Have you ever had to go somewhere either for holiday or work and had a nightmare about how to get your packing done, or spent ages with your luggage wondering how to get everything packed?

It can be a real challenge for sisters to pack because we want to pack everything that is in our wardrobe, or we just don’t have enough time to make sure we’ve packed everything we need! As a frequent traveller, I have picked up a few useful hacks to ensure that I save time and be prepared for all circumstances. There’s a saying that you should ‘travel light’ and this in turn can make your mind lighter too. As a seasoned traveller, I live by this motto and it usually leads to a more productive trip without the stress of having to carry around unnecessary baggage.

In this article, I will be sharing tips on how to pack in an organised manner, and ensure you have packed the essentials for both short and long trips, whether you are travelling for business or leisure.

1. Buy good luggage and compartmentalised bags

A weekend bag

Sisters have a tendency to want to pack everything, from their best hijabs to the nicest abayas. Depending on where you are going and how long you are going for, it is always useful to invest in a weekend bag. I bought one many years ago from Trip, which has been very useful for packing the essentials I need on a plane and is also exceptionally helpful if (Allah forbid!) your luggage goes missing. A weekend bag is usually cabin sized so you can take with you onto the plane and is big enough to fit in useful items like documents, laptops and tablets, along with spare clothing. It will also be big enough to take with you if you are travelling within the country you are visiting. It is also big enough for short weekend trips – smaller luggage will force you to pack less! This specific super lightweight cabin bag is easy to carry and pull along, and has been a life-saver for me, I take it on short trips and it actually allows me to fit in enough clothes for four days (yes, I’ve done it!). Another quick tip: get yourself a luggage tag holder to make it easy to spot your luggage when it comes to collecting your luggage at the end of a journey.

Toiletries bag

Many sisters spend time packing their toiletries and are then not able to find what they need when they need it most, for example when using the bathroom on a plane or at the airport. Compartmentalised travel bags are essential as you have separate areas for all your essentials like pine shampoo, sanitary items, moisturisers and makeup. These are especially handy as you can fit in items like sanitary items with discretion. Opt for one which has a transparent inlay and use these to store safety pins and hijab accessories safely. You can now find toiletries bags that are designed to help you pass through security easily as they allow only a certain amount of liquid to fit inside.

2. Get a multi-country adapter

Recently whilst travelling to the States, I had a few trips planned, so when I went to buy an adapter, I discovered a multi-country adapter. This multi-country travel adapter will allow you to charge your gadgets by using one single adapter in different countries. This is a good investment as you are saving on buying new chargers every time you travel. It is also useful to get a portable charger, so you will never be without a charged phone.

3. Buy essentials ‘in-country’ and use the Triplist app

To go even lighter when you travel, buy full-sized toiletries in the country you are visiting, though I do recommend buying travel-size products to take with you to use on the go. Alternatively, you can buy most essentials in airports after security. It is important to also pack emergency medication like painkillers, as well as hand sanitisers and first aid items like plasters. Although pharmacies may be available in the country or city you are going to, it is better to be prepared in case they are not easy to reach. If you are like me and don’t want to forget to pack anything, use the Triplist app. This allows you to make a list of things to pack and usefully reminds you before you travel, what to pack or buy when you’re at the airport.

4. Pack the essential five

There are a few things I could not travel without, but these are the essential five I always have in my bag when travelling:

a) a book (or iPad or Kindle)

b) a pen

c) a notebook/journal

d) a passport holder

e) a travel prayer mat.

I usually have a book I like to read as waiting times at airports can be very long and time-consuming; this could also be on your tablet or iPad as I do tend to read books on Kindle to keep the load light! The pen and journal are useful to write your reflections, or on capturing things that you come across whilst travelling, as well as, writing down important information you may need to remember, like directions to a new place when you arrive in the city. It is also essential to get yourself a passport holder or have a separate small bag to hold your boarding pass, tickets and passport in. Too often, we find that we are looking everywhere in our handbag to find the passport or boarding pass – and you don’t want to miss the flight if you can’t find it!

The travel prayer mat is invaluable to me when travelling, especially for long journeys. Alhamdulillah, we are fortunate that many airports and train stations have multi-faith spaces, however, it is essential to carry one so that we don’t miss salah. Mini travel mats are so inexpensive, and usually come with a case and a compass. It is also good to have a travel sized mushaf. Alternatively, Qur’an apps are so accessible, so you can listen to, recite or reflect on verses of the Qur’an whilst travelling.

If you think about how much more you could accomplish by eliminating the hassle of flying commercial airlines, you might be ready to consider private aircraft ownership with the help of Sky Aviation Holdings.

I hope the above practical tips are helpful, so next time you won’t need to pack too many hijabs, and instead focus on only packing the most important items in an organised and stress-free manner! Share with us your other tips on how to pack productively!

The post Four Super Travel Hacks On How To Pack For Sisters appeared first on ProductiveMuslim.com.

I often come across sisters in our community who are single and searching for a righteous spouse. Many times, the challenges of finding a good match can lead to sisters failing to use their time productively before getting married.

Whilst getting married is a huge milestone in our lives, it does not need to be our only focus, as we are slaves of Allah first, above all other roles in life. As a young Muslimah, I am often told that priorities inevitably change once your are married, so in this article, I will be sharing my advice on how to maximise your free time before marriage. 

There are many positive ways sisters can prepare themselves for this important chapter in life and ensure they are using their free time in the best way, before ‘Mr. Right’ comes along, in sha Allah. It is important to note that although this article is intended for single sisters, the tips will also be useful to brothers and married sisters who are looking to boost their free time.

1. Invest in your personal and professional development

One of the common regrets of married sisters is that they were not able to start or continue to fully develop their spiritual knowledge or professional development once they were married. So, focus on investing in your Islamic learning, maximising career development and contributing to society, before the commitments of marriage take over. Laying a good foundation before marriage will help you to get back into work or education if you take a break due to marriage or become a mother, in sha Allah.

One of the ways I have invested in my career is to get a mentor. Having older experienced women close by for feedback and advice can help you relate better to the challenges to overcome and will give you a head-start on how to balance family and work life. Additionally, starting your Islamic learning in a consistent manner is one of the best endeavours you will make, as many sisters find it a challenge (though definitely not impossible) after they get married and have more domestic responsibilities. There are many institutions that offer weekly classes in numerous aspects of Islamic knowledge and there are so many online courses for you to explore.

