Ramadhan Checklist

I came across this checklist by chance, unfortunately I do not know whom to give the credits for it, but I thought I might share it with the readers of this blog.

1. Make a resolve to win the maximum favour of Allah: perform extra voluntary prayers (Nawaafil), make frequent Du'a and increase remembrance (Dhikr).

2. Try to recite some Qu'ran after every Prayer. In fact if you read 3-4 pages after every Prayer you can easily finish the entire Quran in Ramadan! Study the Quranic Tafseer (commentary) every morning.

3. Invite a person you are not very close with to your home for Iftar, at least once a week. You will notice the blessings in your relationships!

4. Bring life to your family! Everyday, try to conclude the fast with your family and spend some quality time together to understand each other better.

5. Commit to an Islamic study circles to enhance your Islamic knowledge and practice. Plan to complete reading a book on Prophet Muhammad’s (pbuh) life in these 30 days.

6. Donate generously to the masajid, Islamic organizations, and any where people are in need. "This is a month of sharing!"

7. Seek the rare and oft-neglected rewards of 'the night better than a 1000 months', Laylatul-Qadr.

8. Weep in private for the forgiveness of your sins: It is the month of forgiveness and Allah's Mercy! It's never too late.

9. Learn to control your tongue and lower your gaze. Remember the Prophet's warning that lying, backbiting, and a lustful gaze all violate the fast! Abandon foul language forever.

10. Encourage others to enjoin and love goodness, and to abandon everything evil. Play the role of a Da'ee (one who invites to Allah) with passion and sympathy.

11. Experience the joy of Tahajjud prayers late at night and devote yourself purely and fully to Allah in the I'tikaf retreat during the last 10 days of Ramadan.

with thanks: Sarah

Day of 'Ashura'

'A'ishah, may Allah be pleased with her, reported:the Quraish used to fast on the Day of 'Ashura' in the pre-Islamic days and the Messenger of Allah (may peace be upon him) also observed it. When he migrated to Medina, he himself observed this Fast (of 'Ashura') and commanded (others) to observe it. But when fasting during the month of Ramadan was made obligatory he said: He who wishes to observe this Fast may do so, and he who wishes to abandon it may do so. [Sahih Muslim 1897]

Ibn ‘Abbas, (RA), reported: “The Prophet, came to al-Madinah and saw the Jews fasting on the day of Ashura. He asked them about that”. They replied, “This is a good day, the day on which Allah rescued Bani Israel from their enemy. So Moosa observed fast on this day.” The Prophet said, “We have more claim over Moosa than you.” So the Prophet, observed fast on that day and ordered (the Muslims) to observe fast (on that day).” [Saheeh al-Bukhari, Muslim]

Ibn ‘Abbas also reported, “The Messenger of Allah fasted on the day of Ashura and ordered the people to fast on it. The people said, “O Messenger of Allah, it is a day that the Jews and Christians honour.” The Prophet, said, “When the following year comes - Allah willing - we shall fast on the ninth.” The death of the Prophet, came before the following year.” [Saheeh Muslim, Abu Dawood]

So it is recommended to fast on the 10th of Muharram and the 9th along with it as well.