Ramadan is the holiest fasting month in Islam which has immense significance for Muslims. It’s a period for worship, prayers, Quran recitation and improving oneself both physically and spiritually. In today’s world, maintaining focus and being productive is challenging, since we are constantly distracted by our surroundings or technology devices. We must utilize the fasting period to achieve the necessary virtues which might help us attain success both in this world and in the hereafter. In this post, here are some strategies for making the best of Ramadan.
1.Pure intentions
When it comes to our daily activities, especially deeds in Islam our intentions hold great significance as they are judged by our intentions. We must continue adjusting and purifying them, while we pursue what pleases Allah SWT. We should avoid any selfish or hidden interests.
2. Plan your day Ahead
When we have goals, the crucial way to achieve them is planning. Plan out daily activities with acts of worship, reading Qur’an and other religious activities. We should set realistic goals for Ramadan, strictly adhering to a set of schedules that align with these goals. Proper planning avoids poor performance. We should make a daily list of our tasks. Break big tasks into smaller manageable ones. Setting priorities helps to maintain focus and be more productive.
*3. Do not multitask*
Multitasking affects our activities depending on the intensities of these tasks as they slow down our mental capability at that time which minimizes our performance. Embracing mono-tasking- one task at a time- helps us to stay focused. Quality is better than quantity.
4. Do not break the time
When it is prayer time let us pray and rest during resting time. Avoid switching activities between. When we dedicate a particular time to a certain activity, don’t break it unless it is an urgent situation. Minimizes any form of distraction. It helps to stay focused and make task completion easier. For instance, We dedicate 30 minutes to an hour for reading the Qur’an, do it and take breaks afterwards.
5. Do it now
Procrastination is not a good habit. It might be draining our energy. It makes our tasks more difficult or we lose interest in doing it. Whether we feel motivated or not. Instead of putting it off, we should do it right now.
6. Do a checklist
Every night before bed, it’s a good idea we take a moment to think back on the day. By asking ourselves, do we accomplish the goals we set out to accomplish? if we do not strongly answer “yes.” Let’s examine our obstacles once again. Was it a distraction? Too much rest time? Then, we ought to ascertain what went wrong and devise an alternative course of action. Make greater plans for the following day. We may accomplish our goals of keeping track of our tasks by making a checklist for our everyday activities. Weekly reviews also aid in raising our production levels by pointing out areas for development and assessing our accomplishments.
7. Plan your sleep
During Ramadan, our day is filled up with work and spiritual engagements often extending into the night, which may disrupt our sleep patterns. To stay focused and productive, all we need is to plan our sleep. Adjusting our sleeping hours and avoiding screen time at least an hour before sleep. Avoid heavy meals and stimulants like caffeine before bed. Getting enough sleep is the goal. When we feel sleepy throughout the most active moments of our day tends to reduce our productivity. Taking naps during the day can boost our focus.
8. Stay with righteous people
When we stay with righteous people in Ramadan, it boosts our morale. Keeping good company with people like-minded whom we share common goals with. Sharing the best moments with family and friends enhances a sense of unity as we observe worship, Qur’an recitation and good deeds together. Spending time with our loved ones and showing them kindness during the Ramadan.
9. Pray for Help
Planning and execution are co-equally important, It is one thing to plan and another to execute. All is within Allah’s will, we only plan but he is the best of all planners. We rely on his guidance to maintain focus and stay productive. As we carried out our daily activities in this blessed month, we prayed for his mercy and grace, and for him to ease our affairs during Ramadan. Remember that he has promised to help us if we sincerely ask Him for assistance. So let us ask!
Let us assume responsibility for whatever we want to achieve during Ramadan. We need to purify our intentions, properly plan, avoid multitasking, too many breaks and procrastinate, create a checklist and sleeping plan, be surrounded by righteous people and seek Allah’s help. These actions are crucial to achieve all the great virtues in the holy month. Carrying out all these activities is difficult but with patience, perseverance and consistency along the line we will discover that it is easier than we imagined. Be sure of ourselves that we can do better than we did last Ramadan.