2. Serve your parents to your best ability

Many mothers or sisters who have greater family responsibilities often tell me that they are not able to fully serve their parents after marriage. We know there are numerous ahadith about the virtues of serving your parents, as Prophet Muhammad said:

“Shall I inform you of the biggest of the great sins?” They said, “Yes, O Allah’s Apostle!” He said, “To join partners in worship with Allah, and to be undutiful to one’s parents.” [Al-Bukhari]

Let us find opportunities to give our parents time, especially if they are getting in their elderly years and require more care and attention. In my own personal life, I have been striving to prioritise my parents, and I am certain that Allah will reward me for doing this so long as I am capable of fulfilling my duties to them.

3. Develop a new skill

After marriage, many sisters feel they do not get the time or opportunity to develop new skills or invest in their own passions and talents. If you have time in the evenings, weekends or when out of work, grab this precious chance to start a new hobby. This could be learning to cook for example, setting up your own business, learning a new language or taking up a sport. There is no time like the present!

4. Get practical advice on marriage

It is an unfortunate reality that divorce and cases of marital difficulty are on the rise. As a single Muslimah, you can be proactive and prepare for the challenges that married life could bring. It is sad that we spend so much of our youth striving for academic or professional goals, yet when it comes to marriage, people just jump in the deep end with no help or preparation! There are many practical and useful ways to gain advice for this important journey in our lives, from reading books, taking online and live courses and seeking advice from married couples.

Speaking to trusted sisters about their experience of marriage (without being too personal) has helped me think about the kind of marriage I envision for myself, and has also helped me prepare for the trials of married life. Have a read of books that describe the characteristics of a good husband and wife, and consider enrolling in courses like Megan Wyatt’s ‘Find Your Mr Right’ course. These will explore marital issues in more detail and give you the confidence to go into married life better prepared, in sha Allah. Remember these actions are not just for single Muslimahs! Single men and married couples should always be looking to improve themselves for a harmonious and happy marriage.

5. Make sincere dua for others

As Muslims we are encouraged to not only pray for ourselves, but also for others, as our beloved Prophet Muhammad 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]

When making dua, talk to Allah as He is your Truest and Closest Friend. Be specific in what you want from a spouse – nothing is impossible or too small when asking from Allah , as provision from Him is limitless! Use the Best of Names of Allah such as Al-Wadud, Al-Mujeeb, Al-Fattah, Ar-Rahman, Al-Latif, Al-Kareem and do not simply ask to be married. Rather, pray for a spiritually meaningful and productive marriage, supplicate for a spouse with good character and humor, and most importantly, make dua for a husband who fears Allah . Pray with full conviction and sincere hope that Allah will guide you to whoever is best for you in this life and the akhirah.

I hope these tips will help my single sisters make the most of their time and boost their productivity before marriage. Share your thoughts and ideas on other ways sisters can maximize this wonderful time as a Muslim woman by commenting below.

The post 5 Ways to Boost Your Time As A Single Muslimah appeared first on ProductiveMuslim.com.

We are always looking for the ‘secrets to productivity’ and wanted to explore how some of the Muslim women today manage time effectively and perform the best in all the roles they hold, including a mother, wife, daughter, professional, activist and more! So we decided to get some of the ‘Productive Muslimahs’ of our time in the hot seat to find out their top tips and secrets to becoming a productive Muslimah!

We are very excited to be joined by Haleh Banani, a cognitive behavioral therapist, who holds therapy sessions and webinars with people from all around the world to help save their marriages, build self-esteem and overcome challenges in all their relationships. She is in our hot seat today so we asked her to tell us her secrets on how she manages to stay productive while juggling her work and family life, and got her expert advice on how to deal with low self-esteem.

1) We are very excited to have you share your secrets as a productive Muslimah! We have many sisters who suffer from low self-esteem, which is sabotaging their productivity. What do you think are the main reasons for low self-esteem in Muslim women particularly?

Self-esteem is developed in childhood in the way parents treat their children, and there are many examples of this. If children have had disapproving parental figures that excessively criticized them no matter what they did, they will feel worthless. If their parents were either uninvolved or preoccupied, they will feel unworthy of getting attention. Constant fighting between parents shatters the sense of security of children and makes them feel blameworthy. Children who experience bullying with unsupportive parents will feel that they deserve being taunted. Any form of trauma including physical, emotional or sexual abuse will leave children feeling vulnerable and humiliated. Some parents rely on fear tactics to scare their children into submission using Islam, which makes them feel that they are constantly sinning, which in turn leads to shame, guilt and self-loathing. Additionally, the media’s negative portrayal of Islam and Muslims causes many young Muslim girls not to feel proud or confident to be a Muslim, because they feel they will either be ridiculed or will experience bigotry. Comparing themselves to airbrushed super models also leaves many young girls feeling inadequate and hopeless. In my opinion, low self-esteem in women begins at home.

2) Subhan Allah, the role of parents is so important in building confidence from a young age! What practical tips would you suggest for Muslim women to overcome these self-sabotaging thoughts?

As a cognitive behavioral therapist, the first thing I address when a client suffers from low self-esteem, is to make them aware of their self-talk, which is an internal dialogue that is about 500 words a minute, 85% of which is negative. I teach them how their thoughts lead to their emotions and actions. Once they learn to control their thoughts, they can take control of their mood, achievements, and relationships.

I help people recognize that their negative self-talk is actually the voice of their disapproving parental figure which is holding them back from reaching their full potential. Once they realize that this self-talk is damaging their life, they start to take control of it by stopping the negative self-talk and replacing it with more empowering self-talk.

3) Many women are also battling the constant fear of not ‘being good enough’, which is a barrier to their productivity and sense of self-worth. How can they accept the efforts they are putting towards their goals?

It is very common for women to feel they are not good enough because for example, their parents may have constantly criticized every effort and berated them for any imperfections, or they may have experienced bullying in school or within their marriage. They need to first address their belief system about themselves and their abilities. It is critical to replace the negative self-limiting thoughts with empowering ones that will propel them in the direction of their goals. In therapy, I have my clients list their accomplishments on paper in order to gain a feeling of accomplishment. They also need supportive, optimistic friends who will be a source of encouragement and comfort in their pursuit of their goals.

4) What tips can you give our readers on sustaining their positivity to reach their goals?

Always focus on your end result in order to remain motivated and energized. Surround yourself with positive individuals who will believe in you and keep you motivated. Shield yourself from the negativity by saying, “I will only be impacted by the positive words people say and do.” Make sure you take care of yourself as you strive to reach your goals because you will not have the health or the stamina to enjoy your success if you neglect your health.

5) Who is the most positive role model for you and who would you encourage young sisters to turn to for advice?

The role model for every Muslim is the Prophet Muhammad and his beloved wife Khadijah who was the wisest, most compassionate and supportive wife in history.

