1. Call a family member

Prophet Muhammad said ,

“Learn enough about your lineage to facilitate keeping your ties of kinship. For indeed keeping the ties of kinship encourages affection among the relatives, increases the wealth, and increases the lifespan.” [Tirmidhi]

Maintaining kinship is an important aspect of Islamic practise. When we are constantly running around during our normal day, we find it hard to find time to call or visit family members. The time we spend walking from one place to the next, or while we are waiting for the bus or for an appointment, can be used for a quick call or texting your relatives.
Download our 21 Sources of Barakah Resource Sheet + Infographic!

2. Reflect on your day

Sometimes we do not take time to reflect on how our day has been going, what we can improve on, and what we can learn. The time we spend walking or waiting can be the perfect time to do so. The blessing in this is each day turns into a learning opportunity and can aid us in making the next day even better.

If you are on a train or bus…

1. Donate to charity

Abu Hurairah said,

“The Messenger of Allah enjoined giving sadaqah.” [Sunan An Nasai]

With smartphones in our pockets and the internet a touch away, donating to charity is easier than ever. Adding barakah to our life through sadaqah is something we should all try to aim for. This can easily be done while sitting on the train or bus or while you are waiting for your transport to arrive.

2. Read the Quran and its translation

Understanding Allah’s words and spending time with His book is an important aspect of our religion. It is how we are able to connect with Allah and understand what He is commanding us to do. It strengthens our imaan in times of hardship and difficulty; reading His book helps us put everything in perspective. This can often become difficult when we are busy, because we feel we do not have time to dedicate to reading it. When commuting, you can easily open up the Qur’an on your smartphone or tablet, read translations, and contemplate on these verses.

3. Memorize a dua or surah

Memorizing from the Qur’an and sunnah takes time and commitment. The blessings of having Allah’s words on the tip of your tongue are immense. Knowing you can use His words to call upon Him and ask for assistance in all parts of life is soothing and comforting to a believer. Using the time you have when on the move can help bring the goal of memorization closer to you. Spending time with Allah’s words is definitely better than idly hanging around, or wasting the minutes on other mindless entertainment.

4. Give up your seat

Though you may be tired, giving up your seat on public transport carries many advantages. Not only do you conduct an act of kindness, you also present yourself as a caring Muslim. This is an easy good deed to do give we often come across people who need a seat more than we do, such as an elderly person, children, a pregnant woman and those who are less able to stand. While it may be uncomfortable for you, the reward of this kindness lies with Allah .

Every person has a different type of commute, however, with just adapting a few of these tips, you can automatically increase the amount of barakah you earn. Let us know which one of these you plan to add into your daily routine or if you have any other actions of barakah to share.

Download our 21 Sources of Barakah Resource Sheet + Infographic!

The post Barakah On The Go: How To Maximize Blessings While Commuting appeared first on ProductiveMuslim.com.

Download our 21 Sources of Barakah Resource Sheet + Infographic!

Those of us growing up with siblings may have had mixed emotions about this experience. Squabbling and arguing is the norm between brothers and sisters, as is running around and playing together. It is an integral part of growing up that we hardly ponder upon. But having another person – or several people – alongside you as you journey through childhood is in fact quite special and rewarding!

We tend to take our siblings for granted because our relationship is tested throughout life with different struggles and emotions. We rarely see our siblings as a form of blessing from Allah , nor do we realise that we can obtain barakah from them. But with every brother or sister, there comes an opportunity for us to do good and to earn reward.

So, here is how we can use our relationships with our siblings to earn barakah in our lives from Allah .

Sadaqah jariyah opportunity: passing on knowledge

Abu Hurairah reported: The Prophet said, “When a man dies, his deeds come to an end except for three things: sadaqah jariyah (ceaseless charity); a knowledge which is beneficial, or a virtuous descendant who prays for him (for the deceased).” [Muslim]

Beneficial knowledge, which you pass on to your siblings, is something that will be on your scale of good deeds.

Regardless of what age you reach, constantly reminding your siblings and encouraging them to be steadfast upon the straight path of Islam is something you can easily do. Whether you have a large age gap or merely a year – there is plenty that can be passed on to benefit your beloved sister or brother.

Link to childhood blessings

There are times in life when you face difficulty and hardship. In those moments, it can seem like happy and fun days never existed; our minds get blinded by what our eyes presently see. The beauty of siblings is that they are our link to our childhood blessings.

