The importance of the month of Ramadan cannot be expressed in words. Alhamdulillah, the significance and honor of Ramadan already exist in the heart of every believer. What is needed is to awaken this feeling even more—to make the best use of the time and not waste it in any way. It is essential to constantly ask Allah for the ability to perform good deeds—seeking it from the beginning to the end of the month, expressing gratitude, making istighfar (seeking forgiveness), and asking for acceptance in His court.
Supplication upon sighting the Ramadan moon:
اللَّهُمَّ أَهْلِلْهُ عَلَيْنَا بِاليُمْنِ وَالإِيمَانِ وَالسَّلَامَةِ وَالإِسْلَامِ، رَبِّي وَرَبُّكَ اللَّهُ
Allahumma ahlilhu ‘alayna bil-yumni wal-imani was-salamati wal-islami, Rabbi wa Rabbuk Allah.
Meaning: O Allah, bring this (new moon/month) upon us with blessing, faith, safety, and Islam. My Lord and your Lord is Allah.
Alhamdulillah, detailed discussions on Ramadan have been made at various times. Therefore, here is a concise checklist:
- Make special efforts to avoid sins.
- Supplication after the obligatory prayers.
- Responding to the Adhan.
- For men, performing prayers in congregation.
- Salat al-Awwabin.
- Reciting the evening supplications.
- Taraweeh prayers.
- Recitation of the Quran (in abundance).
- Recital of Three Tasbih.
- Tahajjud and supplication (In Dua, i.e., whenever we supplicate to Allah, do not forget the oppressed Muslims!) and Suhoor.
- Observing the fast.
- Ishraq and Chasht (Duha) prayers.
- Reciting the “Three Tasbih.”
- Read from Munajat-e-Maqbul.
- Reading the Quranic verses and Hadiths related to Ramadan (this can be easily done through reading from Fazayel-e-Ramadan or Virtues of Ramadan by Shaikhul Hadith Maulana Zakaria rahmatullahi alaihi).
- Developing the blessed habit of following the Sunnah.
- Reading the advice of righteous people and guidance regarding Ramadan.
- Supplication and Iftar.
- Muraqaba (spiritual reflection) and Muhasaba (self-accountability).
Value the Last Ten Nights
In the last ten nights of Ramadan, with the aim of seeking Laiylat-ul-Qadr, let us increase worship as much as possible. Strive to stay awake at night in worship, nofity family-members beforehand about the significance of the blessed night. Wake them up early during these nights.
Moreover, during the last ten nights, let us frequently recite this supplication from Hadith:
اللَّهمَّ إنَّك عفُوٌّ تُحِبُّ العفْوَ فاعْفُ عنِّي
Allahumma innaka afuwwun tuhibbul afwa fa’fu anni
Meaning: O Allah, You are Most Forgiving, and You love to forgive, so forgive me.
Additionally, increase in:
- Istighfar (seeking forgiveness).
- Sending Salawat/Dorud to Our Beloved Prophet ﷺ.
- Reciting the prescribed supplications.
- Patience (be especially mindful of this—it is essential in all matters).
- Gratitude (be especially mindful of this—it is essential in all matters).
As much as possible, and even more:
- Charity and Sadaqa.
- Providing Iftar to others.
- Helping others (there are countless ways to do so).
- Not causing any hardship to the members of one’s household—not only to outsiders.
- Speak less, make sincere repentance from sins—especially from backbiting—and avoid social media unless absolutely necessary. In the gaps between Quran recitation, remain engaged in repentance, supplication, and seeking forgiveness according to one’s ability.
- In short, stay away from all unnecessary and futile activities.
Do not forget:
- The acts of Friday (reciting Surah al-Kahf, sending abundant Salawat, and doing supplication).
Important Note: After fulfilling the obligatory and necessary acts, recitation of the Quran is the most important deed in Ramadan. In the last ten days, itikaf and spending the nights in worship are especially the most important. In short, whatever can be done to make Ramadan a means of mercy—let us do it, inshaAllah.