I am currently reading “100 Women Who Changed The World” and I am truly inspired by the vision and the courage of these women to break through barriers and overcome societal norms in order to dream the impossible. Women like Harriet Beecher Stowe, Florence Nightingale, Marie Curie and Amelia Earhart did not allow their spirit to be broken; they dared to dream and make the world a better place against all odds. I draw upon their tenacity, their perseverance and strength.

When it comes to seeking advice, I would recommend for sisters to utilize and ask experts in their field when they have questions, as Allah says:

“And We sent not before you except men to whom We revealed [Our message]. So ask the people of the message if you do not know.” [Quran: Chapter 16, Verse 43]

Ask the faqih (expert in fiqh/jurisprudence) if you have fiqh questions. If you have spiritual and religious questions, ask your local imam or the sheikh of the masjid. Ask psychologists when you have emotional or marital problems, not just your local imam because most of them are not trained in psychology. This way, you ensure that you will get the correct guidance in each area, In sha Allah.

6) How do you manage your family and wider community commitments time-wise without feeling guilty of neglecting your home duties?

It’s essential to prioritize your family in order to avoid the pangs of guilt when engaging in community activity if your obligations have not been fulfilled. There will be times when you will have to make compromises. The only way to compensate your family is to constantly make emotional deposits with each person. Do your best to create a balance and give every aspect of your life their due rights.

7) Lastly, can you tell our readers what your favorite book is and why?

I was very impressed by the psychologist David Richo who wrote “How To Be An Adult”. I believe it should be required reading for anyone before entering marriage. There is a tremendous amount of depth which leads to self-reflection in each paragraph. The key to being emotionally healthy, psychologically balanced and intellectually aware requires being an adult in every area of our lives.

Well, thanks to Dr. Haleh for the wonderful advice and practical tips. There you have it, sisters! Let us know your thoughts and comments below, and don’t forget to look out for our next installment of ‘Secrets of a Productive Muslimah’!

About the Interviewee:

Haleh Banani has a Master’s degree in Clinical Psychology from University of Houston, with over 10 years experience in diagnosing mental and emotional disorders and administrating programs of treatment. She has given lectures on marriage in several countries and her focus is couples’ and individuals’ therapy where she helps people suffering from depression, anxiety, eating disorders and self-esteem issues. Haleh received her ijaza for recitation of the Qur’an with tajweed in Egypt and has studied Islam by attending intensive programs with many renowned scholars in North America. Her passions include skiing, kick boxing, tennis, traveling and all humanitarian causes.

The post [Interview] Secrets of a Productive Muslimah: Haleh Banani appeared first on ProductiveMuslim.com.

The Prophet Muhammad said:
“Whoever takes a bath on a Friday and does it well, and purifies himself and does it well, and puts on his best clothes, and puts on whatever Allah decrees for him of the perfume of his family, then comes to the mosque and does not engage in idle talk or separate (pushing between) two people; he will be forgiven for (his sins) between that day and the previous Friday.” [Sunan Ibn Majah].

Yet, so often I meet sisters, professionals and mothers who find it a battle to be able to have a smooth Friday routine where they can get the best out of this rewarding day.

In this article, we look at a suggested routine for your Friday (which you can adjust according to your local timings for sunrise, sunset, work, school, etc.) to help overcome some of the common challenges many sisters face, either at home or at the mosque. For our sisters who are blessed enough to have Friday as a day off (as is the case in most Muslim countries), you can still follow this routine, but of course you won’t have to factor in work or school runs! Instead, take this extra time to complete any important to-dos, but plan your day around the precious events of the day of Jumu’ah.

Friday Routine

At dawn – Wake up for Fajr

06:30 – Recite Surat al-Kahf (at least first and last ten verses if you’re pressed for time)

07:30 – Shower and eat breakfast

08:30 – Get kids off to school or get ready for work

09:00 – Leave or arrive for work or complete household duties/tasks on to-do list

10:00 – Pray two rak’ah Salatul Duha and go back to work or other duties

12:30 – Put on your nice Friday outfit

At Dhuhr time – Head to masjid (avoid using a pram if mosque has little space) or prepare a quiet space at home

13:00 – 14:00 – Jumu’ah at mosque or Dhuhur at home in a quiet room

14:00 – 15:00 – Lunch with family or with the local sisters; or head back to work; or school run

Last hour before Maghrib – Make du’a during the hour of assured acceptance or sa’at istijabah (fit in Surat al-Kahf if you haven’t read it yet)

After Maghrib salah – Family time for reflection on Friday sermon

Of course, with hectic work schedules, kids and never-ending household chores, the day is not always this smooth. Here are my tips to make your Jumu’ah blessed and enjoyable:

1. Dump the bags, be bag-lite

Quite often, I have seen sisters take their shopping bags with them to Jumu’ah and it takes up lots of space that could otherwise be used for prayer. Try your best to go to the masjid ‘bag-lite’. When I go to the mosque, I try to take a small bag with only a few essentials. I also keep my shoes in a carrier bag, which makes it quick and easy for me to slip out after Jumu’ah instead of trying to find my shoes in that rush after prayer and avoid losing time especially when I have to go back to the office on a Friday afternoon.

2. Get the kids ready

We love to bring our children to the masjid to pray on Fridays to show them great examples of community and sisterhood, and expose them to good environments. However, children, especially when they begin to understand right from wrong, should be taught about the special ‘etiquettes’ they need to have in the mosque. Of course, children can inevitably cause disturbance, so teaching them masjid etiquette early will lead to a peaceful Jumu’ah for you and for others. They should even be treated with a gift for their good behaviour, so it instills a sense of excitement for the upcoming Jumu’ah. Additionally, as much as you are encouraged to bring the kids to the mosque, plan your trip beforehand or if suitable, gain the reward of praying at home, especially if your local masjid does not have the facility of a ‘women with children’ section.

Remember, sisters have the luxury of Jumu’ah not being an obligation for them as it was narrated that the Prophet Muhammad said:

“The Friday prayer in congregation is a necessary duty for every Muslim, with four exceptions; a slave, a woman, a boy, and a sick person.” [Al-Albani].

3. Fit in Surat Al-Kahf

There are many virtues and lessons to be gained from Surat Al-Kahf.

The Prophet Muhammad said:

“Whoever reads Surah al-Kahf on the day of Jumu’ah, will have a light that will shine from him from one Friday to the next.” [Al-Haakim].

Mums and working sisters may find it easier to ensure they recite the Qur’an in the early morning before the kids are up, or the manic work to-dos during the day pile up. Use this time to also reflect on your week and use it to spiritually boost you through to the next Friday. For sisters who are menstruating, you can still benefit from the next two tips.