As a child, you are innocent and full of life; you are relaxed and carefree. Being reminded of this should be embraced because it refreshes your soul and reminds you to view life in a more positive, grateful way.

Reminder of your parents

A time will come when your parents are no longer with you. Your siblings are the ones who can share the past experiences and precious memories of the special family times.

They can also remind you of your parents’ habits and qualities; the smile of your brother or voice of your sister may be exactly the same as your mum or dad’s was. This is a great blessing because when we are reminded of our parents, our hearts soften and we can instantly make dua for them.

“My Lord, have mercy upon them as they brought me up [when I was] small.” [Qur’an: Chapter 17, Verse 24]

Lifelong friend

Sometimes you argue with your siblings and then feel like you do not have a good relationship. While this may be the case in some instances, more often than not, Allah has blessed those who have siblings with a lifelong friend.

This is a relationship that lasts until your time comes to return back to Him . Your siblings are people you can always share ideas, feelings and concerns with. This is one friendship you should always work on nourishing as it comes with the major reward of upholding the ties of kinship.

Improved mental health

Some research show that having siblings around you reduces your risk of depression and anxiety. Siblings provide support network. They could remove the dangers of loneliness and isolation. They are your shoulder to cry on and the voice of reason when you are struggling to see things clearly.

Download our 21 Sources of Barakah Resource Sheet + Infographic!

Role model and motivation

We all look up to people in our lives that have achieved something great. We want to copy and achieve something similar.

The blessing of having siblings is that you see someone who has had similar opportunities as you hit new heights: passing exams, getting a job, getting married, having children. You share these life events and have a first-hand experience of the struggles your siblings experienced to achieve such things.

Equally important is the fact that you witness  your siblings in the midst of their mistakes; learn from their mistakes and follow in their footsteps with an understanding they may not have had.

Intellectual growth

Research has shown that children who grow up with siblings do better in their intellectual growth patterns than those without the continuous stimulus of siblings.

Brothers and sisters are a daily source of interaction, conversation and debate. Younger siblings pick up words, ideas and actions simply by imitating what they see. Elder siblings are given the opportunity to teach whatever they know to their brothers and sisters. This is an immense blessing as these interactions play a role in the development of an individual and will continue to manifest as a person progresses through adulthood.

Someone to assist

It is well known that helping another Muslim is an act of charity. Be it smiling at them or aiding them, any form of kindness an act of worship in the eyes of Allah .

It is narrated that the Prophet Muhammad said:

“If anyone relieves a Muslim believer from one of the hardships of this worldly life, Allah will relieve him of one of the hardships of the Day of Resurrection. If anyone makes it easy for the one who is indebted to him (while finding it difficult to repay), Allah will make it easy for him in this worldly life and in the Hereafter, and if anyone conceals the faults of a Muslim, Allah will conceal his faults in this world and in the Hereafter. Allah helps His slave as long as he helps his brother.” [Muslim]

Change your perspective

Sometimes, all we need to do is change the way we look at things. In Islam, earning reward from Allah is as easy as correcting your intention. How lovely would it be, that from this day forth, even our beautifully complex relationships with our brothers and sisters become an avenue of earning generous amounts of reward for the Hereafter?

Let us hear your thoughts in the comments section.

Download our 21 Sources of Barakah Resource Sheet + Infographic!

The post 8 Ways Your Siblings Can Be A Source of Barakah for You appeared first on ProductiveMuslim.com.

Ramadan is a time when family and friends gather to break their fasts and spend some quality time together. However, this is not the case for everyone.

There is a large number of people who dread the coming of Ramadan, mainly because it is a lonely time for them. We often think that this may be the case only for new Muslims, but there are those around us who may be away from their home, family, are traveling or just do not have many practicing family members or friends around them. So, iftar in particular becomes a lonely time for them.

Prophet Muhammad said, “(Allah said), ‘Every good deed of Adam’s son is for him except fasting; it is for Me. I shall reward (the fasting person) for it.’ Verily, the smell of the mouth of a fasting person is better to Allah than the smell of musk.” [Sahih Bukharih]

So, regardless of the situation around us, we should always aim to remember that fasting is something that is highly rewarded by Allah . No matter how hard it is, our reward lies with Him and it is He who recognizes how big our struggles are, He is always with us, and He never let our efforts or any moment of distress we spend for His sake go to waste.

