Following are seven simple ways to get the best benefits of Ramadan.
1. Read the Quran
Ideally, every Muslim must perform a khatam – complete reading of the Quran in the month of Ramadan. The Prophet said:
“The fast and the Quran are two intercessors for the servant of Allah on the Day of Resurrection. The fast will say: ‘O Lord, I prevented him from his food and desires during the day. Let me intercede for him.’ The Quran will say: ‘I prevented him from sleeping at night. Let me intercede for him.’ And their intercession will be accepted.” (Ahmad)
2. Recite Salawat (Bless the Prophet)
Salawat is the invocation of peace and blessings upon the Prophet Muhammad. The Noble Quran says:
Verily, God and His angels bless the Prophet: [hence,] O you who have attained to faith, bless him and give yourselves up [to his guidance] in utter self-surrender! (Quran 33:56)
3. Perform Tahajjud Prayers and Supplicate God
The voluntary Tahajjud Prayer is usually performed in the last third of the night (though its time extends between Isha and Fajr). The month of Ramadan is the most appropriate time for Muslim’s to supplicate God for Mercy, Forgiveness, and Salvation. The Prophet said:
“Whoever stands in the night prayer during Ramadan out of faith and seeking his reward, then all of his previous sins will be forgiven.” (Sahih Muslim; Sahih Bukhari)
4. Forgive Others
Ramadan is the month of generosity and giving – both of which come in many forms. Be humble, and extend the olive branch of reconciliation. The Prophet* said:
“Charity does not decrease wealth, no one forgives another except that Allah increases his honor, and no one humbles himself for the sake of Allah except that Allah raises his status.” (Sahih Muslim)
5. Give Zakat; Obligatory Charity for the Poor
The Arabic word ‘zakat’ literally means ‘to cleanse’ or ‘that which purifies.’ Zakat is the third pillar of Islam. Most Muslims pay their annual zakat contribution in the month of Ramadan. The Prophet said:
“Invite the people to testify that none has the right to be worshipped but Allah and I am Allah’s Messenger (ﷺ), and if they obey you to do so, then teach them that Allah has enjoined on them five prayers in every day and night (in twenty-four hours), and if they obey you to do so, then teach them that Allah has made it obligatory for them to pay the Zakat from their property and it is to be taken from the wealthy among them and given to the poor.” (Sahih Bukhari)
6. Give Zakat ul-Fitr
Zakat ul-Fitr is the compulsory charity payable between sunset on the last day of Ramadan and the beginning of the Eid prayer. It is a way for pious Muslims to thank God for the privilege of fasting in Ramadan. Zakat helps poor Muslims to enjoy the Eid celebrations. According to the Hadith, Ibn Umar (ra) reported,
Allah’s Apostle made it incumbent on all slave and free Muslims, male or female, to pay one Saa (two handfuls or the monetary equivalent) of dates or barley as Zakat ul-Fitr.” (Sahih Bukhari)
7. Give Sadaqah Jariya
This is charity, from which donor’s receive blessings long after they have passed away. Educating a child; building a facility like a mosque, school or hospital are all forms of Sadaqah Jariya. The Prophet said:
When a man passes away, his good deeds will also come to an end except for three: Sadaqah Jariyah (ceaseless charity); a knowledge which is beneficial, or a virtuous descendant who prays for him (for the deceased)” (Sahih Muslim)
Source: IslamiCity