4. Use the last hour for dua

That last hour before Maghrib on a Friday is very important as it is known as a time when duas are accepted (sa’at istijabah).

The Messenger of Allah said: “Friday is twelve hours in which there is no Muslim slave who asks Allah for something but He will give it to him, so seek it in the last hour after ‘Asr.” [Sunan an-Nasa’i].

So, plan your most desired duas and get away from the desk or kitchen for 10-15 minutes to ask Allah for all your needs during this precious time.

5. Have a special family Friday night

Finally, the end of the week is an opportunity for all the family to come together and catch up, especially as the week may go by with everyone being busy. After Maghrib salah is a good chance to reflect on the messages heard by your family members during the khutbah; it may even be that various members of your family went to different mosques and heard different messages, so this is a great chance to share these important gems with each other.

Remember, there are many other recommended sunan acts that sisters can perform during the blessed day of Jumu’ah, whether or not you can pray. These include having a bath, removing hair from the body and cutting nails and remove gel polish if you have one, wearing your best clothes, using miswaak and abundant salawaat upon the Prophet Muhammad . In particular, incorporate salawaat as soon as you wake up, up until Maghrib, by uttering the words under your breath throughout the day. There are innumerable virtues of salawaat and some easy salawaat to recite are:

1) Saying “salAllahu alaihi wa sallam” after mention of his name.

2) Reciting “Allahumma salli wa sallim ‘alaa Nabiyyina Muhammad (O Allah send Your praise, prayers and peace upon our Prophet Muhammad ), recommended as part of your daily morning and evening adhkaar.

3) Reciting “Allahumma salli ‘ala Muhammadin, wa ‘ala ‘ali Muhammadin, kama sallaita ‘ala ‘ali Ibrahima, innaka Hamidum Majid. Allahumma barik ‘ala Muhammadin, wa ‘ala ‘ali Muhammadin, kama barakta ‘ala ‘ali Ibrahima, innaka Hamidum Majid. (O Allah, exalt the mention of Muhammad and the family of Muhammad as you exalted the family of Ibrahim. You are Praised and Glorious. O Allah, bless Muhammad and the family of Muhammad as You blessed the family of Ibrahim. You are Praised and Glorious.)” [Al Bukhari and Muslim].

So these are the top tips to incorporate into your Friday routine, making it a blessed and productive day In sha Allah. Share your thoughts below and any other tips that work for you!

The post Jumu’ah Routine for Women: Make the Most Out of Your Friday appeared first on ProductiveMuslim.com.

Women around the world are now becoming part of the economic fabric of society, and this is no different for Muslim women who are venturing out with their talents and entrepreneurial spirits as professionals. STEM education is a powerful pathway for professional Muslim women to achieve success, economic independence, and societal impact. As explained by educators and leaders such as Bobb, Kamau, a good education enables them to overcome barriers, contribute to the global economy, and inspire future generations while pursuing careers that align with their talents and entrepreneurial spirits.

Having worked in the international development field across various organisations, with the opportunity to travel and meet interesting people, I thought it would be useful to share some fabulous tips I have learnt after getting advice and learning from mentors in my professional life on how to accelerate my professional growth at the age of 24.

1. Have sincere intentions

As always, the first piece of advice when starting any endeavour is to have the sincerest of intentions, especially when you are working. This can make your work rewardable and ensure there are blessings in it. Put up a reminder at your desk or in the workplace that sincerity is the key to your success. Allah says: “Whoever does righteousness, whether male or female, while he is a believer – We will surely cause him to live a good life, and We will surely give them their reward [in the Hereafter] according to the best of what they used to do.” [Qur’an: Chapter 16, Verse 97]

2. Put yourself out there and forward

One of the aspects that make an employee different from others is their ability to put themselves forward for tasks and projects that may not necessarily be in their remit. When you make yourself noticed by sharing ideas and putting forward your suggestions to management, this shows your creativity and your commitment, which is attractive to employers. It will also increase your chances to take on projects outside of your comfort zone, boosting your confidence and your skills. This doesn’t necessarily mean you have to be vocal and outspoken, but you can take initiative and solve issues. This way, you are more likely to get yourself noticed for a promotion or opportunities.

Get yourself noticed

One of the best pieces of advice I got early on in my career was to ‘get noticed’, as it can be easy to get lost in a big office environment among various types of personalities. After a year, I settled into the organisation and made people aware of my skills and strengths, which meant lots of new projects came my way, strengthening my skills and boosting my position within the company.

3. Take ownership for your learning

One of the mistakes many professionals make is failing to take ownership for their own learning. No matter what organisation you belong to, you will most likely have an HR department who can let you know of training programs, courses and workshops to enhance and broaden the skills needed to progress in your career. Sign up to a course that will give you a new skill so you are building on this instead of just being a ‘one-trick pony’, as some say.

Use various resources

There is also a range of resources available online to utilise at Mind Tools for improving your transferable skills like presentation, communication and organisation skills, valuable traits every employer looks for. I also advise reading books within and beyond your sector to boost your professional development; for example, one of the books I am reading at the moment is Their Roaring Thirties: Brutally Honest Career Talk From Women Who Beat The Youth Trap by Denise Restauri. Once you take ownership for your own learning, you will start to discover strengths and opportunities you didn’t know existed.

4. Learn from others’ mistakes

They say wisdom is to not to simply learn from you own mistakes, but to learn from the mistakes of others and this is certainly true in the working world. If you can learn from experts in your field then you will certainly find ways to get ahead of the game in terms of career and knowledge so create a shortlist of people you can be mentored by or get advice from to advance your professional progress. I have often found other people from other organisations similar to mine happy to share their mistakes and challenges, as well as their solutions. This has helped me to reflect on my own work and use the best practices often fast-tracking my own knowledge and work.

5. Develop a wide network

In my professional network, there are a number of people I can get advice from on things like my CV, or applying for an exciting opportunity abroad. I have met all of these people at professional events and they have helped me to develop a wide network of people I can rely on to help me or direct me to someone when I need any advice.

Stay in touch

I usually follow up immediately with people who I have met at an event or in a meeting. This gesture shows them that you are keen to stay in touch, while adding them on social media means that you can see what career-related opportunities they may share. Having a wide network also means that you can gradually build a support network of people who may know of other excellent job opportunities (if you ever need an exit strategy plan!).

6. Always think ahead

I am often surprised by the sisters I meet (both graduates and professionals) who have not really thought about the next steps for their professional goals. It is essential that no matter what area of work you are in you think ahead, as progression is key to being a productive Muslimah. Some of us may be in jobs which we have been in for a while, but did you know most HR advisors recommend moving on from a job every three years? This can ensure you are exposed to different working environments. Avensure is a UK HR services provider to consider hiring for your company.