In any case, to help overcome the situation a bit for those among us who find themselves struggling with loneliness, here are a few tips and ideas to explore, in sha Allah.

Attend the local masjid

If you’re someone who does not normally attend the masjid, it can be daunting to consider attending lectures or prayers there during Ramadan. You may feel self-conscious because of it. Yet, Ramadan is the perfect time for people to start regularly going to the masjid because it is a time when everyone, even those who may not regularly attend start going and there are so many new people there. So, try to attend taraweeh prayers, because other than benefiting from praying together, you will meet new people. The masjid is the hub of the Muslim community, particularly in Ramadan; find out what classes are being offered and join whatever you like or feel comfortable attending.

Enjoy the silence

This may seem like an odd thing to say, but enjoy the time alone. Ramadan, though a time full of gatherings and events, is meant to be about focusing on yourself, enhancing your iman, and developing your relationship with Allah . Ask yourself what you would like to achieve in this time. Do you want to read more Islamic books? Are you looking to improve your understanding of the Qur’an? Do you want to read more of the Qur’an? Are there characteristics and habits you want to get rid of or develop? Fight the loneliness you feel by submerging yourself in tasks and activities that will strengthen your iman, as this is the primary aim of fasting in Ramadan.

Remember that “dua (supplication) is worship” [Abu Dawud]

When you feel alone, turn to Allah and make dua that He helps you. It is only through Him that we are able to achieve all our hopes and dreams. Allah is the only one that can take away loneliness, because there are people who may be in the middle of crowds but still feel alone!

Make suhoor / iftar for others

Prophet Muhammad said: “Whoever provides the food for a fasting person to break his fast with, then for him is the same reward as his (the fasting person’s), without anything being diminished from the reward of the fasting person.” [At Tirmidhi]

Being new to an area or not knowing many Muslims can be daunting and make us feel alone. Take the plunge in introducing yourself to those who you may have seen around or are living close to you. Make some food and take it to them for iftar as this will help you make connections that last beyond Ramadan. If this is not feasible, take some food to your local masjid and distribute it to help you break the ice when first attending.

Volunteer your time

As mentioned, Ramadan is a time to focus on yourself and your actions. One thing many of us do in this month is increase in charity. You can do this by getting involved with local charities and volunteering your time. Offer to work in their charity shops and utilize a skill that you have. Perhaps offer your time to the masjid, to help keep it clean and presentable. Not only will this give you something to do, it will again open up the doors to meeting new people and earning much rewards and barakah from Allah .

Give dawah

There are often people around us who are non Muslim, particularly for those who are new to Islam. Spend some time explaining to others the purpose behind Ramadan and fasting. This can be an act of dawah to show them what Islam is about. Perhaps even invite them for iftar so you can share some dates, water, and other sunnah traditions with them. Not only will you have company, but you will also be able to show them aspects of your faith that are important to you, thus helping others understand your chosen way of life. If you have a family which is not Muslim, why not use Ramadan to increase the time you spend with them to develop the bonds of mercy between you…

These five actions can all go a long way in helping you feel less lonely if that’s the situation you’re in currently.  ry and adapt as many of these tips as you can, and in sha Allah you will have a happy and blessed Ramadan. Feel free to share any other tips you have for your fellow brothers and sisters in the comments section.

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Ramadan is a blessed month in which we strive to do as many good deeds and acts of worship as possible. We eagerly try to deepen our relationship with Allah and develop our iman. Be it through additional units of prayer, reading more Qur’an, spending time making dua. Ramadan for many is also a time to give their zakah. Many of us strive to increase the amount of charity or sadaqah they give. Sometimes, we want to give more than what our bank account allows us! Or, sometimes, we are not rich enough and have a number of responsibilities that simply do not allow us to give large portions of money!

Narrated `Umar bin Al-Khattab :

Messenger said, “The (reward of) deeds, depend on the intentions and every person will get the reward according to what he has intended. So whoever emigrated for the sake of Allah  and His Apostle , then his emigration will be considered to be for Allah  and His Apostle , and whoever emigrated for the sake of worldly gain or for a woman to marry, then his emigration will be considered to be for what he emigrated for.” [Sahih Bukhari]

We should not look to the amount others give and belittle what is in our hands because what counts the most is the intention behind it. Our reward lies with Allah and He  is the one Who is aware of our intentions. Whether you give $1 or $1000, the bounty of this donation lies with Him.

