8 Things To Do At Home During Ramadhan

Approach The Quran

This is basically the month of the Qur’an. The Qur’an is also referred to as Ma’dubah which basically means a ‘banquet’. You could say that in a way it is Allah’s banquet and anyone has the right to approach it. That’s why I’ve titled this part as ‘approach the Qur’an’ as oppose to ‘read the Qur’an’. I would say that the two most important things to focus on this month would be to approach the Quran, at your own pace of course, and attempt to give something in charity. Whatever the stage you may be at with the Qur’an, even if it’s a verse a day, attempt to read something everyday. In the end of the day, the best actions to Allah are those that are little yet consistent.

Be Charitable

That brings me to my second point. The following Hadith says it all;

The Prophet ﷺ was the most generous of all the people, and he used to become more generous in Ramadan when Gabriel met him. Gabriel used to meet him every night during Ramadan to revise the Qur’an with him. Allah’s Messenger ﷺ then used to be more generous than the fast wind.

Find a cause that’s dear to you and donate. The Prophet ﷺ even told us that the best charity is that given in Ramadhan [Sunan Tirmidhi]. Maybe help out a needy relative or family member. Maybe even help out your local Masjid as they’re not really getting a chance to raise on Jumuahs. Donate to the NHS cause which helps the nurses and doctors and those working on front line services. This is also the time to share with one another and buy one another small things like dates etc. Whatever it may be, do give in charity this month as its easier due to the humbleness gained from fasting and bears more reward than other months.

Approach The Hadith Books

It’s common to approach the Qur’an in Ramadhan, but seldom the books of Hadith. The books of Hadith are almost thrilled and waiting to be opened and read aloud at home. With so much to learn about so many things from Hadith, why is our level of enthusiasm not the same when it comes to Hadith. Smaller compilations such as Adab al-Mufrad, Forty Hadith of Nawawi, Riyadh Saliheen and Zad al-Talibin (Provisions ) act as perfect compilations to be read with the family at home or alone. From mannerisms and etiquettes to beautiful incidents and narratives, Hadith literature can help bring so much light to one’s life and the household.

Click on the book name below to get access to the PDF.

Dedicate Some Time For A Get Together

This is something that goes without saying. Ramadhan should be a time when we also get together and bond with the family. Due to fasting and being in a somewhat more sincere state, its easier and more pleasant to sit and talk with one another. Find time to be together. Maybe that’s after the Taraweeh prayers or maybe whilst you break your fast. Maybe it’s early in the morning after the Fajr prayer. Whenever it is, be sure to come together and do something together.

Pray Salah in Congregation

I often recommend this as it’s one of the quickest and most effective ways of reconciliation and developing love in your heart for one another. What stronger unit can there be than the unit of the family. The father or brother leads whilst the siblings, or children and wife follow. This will help develop a sense of strong bond and unity within the household and will be a chance to come together for one of the most beloved acts to Allah.

Listen To The Holy Quran

Our households are now filled with technological devices which makes it easier to navigate to Youtube and listen to some Qur’an. Reading the Glorious Qur’an and listening to its recitation with reflection are both considered among the best acts of worship. The Prophet ﷺ used to ask Abdullah Ibn Mas’ud RA to recite to him during his lifetime. If you wish, you can recite to one another. Whatever the case, attempt to listen to the Qur’an as it will have profound effects on those within the house.

One of the most recommended Surahs to recite or have playing in the house is the Surah Baqarah. Touching on Surah Baqarah, the Prophet ﷺ said “Do not make your houses as graveyards. The Shaytan runs away from the house in which Surah Baqarah is recited.” [Sahih Muslim]

Take Care of Yourself – Eat, Sleep, Move!

In other words, eat well, sleep well and try to fit some exercise into your daily routine. The fasting can be strenuous to our bodies and minds, thus the great need to get charged and nourished. Being at home can be nice throughout Ramadhan. However, to make things a little easy on your mind and body, ensure that you have nutritious foods for Futur and Suhur and try to stretch and get some movement in. For some healthy food ideas, head over to Feel Good Foodie’s page on Ramadan Recipes.

I recommend some light yoga, pilates or breathing exercises if you’re at home. Personally I watch Tim’s videos on Youtube. His Youtube channel goes by the name Yoga Dose. Whatever time you feel is best for your body, just get up and go for it. Get the family involved too if you’re not alone. You’ll feel great, and you’ll sleep well too. Break your sleep up if you’re unable to sleep throughout the night. Try to practise the Sunnah of Qaylula (midday siesta) as was the practise of the Prophet ﷺ. It’ll help fortify the mind, body and the heart and allow you to focus on your night prayers.

Stay Calm & Be Patient

This is by far one of the most important things to remember in this month. It is a month of patience and fasting has a toll on the body which can cause you to become weak and tired. Take it easy and relax. Try not to carry out too many laborious activities and take time out to focus on yourself. Try and be patient with others in your household in this precious month. Overlook the small mistakes that others make in the house. Try to avoid backbiting, slandering, lying and all other forms of bad mouthing others. Try and stay patient if you hear bad news or if someone starts an argument with you at home. If the latter happens, just let them know that you’re not interested as you’re fasting. Doing any of these harmful things throughout fasting can actually cause you to become even more hungry so try your best to avoid them all.

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Image Credit: https://publichealthmatters.blog.gov.uk/2020/04/22/stay-at-home-for-ramadan/

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