Take action!

So often, sisters I meet complain that they are stuck in a job which does not suit their needs. To these sisters, I advise that you think about what you can do next with your skills, pray istikhara and then go for it! Apply the tips above in your working life, and hopefully this will allow you to find an opportunity to get into the industry and area of work you are keen to get into.

I hope the above advice and tips will boost your productivity at work and help fast track success in your career. We’d love to hear your thoughts and get more awesome tips that have worked for you, so share below!

The post 6 Fabulous Tips To Fast Track Your Career appeared first on ProductiveMuslim.com.

One of the major barriers to productivity I often hear about when I meet sisters across the world, is the lack of self-confidence. I know from personal experience that is isn’t easy to develop confidence – some people are born with it, but I believe for most of us, it has to be developed and nurtured as we grow! I often have friends and family tell me I carry an aura of confidence about me; some wonder ‘what’s her secret?’ – it has has certainly taken some training! It is really disheartening to see Muslim women who are so talented, educated and ambitious thwart their progress and productivity because they have low self-esteem. I’d like to explore how we sisters can boost our own confidence with practical tips from the Qur’an and Sunnah.

Firstly, I want to remind you that Allah has honoured women, affording us rights more than 1400 years ago and endowing on us the opportunity to earn the highest stations in Paradise, through the various roles we play as daughters, wives, mothers and Muslimahs in our society. We only have to look to our historical examples of female scholars such as Aisha bint Abu Bakr to learn that achieving confidence is not a sign of arrogance or being against Islamic values. In fact, one can be confident in their faith whilst being a Muslimah in pursuit of her goals.

Remember, Allah says: “And We have certainly honored the children of Adam and carried them on the land and sea and provided for them of the good things and preferred them over much of what We have created, with [definite] preference.” [Qur’an: Chapter 17, Verse 70]

Let’s look at some of the ways I have learnt to personally conquer my fear and boost my confidence:

1. Have self-belief

As a Muslimah, if you don’t believe that you can achieve something, even if it’s a small task, this can impact your confidence greatly. The first step is to develop a positive mindset and have the belief that you are capable of doing what you set out to accomplish with Allah ‘s Help. This will take some internal work and will not be done overnight, but start by telling yourself that Allah wanted you to be the best Muslimah you can be in every aspect of your life – this will get you on the road to developing confidence.

2. Use positive language

What kind of language do you use in your daily life, whether at work, home or in the community? Do you tend to use the words ‘can’t’, or ‘don’t believe’ or ‘not sure’ often in your responses? If you do, then perhaps you are using what psychologists call ‘self-limiting’ terms which can prevent you from being confident. Instead, try to say ‘I can do this’, ‘I will inshaAllah achieve’, or ‘I am capable of..’ as this kind of language will increase your positivity and give you a sense of self-belief.

3. Dump your negative thoughts

When negative thoughts and whispers enter your mind then remind yourself of the positive language. Don’t allow yourself to be put down by these thoughts, as this will prevent you from achieving your set goals. Try writing down negative feelings and thoughts, then tell yourself the opposite of what have you have written. For example, if you have written: ‘I can’t do this because I’m not good enough’, tell yourself ‘I will try to do this and I might actually be good at it’. If you let negative thinking sabotage your productivity, then you may feel regret later in life.

4. Write down a list of your strengths

One of the most powerful exercises I have done with my mentor on a regular basis, is to discuss and write my own strengths. As an example, I have written that I have ‘good interpersonal and communication skills’ and then written an example of when I proved this such as at an event when I met with someone new. This short exercise should take no more than 20-30 minutes but will serve as a great way to increase your confidence, especially when you are feeling down. Use this list of strengths to motivate you in whatever area of work you are focussing on.

5. Read up about confidence

Confidence is not something we are all born with, but it is certainly a quality we admire in people around us. Some are gifted with it, while others have a ‘quiet confidence’ about them which we may not always perceive. There are some great resources out there to help you with confidence; one of my favourites is ‘How to Develop Self-Confidence & Influence People by Public Speaking’ by Dale Carnegie. You can also search online for the many other tools and articles on why self-confidence is important especially in women, in both professional and personal capacities. Read up on the female scholars and pious women, and take lessons from their personalities and ways they handled their affairs – they are the best of examples.

6. Receive compliments gracefully

When I look back to my days of low self-confidence, I re-call compliments being vital to giving me a boost – especially when they were from people I respected, like my teachers. Some sisters on the other hand find it extremely difficult to receive compliments, and sometimes ‘defer’ them, so they put themselves down, instead of graciously thanking someone for their kind words. Although this should be carefully balanced with avoiding feelings of pride or complacency, accepting compliments when you’ve earned them can remind you that you have good qualities and traits to contribute. Respond to these compliments by saying ‘thank you, that’s very kind of you’ while acknowledging that you always have more to learn, to keep your humility.

7. Pursue something you are good at

There’s nothing more empowering than discovering you are good at something. Once you know what you are good at, you can gain a sense of self-fulfilment and maximise your confidence. For many sisters I meet, there are so many dreams and ideas they have, yet the environment or family expectations mean they are unable to pursue such activities. My advice is to keep trying until you are able to do this, it will in turn have positive psychological benefits for you and your family when you do what you love.

8. Network with new Muslimahs

Meeting new sisters is always a test of our own confidence as it can take us out of our comfort zone, but it is also a great way to improve your self-confidence by telling people about yourself. Before you go to an event, meeting or somewhere where you can network with people, think about the interesting things you like or have done to use as talking points. Hopefully it will ensure that the people you talk to have a interesting conversation with you and remember you as a confident Muslimah!

9. Be independent

Being able to do things without depending on others is a huge morale booster as it gives you a sense of empowerment and self-dignity. This may be doing something you haven’t ever done on your own before, like learning a new skill or practising a new hobby. For years I failed at driving many times before I passed! The ability to accomplish something completely independently will give you a real confidence boost.

10. Make this special dua

There is a beautiful du’a which encapsulates the need to always ask Allah to help us improve ourselves in our faith and character. It is no easy task, and this du’a will give you the strength to be confident and productive Muslimahs!

(Moses) said: My Lord! Expand for me by breast (with assurance). And ease for me my task. And untie the knot from my tongue. That they may understand my speech.’ [Qur’an: Chapter 20, Verses 25-28]

Share your thoughts and suggestions below on how you’ve boosted your confidence!

The post 10 Actions for Sisters to Boost Self-Confidence appeared first on ProductiveMuslim.com.