We often view charity as equaling to money. Though this is the traditional way in which many of us will offer our sadaqah, this is not the only thing a person can do. Regardless of our situation, there is always something that we can do to benefit others in sha’ Allah. In a hadith narrated by Abu Dharr the Prophet Muhammed said:

“Your smiling in the face of your brother is charity, commanding good and forbidding evil is charity, your giving directions to a man lost in the land is a charity for you. Your seeing for a man with bad sight is a charity for you, your removal of a rock, a thorn or a bone from the road is a charity for you. Pouring what remains from your bucket into the bucket of your brother is a charity for you.” [At Tirmidhi]

So, here is a list of 6 charitable acts you can do this Ramadan to enjoy the blessings of spreading goodness.

Make Dua

“There are three whose supplication is not rejected: The fasting person when he breaks his fast, the just leader, and the supplication of the oppressed person; Allah raises it up above the clouds and opens the gates of heaven to it. And the Lord says: ‘By My might, I shall surely aid you, even if it should be after a while.’” [Jami` at-Tirmidhi]

When you know of someone in hardship or see someone is suffering, the best gift you can give them is to make dua for them. This is the most powerful weapon we have as believers, especially in the month of Ramadan. The way in which your dua may aid someone is something outstanding; it is one of the only tools many of us have to help those who are in dire need around the world. There are also personal benefits to making dua for someone else as demonstrated by this hadith:

Abud-Darda’ reported:

The Messenger said, “The supplication of a Muslim for his (Muslim) brother in his absence will certainly be answered. Every time he makes a supplication for good for his brother, the angel appointed for this particular task says: ‘Ameen! May it be for you, too’.” [Sahih Muslim]

Volunteering

Take some time out and volunteer somewhere in your local area. With so many natural and man-made disasters across the world, sadly it becomes easy to forget the needy close to you. Find a community center that works with the disabled, old, young and offer your time. Offer to clean your local masjid. Find charity shops that are in need of helpers. There are so many options and often you can easily fit these into the busiest schedules.

Take care of children or the elderly

So many people comment on how difficult it can be to do acts of worship in Ramadan when they have small children or elderly relatives to look after. There is always someone in your own family or local community whom this applies to. Offer to look after and entertain someone’s children for a few hours per week to give mothers, fathers and carers time to themselves to focus on additional worship. In sha’ Allah, the reward for helping others further their development in their deen is deeply fulfilling.

Spread the word

In Ramadan, there are always charity projects and fundraising schemes that friends, family, and acquaintances are raising money for. While you may not be able to offer much financially yourself, you can help by spreading the word for the work others are doing. Use your phone, email, facebook and other methods of communication to promote and allow others to reap the benefits of donating.

Give away items

Ramadan is a perfect time to declutter your bedroom and donate these items to a charity shop, to send abroad or simply to give to those in your life who you know are struggling. We all accumulate many things we do not use anymore; by donating to charity, not only are you helping others, but you are also helping yourself detach from material possessions that you may be hoarding.

Smile

Jabir bin Abdullah narrated that the Messenger said:

“Every good is charity. Indeed, among the good is to meet your brother with a smiling face…” [At Tirmidhi]

We underestimate the power of a smile as it is a form of communication that is universally accepted. Smile at those who you do not know because we do not know the effect this smile can have on a person. Perhaps they are going through a difficult time, struggling and feeling alone or just having a bad day. Our act of kindness could be the one thing that lightens their heart and gives them joy.

What are your ways of making Ramadan more charitable? Share them with us in the comments section!

The post Ways To Be Charitable in Ramadan When You Do Not Have Money appeared first on ProductiveMuslim.com.

Now that Ramadan is coming to an end, and only Allah knows if we will see this month again, the time that remains for us of this month is quite special. Within the last ten days of Ramadan we anticipate the Night of Power (Laylat-ul-Qadr), the most blessed night of the year. Many people seek to observe this period while in i’tikaf to maximize ibadah (worship). Physical health and strength is thus vital for observing i’tikaf in this blessed period.