A while back, we posted out an article called ‘5 Wardrobe Hacks of Productive Muslimah‘ and we got a hugely positive response. It seems that us sisters can allow our wardrobes to get the better of us and it can impact on our productivity too. In light of this, I wanted to share with you all another few secrets from my closet but this time related to the all essentials in a handbag that most sisters carry around.

One of the common issues I have found with sisters – whether they are students, mothers or professionals – is that they can often not find the most important thing whilst rummaging through their handbag. At important times (during a meeting or when you are travelling), it is time-saving to have everything well organised in your handbag, to be able to access things quickly and easily whilst carrying less unnecessary baggage – this will ultimately make us better organised and more productive.

Many women will say that a handbag is an essential accessory, so if it is organised it can have huge positives. An organised handbag can create a stress-free mind, can boost productivity and even has physical benefits by choosing to carry a light bag that is good for your shoulders and back. From personal experience, investing in a good travel bag, travelling lighter with the essentials only, has helped to de-clutter my mind; my thought process is clearer and it has also reduced the aching shoulders I used to get from carrying around a bigger bag! Of course, every sister has their own preference so this article is not about what kind of bag to buy (although I’ll share some of my top buys!). I’ll be showing you how to organise your handbag and choose the bare minimum essentials that we should carry around to boost your emotional, social, and work productivity.

Unpacking the baggage

So, let’s start off by unpacking what I see are the common issues and scenarios sisters have with their bags, that many of you will be able to relate to:

1. It is too big and everything you carry in it isn’t always necessary
2. There is no organisation so sisters waste time trying to find things in their bags, especially when you need it most (it’s probably somewhere at the bottom of the many things chucked in your bag)
3. Carrying heavy loads impacts on your physical and psychological load – the heavier your bag is the more muscle pain you experience and your mind is more occupied
4. It’s a Mum’s nightmare when she can’t find the dummy or wipes!
5. Worst case scenario: you lose things or it gets stolen because you haven’t thought about practicalities of your bag.

What’s the solution?

Carrying a well organised bag which is relatively light, secure and compartmentalised is key to having a productive handbag. For longer trips, having a durable luggage such as the Traveler’s choice luggage is a must to keep things organized.

So what should go in my handbag?

So what should go in my handbag? Well, after spending almost 6 months carrying around what has now become my favourite travel bag, I can reveal it has been much easier to travel with only these essentials packed:

1. Small Blank Notepad (for scribbling down ideas)
2. Pen
3. Money/Bank Card
4. Phone
5. Small Pocket Dua Book (or downloaded on Phone App)
6. ID e.g. driver’s licence
7. iPad or eReader (I also have the QuranExplorer App available instead of carrying a mushaf around)
8. Moisturiser and anti-bacterial wipes
9. Small Tissue Pack
10. Keys

I have managed to whittle my hand bag down a few sizes and pack only these 10 items.

Many sisters tend to think they need to carry more than they actually do but I have found it to be super useful to organise my bag with only these items in the last few months. It is also important to note that a regular de-clutter of the bags you carry around is needed so that things don’t pile up and take up space. For example, every 2 weeks I throw away receipts that I don’t need from the bag and file away documents/letters.

How to organise it all?

Sometimes it can be hard to know where to start with organising all the contents of a bag. Firstly, it is important to buy a bag with lots of compartments, both open and zipped. I have used an approach of using these separated compartments in my bag; important items like bank cards and cash go in the zipped or card sized pockets of the bag – this makes it easy to get out when I need to pay at shops and ensures they are safe and secure from falling out. This also saves me space because I don’t have to carry around a big fat purse. In fact, I have been purse free for 6 months much to the relief of my handbag! If you need to carry cash, you can use cute coin purses that only have space for coins and a few notes.

Additionally, place important documents in envelopes and see-through pocket folders so that you can easily locate and see the relevant documents you need, especially details such as flights, booking references, plans and itineraries etc.

What kind of bag should I carry?

We are spoilt for choice when it comes to bags and often the latest fashion trend can encourage women to buy impractical bags that are bigger than they need. Unless you are carrying a laptop or a Mum’s bag for packing baby essentials, I suggest keeping the handbag to the size of an A4 paper. My favourite to use lately has been a small ‘satchel’ that can be easily and lightly worn on the shoulder or acoss the body, like these which can be found in any high street shop. Enough to fit all the essentials mentioned above and important documents – practical and stylish!

For any extras I have to carry, I tend to buy bags made from canvas material, which are strong but feel light on the shoulders, are reusable and are also handy for carrying things casually like extra clothes or shoes. Check out canvas bags here, or you can get some cool and creative recycled ones online too.

What about a Mum-friendly bag?

We know mums usually have more to carry so here are some tips for mums when packing their bigger bags. Ensure you have plenty of compartments and side pockets for keeping the baby’s bottle in the side, sterile wipes and tissues for any accidents, extra clothes, transparent cases (useful for medication/creams) and also containers for children’s food. One of the worst things for mums is not being able to find what they need whilst baby is crying so make sure you know exactly where you’ve put each item (this is where compartments come in handy!) and if need be, you can also easily direct someone else to grab it for you.

Who knew that there could be such an art to a handbag? I hope all the above tips will make carrying a handbag less of a nightmare and chore, prevent you from being late to a meeting or finding that all important document when you need it, leading to a more stress-free productive day for you sisters!

We would love to hear if these tips help you and please do share your secrets or suggestions on what you think every ProductiveMuslimah ought to carry in her bag below!

The post What’s In A Productive Muslimah’s Bag? appeared first on ProductiveMuslim.com.

Do you remember Ramadan? The high imaan, the sweetness in prayer, the love for reading Qur’an – nearly four months later, it is just as important to try and keep the imaan high, although this can be hard, especially when we are caught up in work.

For many of us as Muslimahs out in the working world or even at home, it can be a challenge to sustain our spirituality post-Ramadhan. Many sisters I know complain of the need to reform their spiritual habits and I count being in in good companionship as one of the vital ways to continually boost your spiritual development.

In the modern day, it is easy to slip out of the ‘spiritually developing’ zone, especially when you are in a non-Muslim environment and don’t have the same network of ‘sisterhood’ to encourage your spiritual growth let alone as much free time. I know of many friends who are in professions such as doctors, lawyers and even bankers who feel this ‘void’ in spirituality after venturing out into the working world. They feel a real dip in their faith and are crying out for ways to stay in touch with their spirituality in the workplace.

This article is an attempt at providing practical ways for spiritual reformation that I have personally adopted to use in the working world. Although it will be a real challenge for many, with sincere intentions and noble efforts you can hopefully recreate some of that much needed spiritual reformation.

1. Find good work buddies

Although it’s easier to surround yourself with Muslims, I have personally found that even being in the presence of people from other faiths can strengthen your own faith. It is important to find a work buddy who you can openly discuss your faith with and be in good company. Even if it can’t be a Muslim colleague, then at least a colleague who understands and respects you and your faith values. I often find that non-Muslim colleagues are more interested in chatting about general life matters, so find areas of common interest before you start talking to them about matters related to your faith. For those of us fortunate to work in a predominantly Muslim environment, having good company is still important as we can often lose ourselves amidst work. In our office, we’ve started a regular 10 minute reminder with the sisters once a week which we rotate between staff to help us remind each other of how to strive to be better Muslims – it’s often the spiritual dose we need for the rest of the week’s work!

2. Talk about faith

One of the beauties of working with non-Muslim colleagues is that there is a natural sense of curiosity about you as a Muslim, but also at a human level so ensure you break down any barriers and connect with them at a human level first. Find out about their life outside of work without prying too much of course! This always opens doors to then talking about more personal matters like your faith. Hopefully by developing a bond with your colleagues which goes beyond work you can comfortably and confidently talk about what it is like being a Muslim. Being a visible Muslimah at work, maybe through wearing the hijab, is a walking da’wah opportunity, as every action and conversation teaches others about Islam. Also, I have often found my non-Muslim friends have niggling questions about Islam which I am able to talk to them about openly once we’ve built a good working relationship.

3. Read, read and read!

There is one practice I have continued since university to develop myself spiritually, which is reading books – the more I read the more I realise how little I actually know! It is vital you read Islamic books on spiritual development such as Al-Ghazali’s works. You can even fit this reading into your travel time to work as I often do by reading on my Kindle. During lunch breaks you can also read articles which will boost your faith and remind you of Allah through websites such as MuslimMatters, Suhaib Webb or ProductiveMuslim.com to keep you stimulated and get a refreshing ‘spiritual break’. Check out my previous article where I recommended 10 books for productive Muslimahs!

4. Attend a regular circle/class

Despite the demands on your time as a professional Muslimah and even at home, it is really important to have a work-life balance for your wellbeing. One of the ways to boost your spirituality is to attend a regular class, even if it is online rather than in person, to surround yourself with like-minded people as well as to continue to benefit in the pursuit of knowledge. Find out what local circles are taking place; some workplaces even have Muslim associations and events you can attend or better still set one up of your own! I often tell sisters that they need to ensure they invest in themselves to grow spiritually and emotionally.

5. Use salah to re-focus

We are blessed as Muslims to have the daily salah, yet so many of us rush through prayer in a bid to get other work done. Instead, we should use salah to refocus and re-energise ourselves for work. I often find that when I have a difficult task to do at work, just switching off and going to pray helps me come back more focussed to tackle the task. Also, prayer is a constant reminder that we are dependent on Allah’s Help to succeed at work and any task which lies ahead. So capitalise on this spiritual booster in your working day! Remember, you can use other means of connecting with Allah if you can’t pray.

Once you’ve started to take the above steps, make du’a that Allah places barakah in your work and time through your endeavours to better yourself. Remind yourself of the importance of holding onto your faith values and how you are an ambassador for Islam through your actions in the workplace. Hopefully, using the steps above you can begin to make spiritual reformations at work and beyond.

The post [SISTERS] 5 Tips for Spiritual Reformation at Work appeared first on ProductiveMuslim.com.

At ProductiveMuslimah, we realise sisters have a difficult time trying to live up to their expectations in all the different roles in our lives – whether it is as a mother, wife, worker and a worshipper. Being a good daughter has been on my mind for a long time as I often meet sisters who feel they are failing in this role. I have myself struggled to find the balance at times in serving my parents and other demands of life. Recently I have adopted a few hacks to help me in this pursuit to be a better daughter, and note I chose the word ‘better’, because none of us are perfect!

Firstly, we should acknowledge that as a Muslimah, our first and foremost role is to worship Allah but then immediately after fulfilling these obligations, serving our parents is the best honour we can have. Allah says in the Qur’an:

“And We have enjoined upon man goodness to parents. But if they endeavor to make you associate with Me that of which you have no knowledge, do not obey them. To Me is your return, and I will inform you about what you used to do” [Qur’an Chapter 29: Verse 8].

Allah has endowed upon women so many challenging yet rewarding roles, but we often overlook that being a good daughter is one of the best ways in which we can worship Allah – whether you are a married woman with demands from your in-laws or a single Muslimah who is looking to get married – remember that you can live your life’s true purpose by looking after your parents.

As a working Muslimah, I have been fortunate and blessed to have parents who have always supported me in my work endeavours; however, I realise that some of us can take our parents for granted and this can lead to us neglecting our duties towards our parents even though we may not have intended to do this. So, here are a few hacks I have adopted to fulfil my obligations towards my parents:

1. Prioritise your parents over other tasks

One of the biggest lessons I have learnt as a Muslimah is that despite the demands on our time from work, personal goals and other aspirations – we must do our best to prioritise our parents over other less important tasks. It isn’t easy! However, making sure you are flexible and checking in with your parents before making other commitments outside of work life can really help you manage your family tasks and fulfil your duties to your parents. I often block out time in the weekend to see if my parents need anything and follow up on any outstanding tasks. It also helps to have an understanding employer who will be able to understand that your family comes first so there may be times where you need to prioritise them over work.

2. Communicate regularly

I find that there’s nothing better than a cup of tea with my Mum or chat with my Dad on a quiet Sunday to build a positive relationship with your parents. It’s very important to have open and honest communication with your parents, and I’ve been fortunate to be able to have a very close relationship with both of my parents. Even small chats and giving your parents time can help them to realise that they are not taken for granted – as parents get older all they want is your attention just as you wanted all of theirs as a child! Something as simple as going for a walk in the park or sitting in the living room talking about life in general regularly can remind them that they are still the most important people in your life as you get older and preoccupied with other commitments in life.

3. Be patient and good to them

I’ve met many sisters who have challenging family circumstances, some have hopes and dreams of accomplishing certain goals or careers in life which their parents do not support whilst others find themselves constantly battling the expectations their parents have of them whilst trying to practice Islam (trust me I know it’s a long battle!). We may fall into the trap of shaytan – talking back to our parents, arguing with them when we disagree on a matter or even saying hurtful things to them. But we must remember that Allah says in the Qur’an that even when our parents do not not necessarily see things the way we do, it is important to still be kind and good to them. Sometimes I have found that all it takes is a kind word to acknowledge that your parents want what is best for you so we should strive to obey and please them unless their orders go against a command of Allah . Ultimately, none of us can be perfect daughters (as much as we may try to be!) because perfection belongs to Allah alone. We can however do our best to please our parents with good words and kind treatment.