Aisha reported: “With the start of the last ten days of Ramadan, the Prophet used to tighten his waist belt (i.e. work harder) and used to pray the whole night, and used to keep his family awake for the prayers.” [Bukhari]

Adapting our sleeping routine around suhoor and night prayers, and the general reduction in our intake of food are both factors that can cause a reduced level of energy for the acts of worship we aim to accomplish. The other cause lies in the quality of our iftar. Often, we find the dining tables at iftar full of food that is much larger in quantity than what we are used to at any other dinner time.  Sadly, much of this food is not beneficial or nutritious for the body, thus leaves us in a weaker physical state.

But our body is an amanah (a trust) from Allah . With only the last few precious days remaining, it is crucial to focus on what we are consuming so that we can make the most of the time we have left.

The following tips can help keep us strong at nights as we seek to observe Laylat-ul-Qadr, in sha Allah.

Don’t miss suhoor

Narrated Anas bin Malik :

The Prophet said, “Take suhoor as there is a blessing in it.” [Bukhari]

Towards the end of the month, our stomachs have adapted greatly to the amount of food we are consuming, leaving us feeling like we are not hungry. As a result, many people skip suhoor because they feel full from iftar or feel nauseated by eating so early in the morning. Not only is suhoor a blessed sunnah, but it is also essential as an additional meal that will allow us to keep going for the day. Eat something small rather than leaving it out completely. Some healthy suhoor examples include:

1. The sunnah nabidh – made from dates placed in water overnight (in empty stomach).
2. Oatmeal with fruit
3. Boiled egg and wholegrain toast
4. Greek yogurt with granola and fruit
5. Date smoothie made with oats, dates, and some milk and fruit of your choice

Drink plenty of water

It is essential to keep hydrated while fasting, especially if you live in a hot climate or have long fasts. When the window between iftar and suhoor is short, it is key to drink at least a minimum of two glasses of water with each of those meals. Eat fruits that are full of water, such as watermelon, cucumbers, strawberries, grapefruit and raspberries. This will add to the water you are consuming. While praying taraweeh, be sure to take a bottle of water with you and take sips between each unit of prayer. Breaking down when you drink your fluid makes it much easier to take in a large amount, especially if you are someone who does not normally drink enough. Many suffer from headaches when they do not drink enough which can be debilitating for our night time worship.

Be careful of what you cook

This is a big point, especially for those who have the duty of making the food for iftar. In many cultures, it is the norm to cook various fried dishes and sweet foods. It is extremely important to fill your diet with foods that contain complex carbohydrates; this is a food group that releases energy slowly rather than giving you a dramatic surge in energy levels. Complex carbohydrates are found in foods such as wholegrain bread, brown rice, beans, and vegetables. Protein, found in foods like fish, chicken, beans, and lentils, is another essential component to our diet. Ultimately, we should remember to eat everything in moderation. A samosa is not going to harm you if you eat one or two in a week, however eating just samosas throughout the month will not do your health any justice.

Do not overeat

When we have so much to choose from at iftar, it can be really easy to end up filling the plate with much more than we need. By overeating, we run the risk of making ourselves feel tired and drowsy during those key hours of worship in the night. Fill the plate with the minimum amount and only take seconds if the stomach is still rumbling.

Stay active

While many of us feel tired at various points in the day when we are fasting, this does not mean we should lie on the sofa from sunrise to sunset. By remaining active, we are giving the body the essential amount of exercise it needs; it is a right of our body over us. Yes – running a marathon may be out of the question. But that does not mean you can not take short walks on a daily basis or do some light workouts at home. It is also important to mention that the act of salah is an essential tool in improving our physical state as it stretches out muscles in various movements, improves body posture and digestion. So never forget to pray salah on time, asking Allah to keep you healthy and active, in sha Allah.

Smart napping during i’tikaf

In the last ten days, we stay awake throughout the night when we used to take a nap earlier in the month. As we seek to observe Laylut-ul-Qadr, it is important that we take a nap in the day to make up for some of the hours we lose. This is essential to keep us alert and awake in our daily activities as well as during our worship at night. The time you nap will vary depending on your daytime schedule however the advised time in the sunnah is after dhuhr.

Also, make use of your sleep cycle and stick to napping for 20 minutes, 45 minutes or 90 minutes to keep yourself rejuvenated for ibadah. May Allah bless all of us to make the most out of this Ramadan. (Ameen!)

What are your tips for the last ten nights of Ramadan? Share with us below.

The post How to Stay Healthy in the Last Ten Days of Ramadan appeared first on ProductiveMuslim.com.