4. Give them quality time

One hack that has helped me recently to have better work life balance is to schedule outings and quality time with my parents. This could be something simple and low-budget by taking your parents to the mosque, having brunch in your favourite cafe or scheduling a shopping trip to treat them. This should be time where you give them your undivided attention and make them feel like they are worthy of your time no matter how busy you may get in life. After all, your parents most likely spent most of their lives sacrificing and giving up their own time and desires to care and provide for you. Spending time with your parents, especially if you don’t live with them, is something you try to do even if it means a regular phone call to let your parents know that you are thinking of them and that you are there if they ever need you. This is a huge positive booster in being a good daughter.

5. Shower them with gifts and du’a

There is a profound hadith which highlights how we will never be able to be truly grateful for everything our parents have done for us especially when we were younger. To this day, my father will ensure all my siblings are given an equal share in anything he buys. It is then only befitting that we do our best to attempt repaying them by gifting them with things they like – cooking them dinner, buying clothes, flowers (I love to buy unique roses for my mother) or spending on them by taking them on a trip to ‘Umrah or to Hajj – a journey of a lifetime.

Finally, the best thing you can give them is your prayers, as Allah says we should always recite: “My Lord, have mercy upon them as they brought me up [when I was] small” [Qur’an Chapter 17: Verse 24]. We must remind ourselves that making du’a for our parents is one of the best actions we can do for them whether our parents are still with us today or have departed from this world as the Prophet Muhammad said: “When a human being dies, all of his deeds are terminated except for three types: an ongoing sadaqah (charity), knowledge from which others benefit, and a righteous child who makes du’a for him.” [Muslim]

So those are my 5 simple hacks to incorporate into our daily lives, that I hope will help us all strive to be better daughters and ultimately be more productive Muslimahs in our lives, I’d love to hear your tips and advice as well as your thoughts on this article below!

The post 5 Hacks To Be a Better Daughter! appeared first on ProductiveMuslim.com.

Ramadan is a time of spiritual retreat – we are able to invest in the extra good deeds and gain more reward than at any time of the year. It is meant to be the most productive time of the year for us on a spiritual, social and physical level but this isn’t always the case. Sisters face a different productivity challenge during the days they are unable to fast due to menstruating or post-natal bleeding, so often I hear sisters complain about how unproductive they are during the days where they can’t fast. It’s like they feel a spiritual loss and miss out on the blessings of Ramadan. Here’s the good news sisters, you can still be productive during these days when you are unable to fast!

In this article, I will share practical tips and advice on how you can use the non-fasting days to invest in yourself spiritually, get proactive socially and make sure you don’t lose out on the blessings of Ramadan.

Firstly let’s remind ourselves of the purpose of fasting, Allah says in the Qur’an:
‘O you who have believed, decreed upon you is fasting as it was decreed upon those before you that you may become righteous.’ [Qur’an 2:183]

Yet, we find sisters hit an iman dip during the days they are not fasting, the schedule of eating suhoor and taking part in the prayers can affect our spiritually uplifted habits. However, there are ways we can ensure we strive to still attain the spiritual consciousness and productivity we hoped by doing some planning and preparation on how to use this time effectively. It is also important to remember that menstruation is decreed by Allah for women, and we do not lose out on the reward of not fasting!

Plan Spiritual Boosters

Firstly, one of the key ways I have been able to get the best out of the days where I am not fasting are by scheduling in what I call ‘spiritual boosters’ – these are actions which will bring me closer to Allah and I schedule these in at regular prayer times. This makes me stay in the habit of investing in my spirituality as well as stay connected to Allah through replacing salah with other spiritually boosting actions.

These non-praying days can be used to really invest in yourself and your growth. During these days, a Productive Muslimah can plan how to improve herself and not let the ‘free time’ go to waste on social media or sitting in front of the couch! Planning your time effectively by choosing to do any of the following spiritual boosting activities can help you get the most out of these days:

1. Make a dua list and make dua at the recommended times eg. iftar time, last third part of the night
2. Recite or memorise verses from the Qur’an (Check out QuranTracker.com)
3. Write reflections in a Ramadan Journal
4. Select an Islamic book from the list here on ‘What’s on Productive Muslimah’s Bookshelf’ to read during non-fasting days
5. Block out time for dhikr, contemplation and self-reflection

Get Socially Productive!

One of the best things about Ramadan for me is the opportunity to do good deed and benefit people around me in my community, such as my neighbours, my relatives, colleagues and the Ummah in general. There are so many charitable causes and Ramadan is an ideal time to invest back into the community which is why every year I have socially productive actions I invest my time into during non-praying days, either by volunteering for a charity or assisting with providing iftar for fasting people.

Many single sisters will also be able to use these days to contribute their skills, time and talents to their community and the Ummah at large, to maximise on having a productive Ramadan. There are so many creative ways you can benefit others around you during this blessed month as a Muslimah so you can also reap the benefits even though you may not be fasting.

Here are just some ideas we have on how you can be socially productive beyond the home and to contribute to the wider community:

1. Volunteer at your local mosque during taraweeh prayers
2. Feed a fasting person in your house
3. Donate your skills and time to a local charity
4. Have a productive iftar party to raise funds
5. Give iftar to the neighbours
6. Tell a non-Muslim colleague why we fast
7. Arrange short spiritual reminders at work
8. Visit a sick or ill person

Make Up Fasts: Create Sisters Support Group

Finally, many sisters face a challenge in making up the fasts they missed each year because it’s just much easier to fast whilst everyone else is also going through the same challenge, especially if it’s a long day! Also, some sisters miss a large chunk (if not all) of the days of Ramadan due to post-natal bleeding, which can make it quite a depressing thought to fast the whole month again on your own! So here’s a practical tip to get you making up your fasts soon after Ramadan – get together with some friends or sisters locally to build a support network. Together with these sisters you can set dates where you will make up your fasts together and recreate some of the Ramadan productivity after Ramadan by having iftars together and encouraging each other to make up the missed fasts before the following year. The support group could be as simple as a ‘WhatsApp’ group, where you can motivate each other and update other sisters on your progress.

So there you have it! Follow these tips to invest in having a spiritually uplifting Ramadan even whilst you are not praying or fasting, and ensure you plan your time effectively and maximise on these days by doing socially productive activities. Keep the spirit of Ramadan going by building a support group with other sisters so you can maintain the productive habits from Ramadan which you develop and ensure you make up your fasts together. May Allah fill your Ramadan with blessings and make it the most productive Ramadan yet! Ameen!

The post Invest in Your Spiritual Productivity During Non-Praying Days appeared first on ProductiveMuslim.com.